Installing a RetroSound Radio into dash cutout.

[desert-rat]

So my dash has been cut from a previous owner I guess to accommodate a more modern radio. But I wanna install a RetroSound Radio. But can it be done using the existing cutout using a mounting kit like 38-8586 from LMC?? Or is it just best buying a new dash?? I know there's a dash repair kit, but I don't now if a clean repair weld can be "that" clean. Thanks.

[Smitty]

If you found a competent body man. You'll be ahead having the existing dash repaired. Will be far cheaper than replacing the dash. But no doubt still kind of pricey. My cab had serious rust issues that were only rectified because my mother passed. She left me a little coin and the wife said that if I wanted to do the truck, now was the time. Had been collecting parts for 20 years HOPING I might one day be able to do the truck right. All the while it was deteriorating in the driveway. Used for menial tasks. The down side is that now that it is done. It no longer qualifies for menial tasks.

[darrellyates]

The dash repair kit can be used very successfully. I used it to repair my cut dash.

[72c20customcamper]

Agreed any competent body shop an do it seemlessly, it's no different than patching a fender or door. I am going to replace my dash because the po cut the radio out and installed speakers where the a/c outlets would have been if it had a/c. So it would be three patches. Going to do this myself as my uncle owned a body and I worked with him from time to time.

[desert-rat]

Originally Posted by darrellyates

The dash repair kit can be used very successfully. I used it to repair my cut dash.

Wow! That is a clean job. Looks great.

[desert-rat]

Thanks all for the replies. Looks like the patch panel is what I'm gonna do. Way cheaper than a new dash. I currently have a body shop replacing the driver floor and both rocker panels and inner rockers, drip rails, and patching the holes on the cab corner. I'll check out his work to see if he can do a clean job on a radio patch panel. He does mostly custom jobs. He does custom work on harleys, classic vans, and classic trucks. So I'm guessing he just might be the right shop.

[davepl]

If you're going to invest in welding a patch in for the radio, might I humbly suggest a better radio? The [Custom Audio stuff that I THOUGHT you meant] is hugely bad, and I mean bad. And I had low expectations.

[davepl]

You're right, I did mean Custom Audio Sound. Thanks for correcting me - I edited my post so as to not steer anyone wrong, if you could edit where you quote me, I'd appreciate that!

I don't have ANY experience with Restrosound.

[Grumpy old man]

Don't waste your time and money using a vendor provided dash repair panel . Just put a want to buy ad in the classified section and buy the lower half of the dash and weld it in across the dash under the dash pad . you'll save a ton of labor cost.

[Grumpy old man]

Here's what you want right here ,Hurry before it's gone .

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768939

[darrellyates]

Originally Posted by desert-rat

So my dash has been cut from a previous owner I guess to accommodate a more modern radio. But I wanna install a RetroSound Radio. But can it be done using the existing cutout using a mounting kit like 38-8586 from LMC?? Or is it just best buying a new dash?? I know there's a dash repair kit, but I don't now if a clean repair weld can be "that" clean. Thanks.

OK. Just for giggles... I see you said "RetroSound" radio, and later "Custom Audio"... So not sure what radio you are wanting to use.

I did purchase, from a vendor on this site, the RetroSound radio. I won't say that I love it, but I do like it. I like it because it stays true to the look of the period. And, it has most all modern features. I wanted the look to stay close to stock, so that's why I went with it. Since then, I've found that an original radio can be converted to RCA outputs and add bluetooth to them, so I should have gone that way. However, the RetroSound works as advertised, and provides a decent signal to the amplifier. It also is less expensive than having an original upgraded, unless you can do that yourself (I can't).

There is an audio section on this site with a lot of good information.

Good Luck!!

[beaterku]

My dash was cut when I bought the truck. I used the faceplate that came with my Retrosound. I used the buckets that come with the radio to sandwich the radio to the dash and used the bracket in the rear of the radio to hold it steady. It's held steady for 5 years now.