What works best to cut dash to install radio? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wlevick · 11-06-2010, 08:44 PM

Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

losthope · 11-06-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlevick

Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

i know theres a post on here somewhere where someone here makes a slick looking bracket that mounts cd player in glove box and still able to put paper work inside to..but i always just put mine in glove box in all my old cars i just cant see cutting up a dash but each to their own..id try a metal cut off blade in a grinder should cut right through with a couple lines drawn and a steady hand.

losthope · 11-06-2010, 08:57 PM

HERES THE LINK

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...glovebox+radio

wlevick · 11-06-2010, 09:02 PM

Thanks...but, to late for the slick glove box mount. I already started cutting. Now I need to finish it and make it look good!

fryer1979 · 11-06-2010, 09:41 PM

meh, it's only metal. I use my air saw with a small metal blade. Slow and steady for a nice clean and straight cut. Having a marked outline for the hole you need is a big help. I've used my RotoZip a time or two with a metal bit, but it is a bit too aggresive for my taste (a little too easy to let get away from you).

72freak · 11-07-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlevick

Thanks...but, to late to make it look good!

Agreed!

markeb01 · 11-06-2010, 10:13 PM

I use the Dremel EZ Lock cutter for virtually all of my sheet metal cutting up to 1/8" thick. The discs are very strong, last a long time and are easy to change without a screwdriver. You just pull down on the collar and swap out the disc. They are also very thin, resulting in a cut about the width of a hacksaw blade.

Amazon.com: Dremel EZ406 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock...
I find they work best when using a foot controller, so you can set the tool on full speed and use both hands to control the cut. If I were doing something like a dash, I’d drill the four corners first, then slice between the corners. This leaves nice smooth corners and avoids the risk of cutting too far.

Ackattack · 11-06-2010, 10:16 PM

pneumatic body saw

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114

fryer1979 · 11-06-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

pneumatic body saw

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114

That's the one I was referring to, actually I think that is the one I have.

*blackedoutharley* · 11-06-2010, 11:49 PM

This one is a lifesaver for doing the job.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22264_22264

Born Lucky · 11-07-2010, 08:52 AM

I just did my dash for a radio install.
I tell you that the decision took awhile because I did not know if I wanted to cut up the dash.
The tools I used were masking tape, a sharpie, a dremal like tool, and several files.
First I layed out my pattern(measure,measure) then I applied my cut off wheel( I liked the smaller wheels because of less sparks) then I filed to fit.
I tell you that with patience you will make it look clean and professional.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 11-07-2010, 11:32 AM

I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this.

wlevick · 11-08-2010, 07:24 AM

Well...it's done. I used one of the Dremel "EZ Lock" blades and a file. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the help.

*lakeroadster* · 11-08-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this.

Looks like it was meant to be!

The 64-66 dashes have rectangles all over them, the more modern radios just look correct, more so than the oem radios, IMO.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 11-08-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Looks like it was meant to be!

Why thankyou John.

John

TopFuel1966 · 11-08-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Looks like it was meant to be!
The more modern radios just look correct, more so than the oem radios, IMO.

............and they work a lot better,too.

11-06-2010, 08:44 PM	#1
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	What works best to cut dash to install radio? Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.

11-06-2010, 08:57 PM	#3
losthope Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: sacramento ca. Posts: 1,038	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? HERES THE LINK http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...glovebox+radio

11-06-2010, 09:02 PM	#4
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? Thanks...but, to late for the slick glove box mount. I already started cutting. Now I need to finish it and make it look good!

11-06-2010, 09:41 PM	#5
fryer1979 Redneck Hillbilly Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Backwoods Posts: 1,307	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? meh, it's only metal. I use my air saw with a small metal blade. Slow and steady for a nice clean and straight cut. Having a marked outline for the hole you need is a big help. I've used my RotoZip a time or two with a metal bit, but it is a bit too aggresive for my taste (a little too easy to let get away from you).

11-06-2010, 10:13 PM	#7
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I use the Dremel EZ Lock cutter for virtually all of my sheet metal cutting up to 1/8" thick. The discs are very strong, last a long time and are easy to change without a screwdriver. You just pull down on the collar and swap out the disc. They are also very thin, resulting in a cut about the width of a hacksaw blade. Amazon.com: Dremel EZ406 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock... I find they work best when using a foot controller, so you can set the tool on full speed and use both hands to control the cut. If I were doing something like a dash, I’d drill the four corners first, then slice between the corners. This leaves nice smooth corners and avoids the risk of cutting too far.

11-06-2010, 10:16 PM	#8
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? pneumatic body saw http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22114_22114 __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index Last edited by Ackattack; 11-06-2010 at 10:18 PM.

11-06-2010, 11:49 PM	#10
blackedoutharley Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Plumas Lake, Ca. Posts: 1,009	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? This one is a lifesaver for doing the job. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_22264_22264

11-07-2010, 08:52 AM	#11
Born Lucky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: St Charles MO Posts: 481	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I just did my dash for a radio install. I tell you that the decision took awhile because I did not know if I wanted to cut up the dash. The tools I used were masking tape, a sharpie, a dremal like tool, and several files. First I layed out my pattern(measure,measure) then I applied my cut off wheel( I liked the smaller wheels because of less sparks) then I filed to fit. I tell you that with patience you will make it look clean and professional.

11-07-2010, 11:32 AM	#12
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

11-08-2010, 07:24 AM	#13
wlevick Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida Posts: 117	Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio? Well...it's done. I used one of the Dremel "EZ Lock" blades and a file. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the help.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.