CD Player/To cut or not to cut? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

XXL · 07-31-2002, 05:54 PM

All of you crooning about the good ole days of shaft radios... you'd better come rescue my dash. In fact, I've got 2-- one on the current cab and one on the new, and they're both clean uncut dashes, but that's not what it'll look like when I'm done with it... I'm sharpening my chainsaw blade now.

Here's the deal...

1) (most of) these trucks aren't '67 Z-28's and they never will be. They're 30+ year old trucks, and that's it.

2) if you don't subscribe to #1 above, remember, everybody who hacks their dash makes your uncut dashes that much more valuable.

3) it's your truck. Do what you want with it. Heck, paint it lime green with pink spots and hang a disco ball from the mirror if you want (hey... that sounds kind of cool

).

4) there is no #4.

Kenneth

Longhorn Man · 07-31-2002, 06:01 PM

Have you ever tried to open the glove box while in traffic? You better REALLY want in there...and you know you'll want to mess with it while driving...just liek no one pulls over when there cell phone rings...

Maximum Overdrive · 07-31-2002, 07:14 PM

If you want to cut it then cut it but make sure you do a very good job doing it. If you dont want to cut it then dont. The fact is these trucks will not lose value if the dash is cut(as long as it is not mangled) for a stereo. If you are going to return the entire truck to stock setup some day then there may be concern for not cutting it but other then that it really doesnt matter. It would only be for personal concerns and personal choice in the matter.

GMC_Aaron · 07-31-2002, 07:44 PM

Thanks for all of the input guys. My tunes are very important to me. I bought the truck which has a Pioneer cassette deck in it now, but the only problem is that I have a cd collection and not a cassette collection. I just recently took my truck on a fishing trip 6 hours each way and I spent 3 nights making cassettes; what a drag. I definitely want a cd player in it. I agree that personal preference is the most important concept. I'm not looking to keep my truck totally original. I think that in this case, this will be the only thing that I will make me stray away from originality. Here's my e-mail for any pics or suggestions. i know Mikes '67 has an idea. motostud_5@netzero.net

*Zkast* · 07-31-2002, 08:36 PM

If you dont want to cut the dash (which I did and would do again) then you can maybe try one of these units? Its also a cd changer controller. From EarlyClassics.com
http://www.earlyclassic.com/classicsounds.html

Custom Autosound AM/FM Radio CD Controller
This radio looks like an analog (manual dial) pushbutton radio. Turn it on and it's a digital AM/FM CD changer controller. You get the best of both worlds, yesterday's cosmetics with today's sound.

jhwkns · 07-31-2002, 08:46 PM

When I faced the same enigma I decided to go with a JVC AM/FM cassette deck that fit in the original three holes. It's a high power unit (23 watts X 4), and as loud as my truck is you'ld never discern between the quality of a compact disc versus a cassette tape. If you decide to cut the dash, do it as clean as possible, and save the cutouts. You might want to weld them back in someday.

toms68cst · 07-31-2002, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Slammed67
Will you ever go back to an AM radio? Would you ever go back to front drum brakes? Would you ever go back to bias-ply tires?

Yes,Yes, and dare I say YES!

There are some good alernatives to cutting your dash.

dion · 07-31-2002, 10:48 PM

It's your truck so do what you want but....I plan on putting a CD player in my truck but I'm putting it under the seat or in the glove. Having a stereo in your dash just invites theft plus I would never cut my original dash.

72'BBGMCSGCC · 08-01-2002, 07:59 AM

I agree with Dion, I'm going to put a AM FM CD with clock in the glove compartment and keep the origional AM radio for origionality.

Wasted Income · 08-01-2002, 11:02 AM

I guess that I'm REALLY in trouble since I not only cut out my dash for a cd player, (which I also plan to do with my '67), but I also welded shut my gas filler hole and stake pockets, and cut a couple of holes in the firewall for fuel injection wiring!!

Man, go ahead and cut it! I don't give a damn about originality. It's all about personal flavor. I NEVER plan on selling either of my trucks, so resale value is of no concern to me. What is the point of leaving the stock am radio in the stock location and mounting a cd player elsewhere? It just adds to the clutter. I put it in the dash for 1)looks 2)ease of changing cds and radio stations 3) I can actually see the clock (a pretty useful feature)

Do what you want to make YOUR truck fit YOUR needs and YOUR style.

