to cut the dash for radio, or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gigem · 12-20-2012, 01:57 PM

Thinking about an upgrade from the lame radio in my 1980... I am facing the same question I faced when I restored my 72 Chevelle SS convertible a few years ago - cut up the dash or find a stereo that fits the factory two-shaft holes...

The Chevelle was a no-brainer... It had an incredibly rare dashboard that I refused to cut up... That dash was specific to the 72 SS convertible, not repopped, and basically impossible to replace. So I bought a Custom Autosound stereo to fit in the factory holes. It was an expensive piece of crap! Replaced it with a shafted Kenwood unit from eBay worked better, but still cost way to much for it's antiquated features and performance.

All things considered, I would prefer to not cut up my dash. But this truck is not like the Chevelle. It's a driver, and a replacement dash is easy to find.

So does anyone make a "shafted" stereo that sounds good, has digital inputs and isn't super expensive? If not, I am cutting it up. I can always replace the dash with a new one if I want to...

Thoughts?

Redcap · 12-20-2012, 02:09 PM

Cut it!

Lone_Star · 12-20-2012, 02:09 PM

I went with Retro Sound - http://www.retrosoundusa.com/
Used a Mobile One in a Datsun, and most recently a Zuma in the truck. Both have multiple axillary inputs, RCA outputs for amps, and you can adjust the shaft spacing as needed.

Smoke_Dog · 12-24-2012, 06:20 PM

Do this!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lone_Star

I went with Retro Sound - http://www.retrosoundusa.com/
Used a Mobile One in a Datsun, and most recently a Zuma in the truck. Both have multiple axillary inputs, RCA outputs for amps, and you can adjust the shaft spacing as needed.

Telecasterjoey · 12-20-2012, 02:14 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447435
Check that thread out, I did this mod and it works great! And still looks original!
Posted via Mobile Device

bohmankid · 12-20-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telecasterjoey

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447435
Check that thread out, I did this mod and it works great! And still looks original!
Posted via Mobile Device

That is a sweet mod. But i say cut it. There's a million other replacement parts out there for our trucks for extremely cheap. It's not like the aftermarket is going anywhere either.

i8tokyo · 12-20-2012, 02:27 PM

I cut both of mine and don't regret it a bit. I wouldn't touch the vette or chevelle though.

notallthere · 12-20-2012, 03:16 PM

If I had a choice I would just order a retro sound like I did with the Chevelle.

Smoke_Dog · 12-24-2012, 06:22 PM

This is what I did with the Chevelle I have too!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by notallthere

If I had a choice I would just order a retro sound like I did with the Chevelle.

**LEEVON** · 12-20-2012, 03:19 PM

I batted this back and forth until this week. Is the '80 your daily driver or a special car like the Chevelle? I decided to cut it for two reasons; 1) it seems the quality of the so-called "vintage" radios has been suspect and 2) if my truck ever becomes as valuable as a split window vette then I guess some poor schuck is going to have to weld two tabs back into the dash (behind the bezel) but it likely won't be me.

CHOP CHOP! Now get to it.

Now my '71 has an uncut dash and I was fortunate enough to have bought a nice two post Kenwood back when people still played tapes LOL. It is serving me well...I just need some more tapes!

SSC's76 · 12-20-2012, 03:20 PM

I would not cut it they over fit quite right anyway. it may be a driver but might as well have it look good

Posted from 67-72chevytrucks.com App for Android

tucsonjwt · 12-20-2012, 03:30 PM

Do not cut it. All you need is a radio receiver that controls an mp3 player and possibly a CD player (though CDs are about obselete now with MP3s, Ipods everywhere). Once you cut it you cannot put it back to original. All 3 of my squares were cut by installers, but I would not cut one if I could avoid it. The cut units never really do look or fit like original, IMHO.

**LEEVON** · 12-20-2012, 03:43 PM

I'm gonna play devils advocate one more time. I will say though, if you have a working ETR (electronic tuning radio) like this one then keep it and add the inputs. I wanted to do this but found out my left channel is not working.

