Best way to cut dash to install CD player??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kickinasphalt · 08-02-2004, 04:41 PM

I've made up my mind and just decided to cut the dash and install a CD player. I have the sleeve thing for the CD player to use as a template but I was wondering what tool is the best for cutting the dash. I would like to cut just inside of what I need then used a file to fit it just right. Thanks.

hotrodtroy · 08-02-2004, 05:06 PM

Be vewy, vewy cawlful.

Sounds like you have a good plan. A coping saw worked good on mine. Good luck

slogo · 08-02-2004, 06:06 PM

Do you have a drimel or angle grinder/ cut off wheel? Tape off where the cut is to be made and go slow

Alexis · 08-02-2004, 06:13 PM

use either a air saw or dremel. the die-grinder is to big and doesn't work well for this situation. But if all you have is a die grinder, tape it off, and don't over cut cause you can always file it down.

jamesi20 · 08-02-2004, 06:27 PM

I read somewhere in a magazine about a guy who takes stock radios for classic vehicles, takes the guts out ,and converts them into cd players. It sounded pretty cool to me especially if you have a nice vehicle that you don't want to mess up. Just a thought

68w/sbc406 · 08-02-2004, 07:21 PM

i used a sawzall and went real slow with a fine tooth blade. and filed it to fit. good luck and dont mess up

mocwon · 08-02-2004, 08:37 PM

I'm trying to remember when I did mine and as I recall the DIN size hole wasn't large enough to cover up the factory holes. I cut the hole out in the factory location to the edge of the indentation and welded in a solid plate of 16 gauge and then cut the DIN size hole in the plate. I used a jig saw with a very fine tooth blade.

Alexis · 08-02-2004, 09:47 PM

Do a search on "metra" they are leading producer of kits, harnesses, and what not to adapt a aftermarket radio to any car. THey also sell a wide variety of trim rings to fill any gaps around the radio.

Plenty of members have installed aftermarket radios without any problem. Most trim rings cover any little gaps around the radio. You could always get a center console, drop in a pioneer head unit in it and put a 7 inch wide /touch screen where the O.E. radio go's

Metra Link

724wdcopper · 08-02-2004, 09:58 PM

i used a body saw (really small sawsall - my dad owns a body shop! Lots of cool tools!) my kenwood surround wouldn't cover the factory indents for the knobs, so i cut a piece of aluminum sheet a little oversized, enough to cover the indents, and stuck it in place with 3M body moulding tape. kinda a brushed look, really subtle. kinda looks factory/custom, if that makes any sense!

i can post a pic in a day or so if you are interested. as for cutting the hole, might try a jig saw, but tape everything to avoid scratches. and watch what is behind!

Alexis · 08-02-2004, 09:59 PM

wierd

there catalog has a bunch of item for this situation but there online product list doesn't list any.

Longhorn Man · 08-02-2004, 10:20 PM

In case you don't have any of these neat tools, and you might want a low buck way to do it, I used a hack saw blade and held it with some Vies-Grips. Did an awsome job, just took a little longer, and there was lass chance of screwing up.

XXL · 08-02-2004, 10:21 PM

Let me know if you need some help...

weasel29gm · 08-02-2004, 11:20 PM

The thread of the the unpardonable sin!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!

**kwmech** · 08-02-2004, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

In case you don't have any of these neat tools, and you might want a low buck way to do it, I used a hack saw blade and held it with some Vies-Grips. Did an awsome job, just took a little longer, and there was lass chance of screwing up.

Same here, only I eliminate the vice grips and tape off half the teeth so I wont tear up my hands, and actually cuts pretty quick.

67cst · 08-03-2004, 12:23 AM

ask cpne...he has done this to all his trucks

Longhorn Man · 08-03-2004, 05:15 AM

I'm just looking for a set of doors good enough to install speakers in...they can always be welded back up later is some one doesn't like them.

68cajun · 08-03-2004, 12:31 PM

I have my dash out now and plan to cut and weld in a new piece of steel, then cut out for the cd player. Hope it looks a little more factory.

**CPNE** · 08-03-2004, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67cst

ask cpne...he has done this to all his trucks

LOL. I believe the best dash is one uncut equipped with a delete plate. If I don't have a delete plate, I put in a stock AM radio. If I want to listen to music, there's Ipod.

Sorry, can't help.

68C15 · 08-03-2004, 01:51 PM

after 2 1/2 years of ownership I still dont have a radio. I do have a delete plate in my toolbox though.

you could do what I do on road trips... sing X-mas songs. makes the wife wonder if I am worth it & son thinks he is adopted.

I do have a frenching panel for a CD player that I made if I ever get that far.

stickshift_or_walk · 08-03-2004, 02:23 PM

The topic was how to do it well, right?

Speaking of delete plates, has anyone used that plate as the basic mounting flange for the DIN chassis, and come up with a slick way to hold it all together? That would at least cover the shaft indentations.

SSOW

**CPNE** · 08-03-2004, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickshift_or_walk

The topic was how to do it well, right?

Speaking of delete plates, has anyone used that plate as the basic mounting flange for the DIN chassis, and come up with a slick way to hold it all together? That would at least cover the shaft indentations.