**Desert Rat** · 08-01-2002, 11:19 AM

I hate to put it like this its only a truck not a Boss Mustang where theres 500 left.just remember cut smaller and then file to size,easy to make bigger hard to make smaller,i say cut it unless its some rare 72 Cheyenne Super shorty big block truck-then spend $200 and put in a factory am/fm and disc changer under seat.you can always replaces dashes to,or even upgrade to AC dash,myself i wont cut anymore the old 2 knob Alpines fit great,and hook to CD changer with remote.i prefer to fill hole with a radio delete deters thieves.cut doors piss me off though.i bought a sweet truck some ahole torched holes in kick panel area for small speakers wish i coulda lit that torch up his ass.

BadAzz70PU · 08-01-2002, 11:22 AM

Its your truck, do what you want.

Here is a pic of mine:

its kinda blurry but you get the idea.

johnnyp · 08-01-2002, 12:22 PM

The only question I saw in your post was:

Quote:

Would these items hurt the value of my truck too much?

The answer to that question depends on your truck. If it's an fully restored, all original, numbers matching truck, then yes, it would hurt the value. In fact, just putting in a non-original radio without cutting the dash would hurt the value. If that's not the case, then it probably won't effect the value.

As a rule-of-thumb, if you have to ask, then it's probably better to not do it. When your willing and ready to do it, you won't have to ask.

DennyB · 08-01-2002, 12:42 PM

I mounted it under the dash on my 71. I knew that I would sell it as stock within a couple of years.

On the other hand my 56 will have very few stock pieces left in it.
I plan to keep it! It's mine! I'm building it the way I want it.

Also they do make patch panels for the radios now, so there must be a demand for them. Just food for thought.

Do what you like!

Denny

Tuck · 08-01-2002, 01:52 PM

I bought the sweetist kit from southern Kentucky classics.

It is a am fm radio that looks just like the original but when you turn it on it has the LED readout behind it. way cool

it also has a 6 disc cd player for under the seat.

great kit highly recommend it.

one cable cd ihookup and has radio face controls.

To get the factory am look you dont get the casette

Mudder · 08-01-2002, 01:58 PM

Enjoy your tunes. Do a neat job!

'72 Cheyenne Super · 08-01-2002, 02:16 PM

I've got two ways of looking at this:

1) If it's your daily driver, and you're gonna spend alot of time in it, cut it if you want to. It makes driving that much more enjoyable when you have decent tunes to listen to.

2) If it's not your daily driver, and just a toy, leave it uncut. You'll wish later that you had. My '72, with A/C dash, is cut for a CD player. It was OK when I drove it daily, but now that it sits most of the time, and only driven when I get the urge, I wish it was still stock (and had a factory AM/FM radio in it!).

When I finally get serious about restoring it (and find the time and space to do it!), I've got a pristine, uncut A/C dash in storage that I salvaged out of a truck a buddy parted out. It'll go into mine then, with a factory radio.

WB72 · 08-01-2002, 05:10 PM

Cut the dash ! NO don't cut it!

My truck is not a daily driver, but when I get to drive it, I gotta have my music! If you do a neat job it will be worth having a modern stereo rather than a factory dash. If you were to buy a new vehicle, would you just want a radio, or would you want a CD/Cassette player? Just enjoy being in your truck, I know I can't wait to drive mine. Now, if my truck was going to be in shows or be sold as a ALL NUMBERS MATCH truck, I wouldn't do it.

69mychevy · 08-01-2002, 05:13 PM

gmc aaron did u decide yet?

ckhd · 08-01-2002, 05:31 PM

I don't believe in cutting, but... It is YOURS. Do what YOU think is best.

If you decide to cut the dash, PLEASE take your time, plan it out, do it carefully. I can stand a cut dash, even appreciate it if it's done right, but I've seen WAY too many that look like they were cut with a splitting maul.

'72 Cheyenne Super · 08-01-2002, 05:49 PM

Just a quick suggestion if you do decide to cut it:

A DIN size CD player will not completely cover the recessed knob holes after you slide it into the cut opening (at least it didn't with the CD unit I used). What I did was take a piece of 1/8" thick black ABS plastic sheet (textured on one side, smooth on the other) and cut a trim bezel that filled the whole recess where the radio mounts. I radiused the corners so it fit nice in the bottom of the recess, then installed the radio. You can find ABS plastic sheet at any plastic supply house, and it comes in all different colors if you prefer something other than black.
The other plan I had in the back of my head, and in some CAD drawings, was to machine an aluminum trim bezel to fill the recess, and engrave 'Chevrolet' in period-correct script across the top. Haven't gotten around to it, yet. Got too many other projects going on!

