Making templates for dash cutouts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Blue85 · 05-22-2005, 01:03 PM

my truck is going in for bodywork this week and i have to get the dash cut for ac vents, the only problem is i dont have any templates. I have a parts truck with factory a/c, what is the best way to make a template for cutting the holes for corner vents(since there kind of in a rounded area)?

Botietruck · 05-22-2005, 01:18 PM

I used a piece of thick paper such as a desk file folder or similar material. I held it on the backside of the a/c vent hole and traced the shape of the hole. I cut it out of the paper, then positioned the actual plastic vent housing where it should mount on the dash corner and traced the shaped of the housing. Don't forget to mark the dash for the plastic housing mounting screw holes. I removed the plastic housing and then placed the paper cutout of the hole in the center of the traced housing shape that was drawn on the dash corner. I used a metal hole saw to cut out the center of the hole smaller than the diameter of the hole and dressed it out to the actual size using a die grinder and carbide stone/ emory wheel.

Hope this helps!

Bob

Longhorn Man · 05-22-2005, 01:51 PM

Would it be easier to cut out the A/C dash and install it on your project? You can make the cuts under the dash pad so you don't have to deal with all the spot welds.

Blue85 · 05-22-2005, 11:51 PM

well the truck that has the a/c is still a complete running truck so i dont really want to cut ot the dash have thought about doing it though

Longhorn Man · 05-23-2005, 12:22 AM

good reason.

05-22-2005, 01:03 PM	#1
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	Making templates for dash cutouts my truck is going in for bodywork this week and i have to get the dash cut for ac vents, the only problem is i dont have any templates. I have a parts truck with factory a/c, what is the best way to make a template for cutting the holes for corner vents(since there kind of in a rounded area)? __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

05-22-2005, 11:51 PM	#4
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	well the truck that has the a/c is still a complete running truck so i dont really want to cut ot the dash have thought about doing it though __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

05-22-2005, 01:18 PM	#2
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	I used a piece of thick paper such as a desk file folder or similar material. I held it on the backside of the a/c vent hole and traced the shape of the hole. I cut it out of the paper, then positioned the actual plastic vent housing where it should mount on the dash corner and traced the shaped of the housing. Don't forget to mark the dash for the plastic housing mounting screw holes. I removed the plastic housing and then placed the paper cutout of the hole in the center of the traced housing shape that was drawn on the dash corner. I used a metal hole saw to cut out the center of the hole smaller than the diameter of the hole and dressed it out to the actual size using a die grinder and carbide stone/ emory wheel. Hope this helps! Bob

05-22-2005, 01:51 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Would it be easier to cut out the A/C dash and install it on your project? You can make the cuts under the dash pad so you don't have to deal with all the spot welds.

05-23-2005, 12:22 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	good reason.



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