what to cut dash pannel with?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

willett · 12-30-2008, 05:29 PM

hey guys,
i've got airbags in the back of my '78 and i am putting in a compressor as well.
I have my pump controls mounted on a checkered aluminum switchplate and i am going to mount it on the dash beside the headlight switch (no panel vents in my rig)

my question is:
what should i use to cut the hole in my dashboard?

wicked_sky_gazer · 12-30-2008, 05:36 PM

when we cut out my dash for the stereo we used a dremil tool and a high speed to cut space

dammitmitchell · 12-30-2008, 06:30 PM

yeap cut the dash foamy leathery stuff with a supersharp box cutter then cut the metal with a dremel
i used a flex shaft attachment so i could be mroe comfortable..
ive tried "tin snips" but i usually warp the metal support..

fine tune with a mild file
and enjoy

willett · 12-30-2008, 08:43 PM

what kinda bit did you use on the dremel?

dammitmitchell · 12-31-2008, 03:58 AM

well the thin bits that come in the "combo pack" or whatever .. just plain suck
id reccomend using eyeglasses with those cause they snap and fly everywhere..
i use those metal cutting bits the caron fiber looking ones they cut right through that stuff and last a while..
so a cutting disc.. =-)
just not the cheapy ones

Mr79C10 · 12-31-2008, 08:03 AM

If you have plenty of air supply you might be able to use one of these! I SO love mine:

seanconnery · 12-31-2008, 10:15 AM

Yeah, dammitmitchell and Mr79 got it down. The fiber reinforced dremel wheels are a product of perfection. Airsaw is awesome too, but I get 30 seconds worth before my 30 gallon craftsman kicks in.

James McClure · 12-31-2008, 10:49 AM

I generally use a die grinder with a cut off wheel, but you need lots of air to operate it. Even a 5 horse compressor needs "catch-up time". I have 2 5 horse compressors running in tandum so for me it's not an issue. jim

12-30-2008, 05:29 PM	#1
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	what to cut dash pannel with?? hey guys, i've got airbags in the back of my '78 and i am putting in a compressor as well. I have my pump controls mounted on a checkered aluminum switchplate and i am going to mount it on the dash beside the headlight switch (no panel vents in my rig) my question is: what should i use to cut the hole in my dashboard? __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

12-30-2008, 05:36 PM	#2
wicked_sky_gazer Living Legend Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: owasso oklahoma Posts: 160	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? when we cut out my dash for the stereo we used a dremil tool and a high speed to cut space __________________ '81 c10 sw 355cid roller motor 350turbo with stage two shift kit, poor rear end gearing, not sure peg speed... speedo is mia.. project is temporarily on pause again... Thankyou wonderfull economy.. check it out Im not to worried i have an uncaning ability to save myself from some weeeiiirrd crap East Ok meet East Ok date Tony

12-30-2008, 06:30 PM	#3
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? yeap cut the dash foamy leathery stuff with a supersharp box cutter then cut the metal with a dremel i used a flex shaft attachment so i could be mroe comfortable.. ive tried "tin snips" but i usually warp the metal support.. fine tune with a mild file and enjoy __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042

12-30-2008, 08:43 PM	#4
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? what kinda bit did you use on the dremel? __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

12-31-2008, 03:58 AM	#5
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? well the thin bits that come in the "combo pack" or whatever .. just plain suck id reccomend using eyeglasses with those cause they snap and fly everywhere.. i use those metal cutting bits the caron fiber looking ones they cut right through that stuff and last a while.. so a cutting disc.. =-) just not the cheapy ones __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042

12-31-2008, 08:03 AM	#6
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? If you have plenty of air supply you might be able to use one of these! I SO love mine: __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

12-31-2008, 10:15 AM	#7
seanconnery Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Towson, MD Posts: 197	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? Yeah, dammitmitchell and Mr79 got it down. The fiber reinforced dremel wheels are a product of perfection. Airsaw is awesome too, but I get 30 seconds worth before my 30 gallon craftsman kicks in. __________________ G to the M to the C......fool! RIP Jerry Reed "The Snowman"

12-31-2008, 10:49 AM	#8
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: what to cut dash pannel with?? I generally use a die grinder with a cut off wheel, but you need lots of air to operate it. Even a 5 horse compressor needs "catch-up time". I have 2 5 horse compressors running in tandum so for me it's not an issue. jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.



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