Question for those who have fixed their dash.

[jimmydean]

For anyone who has "fixed" the stereo hole in their dash, do you still have the section you cut out? I am looking for the section in red (or larger).




So, if your dash had the radio cut out and you welded in a good section, I would like to have your old section. I'll even pay you for it. I want to make a cover for mine and it would be easier to work on the bench. I'd rather not cut may dash until I know it works.

I would even be willing to send you my uncut dash section when I'm all done (about a month). Thanks.

[Clyde65]

I have a similar issue, like an idiot I cut the dash to put in a modern style radio and it is really too big for the radio head unit. I have a patch panel on the way to me from a friend in another state. i will have to see what the job involves to know when i can do it or if I should have a body man do it.

If you like, I will keep you posted.

BTW, you can get that part and the ashtray part as a patch panel from many vendors, most cost like $80+

[jimmydean]

I need at least the section in red, but more isn't a problem. I know a lot of people have done it and if they are like me they tossed the scrap. But I know some people hold on to random stuff and I hope this will be the case.

If I have to cut mine up now, I will. But it would be nice to not have to until I know what it will look like.

[61_FL_Apache]

LMC has a panel you can patch in. Its $50.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cbe/full.aspx?Page=65

[jimmydean]

That picture is of my dash. It doesn't need to be patched, I want to make a cover for the hole where the radio sits and I need a mold. I would just cut my dash apart rather than spend $50, but thanks for the link.

I just figured if someone else has purchased and install that patch, if they would be willing to send me the piece they cut out.

Shipping plus $5 for handling?

<edit> Goodmark has one for $45 list, but out of stock (I get 30% off that price if I went that route). That might be worth it.

http://www.goodmarkindustries.com/pr...d=4142-523-642

[k1rodeoboater]

are you trying to make a homemade radio delete?

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by k1rodeoboater

are you trying to make a homemade radio delete?

Sort of. More like a radio cover as if it were deleted. The radio will be in there, just not visible.

[61_FL_Apache]

Are you going to use a radio with a removeable face, or post style radio?

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Are you going to use a radio with a removeable face, or post style radio?

Neither, actually. I am mounting a Mac Mini there and would like passers by to be unaware of that fact.

[brawley]

I have a 63' so I know its diffrent but I used part of a spare glove box lid for mine

[61_FL_Apache]

Try something like this. I had these in boats before.
http://www.parts-express.com/1/3/indexd80.html

[k1rodeoboater]

Are you wanting access through the opening being able to move the cover piece out of the way? If so I. Got an idea for you. I have installed carPCs in a few vehicles and did all the fab work myself. They all looked OEM too
Posted via Mobile Device

[jimmydean]

Thanks but I know exactly what I'm building, I was asking if someone had a piece I can use as a mock up, not looking for alternative.

When I get it all built, I'll put the full write up in the build thread and everyone will understand. I just have a ton of fab work to do and it would be nice to not cut into my dash until I'm done building the box. If I have to drive around with a huge hole in my dash, I will.

[rahatawa]

I love the idea of a mac mini in the dash. I have wanted to do a similar install for a while. Recently saw an ipad dash-mounted and removable and am considering it for my daily. Something similar to this but mounted portrait rather than landscape. Makes the other in dash entertainment and navigation systems seem old fashioned.


Sorry no help on the dash section just wanted to say great idea.

[k1rodeoboater]

Originally Posted by rahatawa

I love the idea of a mac mini in the dash. I have wanted to do a similar install for a while. Recently saw an ipad dash-mounted and removable and am considering it for my daily. Something similar to this but mounted portrait rather than landscape. Makes the other in dash entertainment and navigation systems seem old fashioned.


Sorry no help on the dash section just wanted to say great idea.

Looks like a 8" Xenarc...still a pretty impressive install job. It's hard to fit anything larger than 7" into most dash bezels without a lot of fabrication. The biggest I've done was a 10.5" touchscreen and that was a royal PITA. It turned out great but I'll never do another one.

Take this FWIW from someone who's been dealing with carPC's for about 7 years. If you go this route make sure you get one of those no glare super backlit monitors made by mp3car.com. I don't have one in my car and there are times where I can't see anything, and that's with the brightness turned all the way up and the video settings tweaked. That said I think the carPC has met it's end in terms of usefulness to me. It's cool and unique, and for that reason alone I may continue to install them, but with the advent of reliable easy to use mobile GPS units as well as iPods, they're kinda a PITA. The honest truth of it is my next vehicle I'll probably get an iPad and fab up some sort of mount for it and run an aux-in to my stereo. It's easier and a heck of a lot cheaper.

[jimmydean]

That would be pretty cool, haha.

[Chapstr's65]

I have been think about doing that too. I want to completely smooth out the dash and have the center console blended in with the at the time iTouch in the transition area. Now I want the iPad. However, for over $500 I can find something else on the truck to do.

[blackmopar]

whats the fatory radio delete panel look like? can someone post a pic? Is there still the radio 'detent' just no holes or is the dash flush? if just matches the dash itself it may be easy enough for me to just fab in a smooth section - PO hacked the HELL outta mine and i dont plan to put a radio back in - ill take a pic of what I have and if you want it - might be a lil bit before I have time to do this though

[jimmydean]

The delete plate I had in my '69 was just a rectangular cover with clips on the back and a handle like the ash tray on the front. It clipped into the space to cover the shaft holes.

Like the plate that is in the dash for the poor man's heat controls.

[jimmydean]

Maybe a delete type plate would work. Something like this: