installing radio in dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sweet72_chevy · 02-18-2007, 02:54 PM

hey everyone i am thinking about cutting the stock radio opening on my 72 to fit a cd player but b4 i do this i was wondering what you all use to secure the radio so it dosent move around. i know many of you will be against cutting it but if you have any ideas or suggestions post them.

thank you for any help

Longhorn Man · 02-18-2007, 03:41 PM

CUT IT UP!!!

I have mine cut up, and I just use the little cage that it slides into. Never had a problem. Been like that on 2 trucks, with 3 stereos now.

msgross · 02-18-2007, 03:47 PM

should be enough, if you want more support then get a piece of metal strapping (lowes heat duct section) and bolt it to the back to hang the rear of the unit on. Bolt the other end to the firewall/dash and your set.

sweet72_chevy · 02-18-2007, 04:14 PM

wow i didnt even think of using the cage that it came with but i think i kno wht u mean. i guess some times i juss dont think of thew simple thing

thanks for the help

COACHMEASON · 02-18-2007, 04:51 PM

How about mounting it towards the bottom..

Rokcrln · 02-18-2007, 06:19 PM

Yes look in the directions and it will show how you use the cage to lock it all in place. This is what I just did on project "LFD's Low buck truck build" and it worked out great. I also am against cutting the dash but their are not to many radios out their anymore that will work that are priced in the normal budget.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

49studebaker · 02-18-2007, 11:36 PM

Ya, those units are light weight enough that the "cage" is all you really need. Take a minute and look at the way the radio locks into the cage before you install it. If you need to slide it back out, it's nice to understand the workings of it.

va_tlc · 02-19-2007, 12:00 AM

yea the cage will work... but you may want to use the metal strap as msgross stated . that strap was the only thing that saved my stero in my last truck. someone tried to steal it and they didnt have enough sense or was in a hurry to reach under the dash and unscrew it.. so the lil extra effort of the metal strap may save ya tunes.plus it keeps it from bouncy around too

72GMC2500 · 02-19-2007, 12:07 AM

well i'm against cuttin up a beautful dash so i bought a mount that goes underneath the dash without screwing anything up

mvfd70 · 02-19-2007, 12:08 AM

Don't cut the dash!! Mount the radio under the dash or build a box and mount it on the hump. Cosmetic surgery on the dash isn't necessarily the best answer

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-19-2007, 01:03 AM

I've see lots of places that sell radios with cd controls that fit the standard mounting.ie. JC Whitney,Brothers,Truck-Shop etc.

timcos · 02-19-2007, 02:24 AM

What si so holy about the dash staying stock...I would imagine with a nice die grinder a very nice square hols could be made...as long as you do not grind into the curved part of that surround...the structural integrity of the dash does not change...

If there was some good stuff on the market...I say keep the dash....But I want the new technology with something to connect my ipod too.

The whole two shaft thing is OK...but not sacred to me.

I have scome to the resolutiuon to cut mine when I am at that point.

stomper · 02-19-2007, 03:34 AM

Cut it.

One less original...

brak · 02-19-2007, 04:37 AM

This is one topic where people have very strong feelings one way or another....

I'd say, unless somebody in your area feels so strongly, that they are willing to do all the work to swap their cut dash for yours, and make sure it's painted to your liking, then what does it matter what anybody else thinks...

My only advice:
If you are going to cut it, take your time and do it right. as you are
I inherited a horribly disfigured dash, not as bad as some i have seen on this board, but still, it's more work for me to fix than it would've taken to cut correctly the first time.

Gray Ghost · 02-19-2007, 09:34 AM

I cut mine with a Dremel. I know there's a ton of naysayers on this one, but hey, everyone is different and I wanted a CD player in the dash.

dave2953 · 02-19-2007, 10:07 AM

I cut my dash and have the deck installed using the cage and MSGROSS' suggestion. I have the strap run to the bracket that the factory push button was bolted to and it's very secure.

meaniam · 02-19-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomper

Cut it.

One less original...

