Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fishmunger · 08-29-2020, 09:48 PM

Over the past 8 months, I've been fixing up a mostly original 72 K10 that will soon (hopefully) be my patina'd daily driver / work truck. Trying to keep it mostly stock but I've made a few small changes that I think make it more practical. One issue that I had is that it came with an old CD player, and the dash had been cut for it. Who needs a stereo these days when you can just use your iphone to bluetooth to an external speaker?!

So I thought, I'm gonna make that hole into a *****in' storage box to put my phone when its plugged into the cig lighter to charge, to throw spare change in, etc, etc.

So I removed the stereo and cut the hole out nice and even, and then I made a cardboard template until I got the box just the way I wanted it. After that, it was off to a local fab shop to have them make a 'copy' of my prototype out of stainless steel.

I bolted it in place with some nice button head allen bolts and used a bit of transmission pan rubber gasket between the box and the SS backing plates I made so that it wouldn't have any wiggle or vibration issues.

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! I think it looks great, its super stout, and is the perfect size to hold 2 iphones side by side (last pic of the pink phone is the wife's), and really adds some practical storage to these trucks which don't have a ton to begin with.

This may have been done before, but either way, just thought I'd share!

fishmunger · 08-29-2020, 10:10 PM

More pics

fishmunger · 08-29-2020, 10:12 PM

The last of em

**Warrens69GMC** · 08-29-2020, 10:19 PM

Might want to put a 1/16"lip on the bottom edge so when you hit a speed bump or pothole the phone stays put.....

fishmunger · 08-29-2020, 10:24 PM

It’s got a downward slope into the box so hopefully it stays put!

Astro-Balls · 08-29-2020, 11:26 PM

Put piece of that shelf lining material in there and it will keep things from sliding around, works great for RV cabinets too.

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

**Tmend** · 08-30-2020, 01:32 AM

Looks good. How much did it cost you. If your willing and able to have another one made I’d be a buyer. Thanks much i think it’s a good idea

72 tigger · 08-30-2020, 07:31 AM

Very nice fabrication skills

**Grumpy old man** · 08-30-2020, 07:52 AM

OH NO , You removed the AM radio flux capacitor ? It will never run right again ...

jjzepplin · 08-30-2020, 08:06 AM

What are you going to do for tunes?
Oh, I re read your post and see you are using Blue Tooth speakers. My bad.

Peanut74 · 08-30-2020, 09:27 AM

Well done looks good. The slope should keep things in place for DD. If not add the rubber shelf material. My dash was hacked up the same way but I put it back to OEM spec.

One question is where are you going to mount your BT speaker(s)??

**Sheepdip** · 08-30-2020, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

What are you going to do for tunes?

Same thing I do "Twice Pipes and a Camshaft"

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-30-2020, 10:31 AM

That looks really good. Dang if your dash doesn't look exactly like mine except I've still got the CD player. I'm old. I never got the whole Bluetooth thing. My wife has it in her car and she uses it all the time. It just seems complicated to me. I just shove in a CD and call it good. She says I'm a dinosaur. And she's probably right.

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-30-2020, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FleetsidePaul

That looks really good. Dang if your dash doesn't look exactly like mine except I've still got the CD player. I'm old. I never got the whole Bluetooth thing. My wife has it in her car and she uses it all the time. It just seems complicated to me. I just shove in a CD and call it good. She says I'm a dinosaur. And she's probably right.

I guess I'm a dinasaur too. I listen to a cassette tape.........

**clay68c10** · 08-30-2020, 11:10 AM

Nice idea! I never thought of that.
A hinged delete plate could be used also, to make it a little hideout cubby.

**Getter-Done** · 08-30-2020, 11:11 AM

Nice Job.

.

**WIDESIDE72** · 08-30-2020, 02:48 PM

Great idea! To add to this, how about attaching one of the wireless chargers from a newer car in order to charge the phone while it is in the box?

fishmunger · 08-30-2020, 08:31 PM

Glad you guys like it! I can tell from all the additional ideas I got y'all screws turning!

If I really wanted to be slick, I could mount a hidden kill switch way in the back and then throw some sunglasses or junk in front to hide it...ideas ideas

For tunes, I just throw my little bluetooth speaker up on the dash and wedge it against the window, good spot for broadcasting the sound waves from up there. If it gets too bumpy then just chuck it on the seat

The box was pretty pricey, I had a local fab shop make it. Ran $275 total. It took them a few hours, they could have made it cheaper and cruder, but making it look nice and not distorting the thin gauge metal took some time. I thought the price was fair, time is money and nothing's free, a new stereo would probably cost that, and this thing will outlive me!

yuccales · 08-30-2020, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I guess I'm a dinosaur too. I listen to a cassette tape.........

You're one up on me Ol Blue, I roll with Am/Fm only.

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-30-2020, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

You're one up on me Ol Blue, I roll with Am/Fm only.

Ding ding ding! You win!

Dukk · 08-31-2020, 03:20 PM

Looks really nice. For those on a more limited budget, a car stereo shop can get a DIN size pocket that will fit that hole..

