What works best to cut dash to install radio? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wlevick · 11-06-2010, 08:44 PM

Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

losthope · 11-06-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlevick

Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

i know theres a post on here somewhere where someone here makes a slick looking bracket that mounts cd player in glove box and still able to put paper work inside to..but i always just put mine in glove box in all my old cars i just cant see cutting up a dash but each to their own..id try a metal cut off blade in a grinder should cut right through with a couple lines drawn and a steady hand.

losthope · 11-06-2010, 08:57 PM

HERES THE LINK

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...glovebox+radio

wlevick · 11-06-2010, 09:02 PM

Thanks...but, to late for the slick glove box mount. I already started cutting. Now I need to finish it and make it look good!

fryer1979 · 11-06-2010, 09:41 PM

meh, it's only metal. I use my air saw with a small metal blade. Slow and steady for a nice clean and straight cut. Having a marked outline for the hole you need is a big help. I've used my RotoZip a time or two with a metal bit, but it is a bit too aggresive for my taste (a little too easy to let get away from you).

markeb01 · 11-06-2010, 10:13 PM

I use the Dremel EZ Lock cutter for virtually all of my sheet metal cutting up to 1/8" thick. The discs are very strong, last a long time and are easy to change without a screwdriver. You just pull down on the collar and swap out the disc. They are also very thin, resulting in a cut about the width of a hacksaw blade.

Amazon.com: Dremel EZ406 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock...
I find they work best when using a foot controller, so you can set the tool on full speed and use both hands to control the cut. If I were doing something like a dash, I’d drill the four corners first, then slice between the corners. This leaves nice smooth corners and avoids the risk of cutting too far.

Ackattack · 11-06-2010, 10:16 PM

pneumatic body saw

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114

fryer1979 · 11-06-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

pneumatic body saw

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114

That's the one I was referring to, actually I think that is the one I have.

*blackedoutharley* · 11-06-2010, 11:49 PM

This one is a lifesaver for doing the job.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22264_22264

Born Lucky · 11-07-2010, 08:52 AM

I just did my dash for a radio install.
I tell you that the decision took awhile because I did not know if I wanted to cut up the dash.
The tools I used were masking tape, a sharpie, a dremal like tool, and several files.
First I layed out my pattern(measure,measure) then I applied my cut off wheel( I liked the smaller wheels because of less sparks) then I filed to fit.
I tell you that with patience you will make it look clean and professional.

72freak · 11-07-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlevick

Thanks...but, to late to make it look good!

Agreed!

**Chevy Fleetside** · 11-07-2010, 11:32 AM

I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this.

wlevick · 11-08-2010, 07:24 AM

Well...it's done. I used one of the Dremel "EZ Lock" blades and a file. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the help.

*lakeroadster* · 11-08-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this.

Looks like it was meant to be!

The 64-66 dashes have rectangles all over them, the more modern radios just look correct, more so than the oem radios, IMO.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 11-08-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Looks like it was meant to be!

Why thankyou John.

John

TopFuel1966 · 11-08-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Looks like it was meant to be!
The more modern radios just look correct, more so than the oem radios, IMO.

............and they work a lot better,too.

11-06-2010, 08:44 PM	#1
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	What works best to cut dash to install radio? Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

11-06-2010, 08:57 PM	#3
losthope Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: sacramento ca. Posts: 1,038	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? HERES THE LINK http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...glovebox+radio

11-06-2010, 09:02 PM	#4
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? Thanks...but, to late for the slick glove box mount. I already started cutting. Now I need to finish it and make it look good!

11-06-2010, 09:41 PM	#5
fryer1979 Redneck Hillbilly Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Backwoods Posts: 1,307	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? meh, it's only metal. I use my air saw with a small metal blade. Slow and steady for a nice clean and straight cut. Having a marked outline for the hole you need is a big help. I've used my RotoZip a time or two with a metal bit, but it is a bit too aggresive for my taste (a little too easy to let get away from you).

11-06-2010, 10:13 PM	#6
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I use the Dremel EZ Lock cutter for virtually all of my sheet metal cutting up to 1/8" thick. The discs are very strong, last a long time and are easy to change without a screwdriver. You just pull down on the collar and swap out the disc. They are also very thin, resulting in a cut about the width of a hacksaw blade. Amazon.com: Dremel EZ406 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock... I find they work best when using a foot controller, so you can set the tool on full speed and use both hands to control the cut. If I were doing something like a dash, I’d drill the four corners first, then slice between the corners. This leaves nice smooth corners and avoids the risk of cutting too far.

11-06-2010, 10:16 PM	#7
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? pneumatic body saw http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114 __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index Last edited by Ackattack; 11-06-2010 at 10:18 PM.

11-06-2010, 11:49 PM	#9
blackedoutharley Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Plumas Lake, Ca. Posts: 1,009	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? This one is a lifesaver for doing the job. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22264_22264

11-07-2010, 08:52 AM	#10
Born Lucky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: St Charles MO Posts: 481	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I just did my dash for a radio install. I tell you that the decision took awhile because I did not know if I wanted to cut up the dash. The tools I used were masking tape, a sharpie, a dremal like tool, and several files. First I layed out my pattern(measure,measure) then I applied my cut off wheel( I liked the smaller wheels because of less sparks) then I filed to fit. I tell you that with patience you will make it look clean and professional.

11-07-2010, 11:32 AM	#12
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,781	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

11-08-2010, 07:24 AM	#13
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? Well...it's done. I used one of the Dremel "EZ Lock" blades and a file. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the help.

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