ClassicRedneck05 · 02-19-2007, 09:17 PM

in the top left of the pic you can see mine i will take some better pics for you tomorrow if you would like

Bob D · 02-19-2007, 09:30 PM

I cut mine and used the cage, and also put some 1" thick foam padding under and on top of the unit to stop it from bouncing.

Bob

ClassicRedneck05 · 02-19-2007, 09:31 PM

thats how mine is cept i made the hole so tight using the cage its not goin anywhere

COACHMEASON · 02-19-2007, 09:35 PM

Just my preference...Something doesnt look right when putting a new CD player in the metal dash in our trucks..Doesnt look like it belongs...I will have a stock radio but mount aftermarket at the bottom of the dash..I did this on a 68 Coronet I had in college...

ClassicRedneck05 · 02-19-2007, 09:41 PM

yeah i like the factory look i plan on getting the billit plate the make and putting it inthere then putting a factory bacn in it and i have my iPod witht the FM transmitter so i will just leave it on the one station lol

CrashEd · 02-19-2007, 09:56 PM

Just cut the top and bottem of each one and bend the ears back then you have somthing to bolt the cage to makes it solid.

stomper · 02-19-2007, 11:27 PM

I'll admit... When I was in high school, I did eventually cut the dash of my low mile Impala coupe to install a DIN chassis Alpine cassete player. Although, only after I had a nice dash in reserve. Cutting the steel dash of these trucks is a commitment.

texanidiot25 · 02-20-2007, 12:53 AM

Mine came with cut dash, atleast it was a clean cut. I cant say the same for the wiring...

02-18-2007, 02:54 PM	#1
sweet72_chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Westbury Ny Posts: 14	installing radio in dash hey everyone i am thinking about cutting the stock radio opening on my 72 to fit a cd player but b4 i do this i was wondering what you all use to secure the radio so it dosent move around. i know many of you will be against cutting it but if you have any ideas or suggestions post them. thank you for any help

02-18-2007, 03:41 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: installing radio in dash CUT IT UP!!! I have mine cut up, and I just use the little cage that it slides into. Never had a problem. Been like that on 2 trucks, with 3 stereos now.

02-18-2007, 03:47 PM	#3
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: installing radio in dash should be enough, if you want more support then get a piece of metal strapping (lowes heat duct section) and bolt it to the back to hang the rear of the unit on. Bolt the other end to the firewall/dash and your set. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

02-18-2007, 04:14 PM	#4
sweet72_chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Westbury Ny Posts: 14	Re: installing radio in dash wow i didnt even think of using the cage that it came with but i think i kno wht u mean. i guess some times i juss dont think of thew simple thing thanks for the help

02-18-2007, 04:51 PM	#5
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 417	Re: installing radio in dash How about mounting it towards the bottom..

02-18-2007, 06:19 PM	#6
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: installing radio in dash Yes look in the directions and it will show how you use the cage to lock it all in place. This is what I just did on project "LFD's Low buck truck build" and it worked out great. I also am against cutting the dash but their are not to many radios out their anymore that will work that are priced in the normal budget. Kevin LFD Inc.

02-18-2007, 11:36 PM	#7
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: installing radio in dash Ya, those units are light weight enough that the "cage" is all you really need. Take a minute and look at the way the radio locks into the cage before you install it. If you need to slide it back out, it's nice to understand the workings of it. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

02-19-2007, 12:00 AM	#8
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: installing radio in dash yea the cage will work... but you may want to use the metal strap as msgross stated . that strap was the only thing that saved my stero in my last truck. someone tried to steal it and they didnt have enough sense or was in a hurry to reach under the dash and unscrew it.. so the lil extra effort of the metal strap may save ya tunes.plus it keeps it from bouncy around too __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

02-19-2007, 12:07 AM	#9
72GMC2500 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 53	Re: installing radio in dash well i'm against cuttin up a beautful dash so i bought a mount that goes underneath the dash without screwing anything up

02-19-2007, 12:08 AM	#10
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: installing radio in dash Don't cut the dash!! Mount the radio under the dash or build a box and mount it on the hump. Cosmetic surgery on the dash isn't necessarily the best answer __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

02-19-2007, 01:03 AM	#11
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: installing radio in dash I've see lots of places that sell radios with cd controls that fit the standard mounting.ie. JC Whitney,Brothers,Truck-Shop etc. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