If I get an opportunity tomorrow, I'll snap a pic or two of it and post it on my Picturetrail homepage.

68 with 350 TPI · 08-01-2002, 06:07 PM

Noooooooooooo!

NO!

NO!

DO NOT DO IT!

IT will never be the same

I just got a nice(UN CUT) AC dash to replace the one that is in my truck.

Did you know part of the dash is welded in place?

Please put it in the glove box,under the dash, or somewhere else other than cutting up a perfectly good dash.

Or get one of the newer radios that fit in the same holes as the factory one.

palallin · 08-01-2002, 06:22 PM

The most often hear music in my truck is the rumble of my 327

Of course, unless the engine is off, it's darn near impossible to hear anything else

6869704X4 · 08-01-2002, 07:54 PM

You dont have enough ideas yet so here is two more.
Headliner with built in tunes. Or....
Make a plate in the same shape as the dash bezel and glove box cover. Looks like it belongs in there. Except that I screwed it up and had to make another. And only had enough left to make a square corner plate. I'll make another one day.

**Desert Rat** · 08-01-2002, 10:13 PM

I say just get a torch and cut the MFer its only a truck.if it was a Hemi Cuda NO,but its a pickup truck,if you question yourself then youll probably regret it,buy one of those underdash mount kits,if you cut cut smaller than needed then file a bit at a time for a nice neat tight fit.dont wanna see no radio knob holes.

07-31-2002, 05:54 PM	#26
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	All of you crooning about the good ole days of shaft radios... you'd better come rescue my dash. In fact, I've got 2-- one on the current cab and one on the new, and they're both clean uncut dashes, but that's not what it'll look like when I'm done with it... I'm sharpening my chainsaw blade now. Here's the deal... 1) (most of) these trucks aren't '67 Z-28's and they never will be. They're 30+ year old trucks, and that's it. 2) if you don't subscribe to #1 above, remember, everybody who hacks their dash makes your uncut dashes that much more valuable. 3) it's your truck. Do what you want with it. Heck, paint it lime green with pink spots and hang a disco ball from the mirror if you want (hey... that sounds kind of cool ). 4) there is no #4. Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

07-31-2002, 07:14 PM	#28
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,633	If you want to cut it then cut it but make sure you do a very good job doing it. If you dont want to cut it then dont. The fact is these trucks will not lose value if the dash is cut(as long as it is not mangled) for a stereo. If you are going to return the entire truck to stock setup some day then there may be concern for not cutting it but other then that it really doesnt matter. It would only be for personal concerns and personal choice in the matter. __________________ *"!Ama Sua, Ama Kjella, Ama Lllulla!"*

07-31-2002, 07:44 PM	#29
GMC_Aaron Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ventura, Ca. Posts: 87	Thanks for all of the input guys. My tunes are very important to me. I bought the truck which has a Pioneer cassette deck in it now, but the only problem is that I have a cd collection and not a cassette collection. I just recently took my truck on a fishing trip 6 hours each way and I spent 3 nights making cassettes; what a drag. I definitely want a cd player in it. I agree that personal preference is the most important concept. I'm not looking to keep my truck totally original. I think that in this case, this will be the only thing that I will make me stray away from originality. Here's my e-mail for any pics or suggestions. i know Mikes '67 has an idea. motostud_5@netzero.net __________________ Aaron Ventura, Ca. 1972 GMC Super Custom SB350/TH400

07-31-2002, 08:46 PM	#31
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	When I faced the same enigma I decided to go with a JVC AM/FM cassette deck that fit in the original three holes. It's a high power unit (23 watts X 4), and as loud as my truck is you'ld never discern between the quality of a compact disc versus a cassette tape. If you decide to cut the dash, do it as clean as possible, and save the cutouts. You might want to weld them back in someday. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

07-31-2002, 10:48 PM	#33
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	It's your truck so do what you want but....I plan on putting a CD player in my truck but I'm putting it under the seat or in the glove. Having a stereo in your dash just invites theft plus I would never cut my original dash. __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

07-31-2002, 06:01 PM	#27
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Have you ever tried to open the glove box while in traffic? You better REALLY want in there...and you know you'll want to mess with it while driving...just liek no one pulls over when there cell phone rings...