SSOW

Go here and look at the 67 GMC interior pics. Not mine so I can't answer questions and it looks as if the owner won't either

68w/sbc406 · 08-03-2004, 04:50 PM

thats a cool 'flip face'

CG · 08-03-2004, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPNE

Go here and look at the 67 GMC interior pics. Not mine so I can't answer questions and it looks as if the owner won't either

i like that...its kind of odd he wont say how he did it. if i made that set up i would want it to lock in closed position in case some lowlife broke in he would give it maybe a cursery tug and hopefully move on to stealing change outa my ashtray or something

08-02-2004, 04:41 PM	#1
kickinasphalt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: North Dakota Posts: 351	Best way to cut dash to install CD player??? I've made up my mind and just decided to cut the dash and install a CD player. I have the sleeve thing for the CD player to use as a template but I was wondering what tool is the best for cutting the dash. I would like to cut just inside of what I need then used a file to fit it just right. Thanks. __________________ 1972 K-10 Longbox,6" lift w/35's/350/SM465/NP205/3.73 1972 C-10 Longbox,350/350 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP FOR SALE: 1971 K-10 Longbox,350/SM465/NP205

08-02-2004, 05:06 PM	#2
hotrodtroy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 138	Be vewy, vewy cawlful. Sounds like you have a good plan. A coping saw worked good on mine. Good luck __________________ '72 C-10 w/ '68 Large Journal 327cu.in. "It's o.k. to dream about what you want to do, until you start doing what you are meant to do." Line from "The Rookie"

08-02-2004, 06:27 PM	#5
jamesi20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: NORTHEAST OHIO Posts: 493	option other than cutting I read somewhere in a magazine about a guy who takes stock radios for classic vehicles, takes the guts out ,and converts them into cd players. It sounded pretty cool to me especially if you have a nice vehicle that you don't want to mess up. Just a thought

08-02-2004, 07:21 PM	#6
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	i used a sawzall and went real slow with a fine tooth blade. and filed it to fit. good luck and dont mess up __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

08-02-2004, 08:37 PM	#7
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	I'm trying to remember when I did mine and as I recall the DIN size hole wasn't large enough to cover up the factory holes. I cut the hole out in the factory location to the edge of the indentation and welded in a solid plate of 16 gauge and then cut the DIN size hole in the plate. I used a jig saw with a very fine tooth blade. __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

08-02-2004, 06:06 PM	#3
slogo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Morristown,TN Posts: 482	Do you have a drimel or angle grinder/ cut off wheel? Tape off where the cut is to be made and go slow

08-02-2004, 06:13 PM	#4
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	use either a air saw or dremel. the die-grinder is to big and doesn't work well for this situation. But if all you have is a die grinder, tape it off, and don't over cut cause you can always file it down.

08-02-2004, 09:47 PM	#8
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	Do a search on "metra" they are leading producer of kits, harnesses, and what not to adapt a aftermarket radio to any car. THey also sell a wide variety of trim rings to fill any gaps around the radio. Plenty of members have installed aftermarket radios without any problem. Most trim rings cover any little gaps around the radio. You could always get a center console, drop in a pioneer head unit in it and put a 7 inch wide /touch screen where the O.E. radio go's Metra Link Last edited by Alexis; 08-02-2004 at 09:52 PM.

08-02-2004, 09:58 PM	#9
724wdcopper graphic designer Join Date: May 2004 Location: Spokane, Washington Posts: 841	i used a body saw (really small sawsall - my dad owns a body shop! Lots of cool tools!) my kenwood surround wouldn't cover the factory indents for the knobs, so i cut a piece of aluminum sheet a little oversized, enough to cover the indents, and stuck it in place with 3M body moulding tape. kinda a brushed look, really subtle. kinda looks factory/custom, if that makes any sense! i can post a pic in a day or so if you are interested. as for cutting the hole, might try a jig saw, but tape everything to avoid scratches. and watch what is behind!

08-02-2004, 09:59 PM	#10
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	wierd there catalog has a bunch of item for this situation but there online product list doesn't list any.

08-02-2004, 10:20 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	In case you don't have any of these neat tools, and you might want a low buck way to do it, I used a hack saw blade and held it with some Vies-Grips. Did an awsome job, just took a little longer, and there was lass chance of screwing up.

08-02-2004, 10:21 PM	#12
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Let me know if you need some help... __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

08-02-2004, 11:20 PM	#13
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	The thread of the the unpardonable sin!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

08-03-2004, 12:23 AM	#15
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	ask cpne...he has done this to all his trucks __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

08-03-2004, 05:15 AM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I'm just looking for a set of doors good enough to install speakers in...they can always be welded back up later is some one doesn't like them.



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08-03-2004, 12:31 PM	#17
68cajun 68 C/10 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Houma Louisiana Posts: 367	I have my dash out now and plan to cut and weld in a new piece of steel, then cut out for the cd player. Hope it looks a little more factory. __________________ (2009) GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 AWD (67 C/10 fleetside SWB) (2018GMC Yukon Denali) Wifes Car

08-03-2004, 01:51 PM	#19
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	after 2 1/2 years of ownership I still dont have a radio. I do have a delete plate in my toolbox though. you could do what I do on road trips... sing X-mas songs. makes the wife wonder if I am worth it & son thinks he is adopted. I do have a frenching panel for a CD player that I made if I ever get that far. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

08-03-2004, 02:23 PM	#20
stickshift_or_walk Left Foot Functioning Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 348	Back to the original issue... The topic was how to do it well, right? Speaking of delete plates, has anyone used that plate as the basic mounting flange for the DIN chassis, and come up with a slick way to hold it all together? That would at least cover the shaft indentations. SSOW __________________ 69 C10 (#1 son's ride) 72 C20 (Dad's farm truck) 82 K30 (Ex - brush pumper project)

08-03-2004, 04:50 PM	#22
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	thats a cool 'flip face' __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

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