57larry · 09-01-2020, 07:27 PM

nice job on filling the hole, good idea

08-29-2020, 09:48 PM	#1
fishmunger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411	Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Over the past 8 months, I've been fixing up a mostly original 72 K10 that will soon (hopefully) be my patina'd daily driver / work truck. Trying to keep it mostly stock but I've made a few small changes that I think make it more practical. One issue that I had is that it came with an old CD player, and the dash had been cut for it. Who needs a stereo these days when you can just use your iphone to bluetooth to an external speaker?! So I thought, I'm gonna make that hole into a *****in' storage box to put my phone when its plugged into the cig lighter to charge, to throw spare change in, etc, etc. So I removed the stereo and cut the hole out nice and even, and then I made a cardboard template until I got the box just the way I wanted it. After that, it was off to a local fab shop to have them make a 'copy' of my prototype out of stainless steel. I bolted it in place with some nice button head allen bolts and used a bit of transmission pan rubber gasket between the box and the SS backing plates I made so that it wouldn't have any wiggle or vibration issues. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! I think it looks great, its super stout, and is the perfect size to hold 2 iphones side by side (last pic of the pink phone is the wife's), and really adds some practical storage to these trucks which don't have a ton to begin with. This may have been done before, but either way, just thought I'd share! Attached Images

08-29-2020, 10:10 PM	#2
fishmunger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box More pics Attached Images

08-29-2020, 10:12 PM	#3
fishmunger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box The last of em Attached Images

08-29-2020, 10:19 PM	#4
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,622	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Might want to put a 1/16"lip on the bottom edge so when you hit a speed bump or pothole the phone stays put..... __________________ 1969 307, t350 1950 Chevy Wagon 1978 Big 10 1967 C10, 250,3-OTT

08-29-2020, 10:24 PM	#5
fishmunger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box It’s got a downward slope into the box so hopefully it stays put!

08-29-2020, 11:26 PM	#6
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Put piece of that shelf lining material in there and it will keep things from sliding around, works great for RV cabinets too. https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...E&gclsrc=aw.ds __________________ 1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA

08-30-2020, 01:32 AM	#7
Tmend Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Reseda CA Posts: 1,305	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Looks good. How much did it cost you. If your willing and able to have another one made I’d be a buyer. Thanks much i think it’s a good idea __________________ Some progress is better then no progress

08-30-2020, 07:31 AM	#8
72 tigger Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Berne IN Posts: 3,250	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Very nice fabrication skills __________________ 71 C10 72 K20 72 K10 Super Kirk

08-30-2020, 07:52 AM	#9
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box OH NO , You removed the AM radio flux capacitor ? It will never run right again ... __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

08-30-2020, 08:06 AM	#10
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box What are you going to do for tunes? Oh, I re read your post and see you are using Blue Tooth speakers. My bad. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 Last edited by jjzepplin; 08-30-2020 at 10:07 AM.

08-30-2020, 09:27 AM	#11
Peanut74 Registered User Join Date: May 2018 Location: Prattville, AL Posts: 611	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Well done looks good. The slope should keep things in place for DD. If not add the rubber shelf material. My dash was hacked up the same way but I put it back to OEM spec. One question is where are you going to mount your BT speaker(s)??

08-30-2020, 10:31 AM	#13
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,418	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box That looks really good. Dang if your dash doesn't look exactly like mine except I've still got the CD player. I'm old. I never got the whole Bluetooth thing. My wife has it in her car and she uses it all the time. It just seems complicated to me. I just shove in a CD and call it good. She says I'm a dinosaur. And she's probably right. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

08-30-2020, 11:10 AM	#15
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,990	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Nice idea! I never thought of that. A hinged delete plate could be used also, to make it a little hideout cubby. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

08-30-2020, 11:11 AM	#16
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 8,409	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Nice Job. . __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

08-30-2020, 02:48 PM	#17
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Great idea! To add to this, how about attaching one of the wireless chargers from a newer car in order to charge the phone while it is in the box?



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08-30-2020, 08:31 PM	#18
fishmunger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Glad you guys like it! I can tell from all the additional ideas I got y'all screws turning! If I really wanted to be slick, I could mount a hidden kill switch way in the back and then throw some sunglasses or junk in front to hide it...ideas ideas For tunes, I just throw my little bluetooth speaker up on the dash and wedge it against the window, good spot for broadcasting the sound waves from up there. If it gets too bumpy then just chuck it on the seat The box was pretty pricey, I had a local fab shop make it. Ran $275 total. It took them a few hours, they could have made it cheaper and cruder, but making it look nice and not distorting the thin gauge metal took some time. I thought the price was fair, time is money and nothing's free, a new stereo would probably cost that, and this thing will outlive me!

08-31-2020, 03:20 PM	#21
Dukk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Abbotsford, BC Posts: 64	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box Looks really nice. For those on a more limited budget, a car stereo shop can get a DIN size pocket that will fit that hole..

09-01-2020, 07:27 PM	#22
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,161	Re: Was your dash cut / hacked for a stereo? Here's a solution: Awesome Storage Box nice job on filling the hole, good idea

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