07-31-2002, 08:36 PM	#30
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	If you dont want to cut the dash (which I did and would do again) then you can maybe try one of these units? Its also a cd changer controller. From EarlyClassics.com http://www.earlyclassic.com/classicsounds.html Custom Autosound AM/FM Radio CD Controller This radio looks like an analog (manual dial) pushbutton radio. Turn it on and it's a digital AM/FM CD changer controller. You get the best of both worlds, yesterday's cosmetics with today's sound.

08-01-2002, 07:59 AM	#34
72'BBGMCSGCC Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Fletcher,N.C U.S.A Posts: 162	I agree with Dion, I'm going to put a AM FM CD with clock in the glove compartment and keep the origional AM radio for origionality.

08-01-2002, 11:02 AM	#35
Wasted Income Boosted Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mackinaw, IL Posts: 2,200	Uh oh I guess that I'm REALLY in trouble since I not only cut out my dash for a cd player, (which I also plan to do with my '67), but I also welded shut my gas filler hole and stake pockets, and cut a couple of holes in the firewall for fuel injection wiring!! Man, go ahead and cut it! I don't give a damn about originality. It's all about personal flavor. I NEVER plan on selling either of my trucks, so resale value is of no concern to me. What is the point of leaving the stock am radio in the stock location and mounting a cd player elsewhere? It just adds to the clutter. I put it in the dash for 1)looks 2)ease of changing cds and radio stations 3) I can actually see the clock (a pretty useful feature) Do what you want to make YOUR truck fit YOUR needs and YOUR style. __________________ 1972 2wd K/5 Blazer Turbocharged 370 LSx - 941 rwhp / 1093 rwtq 1969 Chevy K-10 L33 5.3 / 4L80E / NP241 / 4" lift 1964 Buick Skylark Twin TURBO 383 LS pro-touring project 2014 VW Passat TDI - Daily Driver Turbo diesel 2015 Sierra Denali HD Duramax Turbo diesel 2023 Ford Explorer ST - Twin Turbskis 2023 Ford F150 RCSB - Whipple Supercharged 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo 2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards *TURBO ALL THE THINGS!!*

08-01-2002, 11:19 AM	#36
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	I hate to put it like this its only a truck not a Boss Mustang where theres 500 left.just remember cut smaller and then file to size,easy to make bigger hard to make smaller,i say cut it unless its some rare 72 Cheyenne Super shorty big block truck-then spend $200 and put in a factory am/fm and disc changer under seat.you can always replaces dashes to,or even upgrade to AC dash,myself i wont cut anymore the old 2 knob Alpines fit great,and hook to CD changer with remote.i prefer to fill hole with a radio delete deters thieves.cut doors piss me off though.i bought a sweet truck some ahole torched holes in kick panel area for small speakers wish i coulda lit that torch up his ass.

08-01-2002, 11:22 AM	#37
BadAzz70PU Long Lost Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Clemson SC/ Langhorne Pa Posts: 1,183	Its your truck, do what you want. Here is a pic of mine: its kinda blurry but you get the idea. __________________ Tony 1970 C10 LWB -14.09 @ 96mph Web Site 1995 Eclipse GSX -15.46 @ 88mph (stock, not for long) College student at Clemson (SC) Home in Langhorne Pa

08-01-2002, 12:42 PM	#39
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	I mounted it under the dash on my 71. I knew that I would sell it as stock within a couple of years. On the other hand my 56 will have very few stock pieces left in it. I plan to keep it! It's mine! I'm building it the way I want it. Also they do make patch panels for the radios now, so there must be a demand for them. Just food for thought. Do what you like! Denny __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

08-01-2002, 01:52 PM	#40
Tuck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: pell city,AL Posts: 263	I bought the sweetist kit from southern Kentucky classics. It is a am fm radio that looks just like the original but when you turn it on it has the LED readout behind it. way cool it also has a 6 disc cd player for under the seat. great kit highly recommend it. one cable cd ihookup and has radio face controls. To get the factory am look you dont get the casette

08-01-2002, 01:58 PM	#41
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Cut it! Enjoy your tunes. Do a neat job!