02-19-2007, 02:24 AM	#12
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: installing radio in dash What si so holy about the dash staying stock...I would imagine with a nice die grinder a very nice square hols could be made...as long as you do not grind into the curved part of that surround...the structural integrity of the dash does not change... If there was some good stuff on the market...I say keep the dash....But I want the new technology with something to connect my ipod too. The whole two shaft thing is OK...but not sacred to me. I have scome to the resolutiuon to cut mine when I am at that point. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-19-2007, 03:34 AM	#13
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: installing radio in dash Cut it. One less original... __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

02-19-2007, 04:37 AM	#14
brak Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MinneSNOWta Posts: 1,381	Re: installing radio in dash This is one topic where people have very strong feelings one way or another.... I'd say, unless somebody in your area feels so strongly, that they are willing to do all the work to swap their cut dash for yours, and make sure it's painted to your liking, then what does it matter what anybody else thinks... My only advice: If you are going to cut it, take your time and do it right. as you are I inherited a horribly disfigured dash, not as bad as some i have seen on this board, but still, it's more work for me to fix than it would've taken to cut correctly the first time. __________________ 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill

02-19-2007, 09:34 AM	#15
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: installing radio in dash I cut mine with a Dremel. I know there's a ton of naysayers on this one, but hey, everyone is different and I wanted a CD player in the dash. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.



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02-19-2007, 10:07 AM	#16
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: installing radio in dash I cut my dash and have the deck installed using the cage and MSGROSS' suggestion. I have the strap run to the bracket that the factory push button was bolted to and it's very secure. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250 Last edited by dave2953; 02-19-2007 at 10:09 AM.

02-19-2007, 09:17 PM	#18
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: installing radio in dash in the top left of the pic you can see mine i will take some better pics for you tomorrow if you would like Attached Images __________________ Redneck Rampage 1972 Chevrolet C-10 LWB 350 1972 Chevrolet K-20 LWB 502 LiFtEd

02-19-2007, 09:30 PM	#19
Bob D Rolled on Paint Club Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windham, CT. Posts: 232	Re: installing radio in dash I cut mine and used the cage, and also put some 1" thick foam padding under and on top of the unit to stop it from bouncing. Bob __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 swb fleetside SB 355ci. Smog heads Summit 1102 cam Performer intake and carb. Finally in about 1 piece in the yard.

02-19-2007, 09:31 PM	#20
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: installing radio in dash thats how mine is cept i made the hole so tight using the cage its not goin anywhere __________________ Redneck Rampage 1972 Chevrolet C-10 LWB 350 1972 Chevrolet K-20 LWB 502 LiFtEd

02-19-2007, 09:35 PM	#21
COACHMEASON Keep On Keepin' On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 417	Re: installing radio in dash Just my preference...Something doesnt look right when putting a new CD player in the metal dash in our trucks..Doesnt look like it belongs...I will have a stock radio but mount aftermarket at the bottom of the dash..I did this on a 68 Coronet I had in college...

02-19-2007, 09:41 PM	#22
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: installing radio in dash yeah i like the factory look i plan on getting the billit plate the make and putting it inthere then putting a factory bacn in it and i have my iPod witht the FM transmitter so i will just leave it on the one station lol __________________ Redneck Rampage 1972 Chevrolet C-10 LWB 350 1972 Chevrolet K-20 LWB 502 LiFtEd

02-19-2007, 09:56 PM	#23
CrashEd 72 chevy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Il Posts: 725	Re: installing radio in dash Just cut the top and bottem of each one and bend the ears back then you have somthing to bolt the cage to makes it solid.

02-19-2007, 11:27 PM	#24
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: installing radio in dash I'll admit... When I was in high school, I did eventually cut the dash of my low mile Impala coupe to install a DIN chassis Alpine cassete player. Although, only after I had a nice dash in reserve. Cutting the steel dash of these trucks is a commitment. __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

02-20-2007, 12:53 AM	#25
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: installing radio in dash Mine came with cut dash, atleast it was a clean cut. I cant say the same for the wiring...

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