Dash hacking.. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 09-20-2003, 10:59 AM

Well I am about ready to get out the sawzall to cut up my dash... Some one already cut up my radio location so I thought I would take it one step futher... I bought some a/c ball's for the edge of the dash along with a center a/c vent for above the radio. Has anyone cut these hole's before and what is a easy way to do it with out killing the dash after all I have to look at the dash everytime I drive it.. Thank's for any help that is thrown out ... Where is this guy when you need him!!!!!!!

lukecp · 09-20-2003, 11:40 AM

Just an idea, but i think it might be a little easier to use a hole saw on the ball vents, if you could get it to work with how the dash is curved there...

Ole Blue · 09-20-2003, 12:12 PM

An air 90 grinder with wafer wheel (1/32 thick) will work excellent for the center A/C vent,(cover everything to protect from sparks and grit)you may want to drill a hole at each corner for a nice small radius then connect the dots with the grinder the way you would cut a body panel. For the ball vents drill a series of holes close together smaller than the desired overall hole size then finish to size with a file or better yet an air end grinder with rotary file or a dremel tool. There are sheetmetal nibblers available that work quite well also after drilling a hole for a starting point. Any of these methods will not distort the surrounding area of the dash if done carefully.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 09-20-2003, 12:50 PM

Thank's for the quick reply's now it is time to start cutting...

*Gee_Emm* · 09-20-2003, 01:20 PM

I would use a die grinder with a cutting wheel and nothing else. Cut as much as you can with that and file the edges smooth. Sawzall is too violet. Another must is another AC dash to copy the holes from or some REALLY good templates.

09-20-2003, 10:59 AM	#1
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Dash hacking.. Well I am about ready to get out the sawzall to cut up my dash... Some one already cut up my radio location so I thought I would take it one step futher... I bought some a/c ball's for the edge of the dash along with a center a/c vent for above the radio. Has anyone cut these hole's before and what is a easy way to do it with out killing the dash after all I have to look at the dash everytime I drive it.. Thank's for any help that is thrown out ... Where is this guy when you need him!!!!!!! Attached Images __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-20-2003, 11:40 AM	#2
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Just an idea, but i think it might be a little easier to use a hole saw on the ball vents, if you could get it to work with how the dash is curved there... __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

09-20-2003, 12:12 PM	#3
Ole Blue Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Holts Summit, Mo. Posts: 58	An air 90 grinder with wafer wheel (1/32 thick) will work excellent for the center A/C vent,(cover everything to protect from sparks and grit)you may want to drill a hole at each corner for a nice small radius then connect the dots with the grinder the way you would cut a body panel. For the ball vents drill a series of holes close together smaller than the desired overall hole size then finish to size with a file or better yet an air end grinder with rotary file or a dremel tool. There are sheetmetal nibblers available that work quite well also after drilling a hole for a starting point. Any of these methods will not distort the surrounding area of the dash if done carefully. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super waiting on 4/6 drop,BB and 700r4

09-20-2003, 12:50 PM	#4
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Thank's for the quick reply's now it is time to start cutting... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-20-2003, 01:20 PM	#5
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	I would use a die grinder with a cutting wheel and nothing else. Cut as much as you can with that and file the edges smooth. Sawzall is too violet. Another must is another AC dash to copy the holes from or some REALLY good templates.



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