08-01-2002, 02:16 PM	#42
'72 Cheyenne Super Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Puyallup, WA USA!! Posts: 85	I've got two ways of looking at this: 1) If it's your daily driver, and you're gonna spend alot of time in it, cut it if you want to. It makes driving that much more enjoyable when you have decent tunes to listen to. 2) If it's not your daily driver, and just a toy, leave it uncut. You'll wish later that you had. My '72, with A/C dash, is cut for a CD player. It was OK when I drove it daily, but now that it sits most of the time, and only driven when I get the urge, I wish it was still stock (and had a factory AM/FM radio in it!). When I finally get serious about restoring it (and find the time and space to do it!), I've got a pristine, uncut A/C dash in storage that I salvaged out of a truck a buddy parted out. It'll go into mine then, with a factory radio. __________________ '72 Cheyenne Super 4x4, 468ci, 700R4, Import Stomper. A couple pics at http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=529895&



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08-01-2002, 05:10 PM	#43
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Cut the dash ! NO don't cut it! My truck is not a daily driver, but when I get to drive it, I gotta have my music! If you do a neat job it will be worth having a modern stereo rather than a factory dash. If you were to buy a new vehicle, would you just want a radio, or would you want a CD/Cassette player? Just enjoy being in your truck, I know I can't wait to drive mine. Now, if my truck was going to be in shows or be sold as a ALL NUMBERS MATCH truck, I wouldn't do it. __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

08-01-2002, 05:13 PM	#44
69mychevy yes i did post something Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 244	gmc aaron did u decide yet? __________________ you can want in one hand and s h i t in the other and see which fills first NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GIRL(S) IN MY AVATAR IS PLEASE READ MY POST

08-01-2002, 05:31 PM	#45
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	I don't believe in cutting, but... It is YOURS. Do what YOU think is best. If you decide to cut the dash, PLEASE take your time, plan it out, do it carefully. I can stand a cut dash, even appreciate it if it's done right, but I've seen WAY too many that look like they were cut with a splitting maul. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

08-01-2002, 05:49 PM	#46
'72 Cheyenne Super Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Puyallup, WA USA!! Posts: 85	Just a quick suggestion if you do decide to cut it: A DIN size CD player will not completely cover the recessed knob holes after you slide it into the cut opening (at least it didn't with the CD unit I used). What I did was take a piece of 1/8" thick black ABS plastic sheet (textured on one side, smooth on the other) and cut a trim bezel that filled the whole recess where the radio mounts. I radiused the corners so it fit nice in the bottom of the recess, then installed the radio. You can find ABS plastic sheet at any plastic supply house, and it comes in all different colors if you prefer something other than black. The other plan I had in the back of my head, and in some CAD drawings, was to machine an aluminum trim bezel to fill the recess, and engrave 'Chevrolet' in period-correct script across the top. Haven't gotten around to it, yet. Got too many other projects going on! If I get an opportunity tomorrow, I'll snap a pic or two of it and post it on my Picturetrail homepage. __________________ '72 Cheyenne Super 4x4, 468ci, 700R4, Import Stomper. A couple pics at http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=529895&

08-01-2002, 06:07 PM	#47
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	Noooooooooooo! NO! NO! DO NOT DO IT! IT will never be the same I just got a nice(UN CUT) AC dash to replace the one that is in my truck. Did you know part of the dash is welded in place? Please put it in the glove box,under the dash, or somewhere else other than cutting up a perfectly good dash. Or get one of the newer radios that fit in the same holes as the factory one. __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

08-01-2002, 06:22 PM	#48
palallin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. James, MO Posts: 1,238	The most often hear music in my truck is the rumble of my 327 Of course, unless the engine is off, it's darn near impossible to hear anything else __________________ '69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt.

08-01-2002, 07:54 PM	#49
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	You dont have enough ideas yet so here is two more. Headliner with built in tunes. Or.... Make a plate in the same shape as the dash bezel and glove box cover. Looks like it belongs in there. Except that I screwed it up and had to make another. And only had enough left to make a square corner plate. I'll make another one day. Attached Images __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

08-01-2002, 10:13 PM	#50
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	I say just get a torch and cut the MFer its only a truck.if it was a Hemi Cuda NO,but its a pickup truck,if you question yourself then youll probably regret it,buy one of those underdash mount kits,if you cut cut smaller than needed then file a bit at a time for a nice neat tight fit.dont wanna see no radio knob holes.

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