Best way to repair dash to accept post style radio again???

[UATahoe]

Hey guys. My 87 had a cd player installed by the previous owner. I would really like to get back to the old post style simple radio that came factory in these things. Anybody have experience switching back? Easiest way to do so? I am guessing hitting up a junk yard and taking part of the dash to weld and smooth in is really the only way. Any info or advice would be great. Thanks!

[Normru45]

i think welding in the section missing is the best way. good luck!

[Telecasterjoey]

That's exactly what I did went to the junkyard with a hack saw and tin snips cut out the pieces I needed and welded them back in, you'd never know the difference when you look at my "stock" radio.
Posted via Mobile Device

[UATahoe]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I may hit up the local yard to see what i can find. Anybody know if the radio opening was the same for all years? 81-87? Will have to find a new dash bezel too since mine is cute for the new radio.

[J Knight]

I don't have any pics but I went to the junk yard and had them cut a large section of an uncut radio area, it was about 1 ft sq. I basically trimmed it until it fit from the backside, drilled about 8 or 10 small holes in it and the dash at the same time then bolted it in with small phillips head bolts and nylon nuts. Replace with uncut bezel wich hides everything.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bustedknuckles]

I have seen jknight's and it looks factory. I had no idea until he told me.

[UATahoe]

that definitely sounds like a good plan. I have found a truck in the local yard that still has the factory radio installed. I think that may be the plan.

Also, what are the better factory radios to use? I believe the 87's had a digital display radio available. I am guessing those may be pretty hard to find....

[legendman]

I just picked up a 84 C10 and couldn't believe the factory radio was still there (doesn't though just static and the tuning knob won't turn)

I like J Knight's idea, once the bezel is in place you'd never know.

[babyJay]

If you're into a CB, get one out of an 80's Cadillac. I bought this one for my plow truck on fleabay for $25

[babyJay]

And one more Caddy radio with factory C10 knobs.

[J Knight]

Here is the best pic I could get without taking my dash apart. I basicaly trimmed it just enough so the dash and the patch piece would fit together like two paper plates, nice and flush with as much surface area as possible to have room to atatch it and line it up. My dash is black and the patch piece is white.

[bustedknuckles]

geez john you should really paint that brake pedal arm...lol

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by bustedknuckles

geez john you should really paint that brake pedal arm...lol

You got me there Alan