As for the DIN install, it's like anything else you can do it sloppy or do it right. For some reason on this forum, unique to 73-87's I've seen some atrocious stereo "installs". It can be done right! You need to use the Metra kit, p/n 87-99-3052:

http://www.metraonline.com/part/87-99-3052

It will come out looking like Acex's or Classic87's and a couple I've done...pretty clean if you ask me.

motornut · 12-20-2012, 04:06 PM

I did two things
cut the square the PO cut bigger then moved the radio up in the 78

like my 87

J Knight · 12-20-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

I'm gonna play devils advocate one more time. I will say though, if you have a working ETR (electronic tuning radio) like this one then keep it and add the inputs. I wanted to do this but found out my left channel is not working.

As for the DIN install, it's like anything else you can do it sloppy or do it right. For some reason on this forum, unique to 73-87's I've seen some atrocious stereo "installs". It can be done right! You need to use the Metra kit, p/n 87-99-3052:

http://www.metraonline.com/part/87-99-3052

It will come out looking like Acex's or Classic87's and a couple I've done...pretty clean if you ask me.

Im not a fan of cutting the dash and I actually converted mine back to post type but if I were to use a din radio I would definatey use this kit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by motornut

I did two things
cut the square the PO cut bigger then moved the radio up in the 78

like my 87

No offence but this is why im not a fan of cutting the dash.
Posted via Mobile Device

motornut · 12-20-2012, 04:20 PM

I got one of those digital tuner CB ones(stereo but has no balance control?)
with a I phone holder works well for me and stays stockish
lol and it gets CNN

Gigem · 12-20-2012, 04:18 PM

Thanks Leevon, I just ordered that Metra kit. That looks slick!

Chevrolado · 12-20-2012, 05:13 PM

I keep going back and forth on this one too.. Anyone ever had any experience with the radios they sell at LMC Truck to fit the stock dash? Curious how the output is on them and if they are quality. If they are.. might be worth the money on them!

Telecasterjoey · 12-20-2012, 07:04 PM

It's not all that hard to weld the cut pieces back into the truck. When I bought my truck it was already cut for a CD player, I went to the junkyard and found the radio I wanted in a similar truck, took the guage bezel and cut the lower part of the dash off. Went home trimmed the pieces to fit tacked em in and put the radio in.

So if you were to keep the pieces you'd be fine. Maybe even get a spare bezel to cut too.
Posted via Mobile Device

bigwheel15 · 12-20-2012, 07:09 PM

If its not going to be a restored, to factory specs truck; id just cut it.

cory d · 12-20-2012, 07:11 PM

whats cooler then a radio

RADIO DELETE PANEL!

1985-GMC · 12-20-2012, 09:54 PM

I did the opposite...

derrickmanx1 · 12-20-2012, 10:01 PM

I'm cutting the whole dash center section out and starting over. I'll be installing a southern rods a/c unit and w/vent in the dash with a double din Alpine. I say cut the heck out of it.

88Jimmy4x4 · 12-20-2012, 10:03 PM

I put a stereo that didnt need cutting and looks retro plus can add ipod, cd, amps...anything

http://www.casmfg.com/Chevy_GMC_Truck_Radios.htm

**HIGHWAY BY THE SEA** · 12-20-2012, 11:23 PM

I vote for NOT cutting it. I took out the old ratty aftermarket junk radio/ cassette player from my truck dash and installed this DELCO factory original that was removed from a Corvette. It looks and sounds great too!

12-20-2012, 01:57 PM	#1
Gigem Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lakeway, TX Posts: 335	to cut the dash for radio, or not? Thinking about an upgrade from the lame radio in my 1980... I am facing the same question I faced when I restored my 72 Chevelle SS convertible a few years ago - cut up the dash or find a stereo that fits the factory two-shaft holes... The Chevelle was a no-brainer... It had an incredibly rare dashboard that I refused to cut up... That dash was specific to the 72 SS convertible, not repopped, and basically impossible to replace. So I bought a Custom Autosound stereo to fit in the factory holes. It was an expensive piece of crap! Replaced it with a shafted Kenwood unit from eBay worked better, but still cost way to much for it's antiquated features and performance. All things considered, I would prefer to not cut up my dash. But this truck is not like the Chevelle. It's a driver, and a replacement dash is easy to find. So does anyone make a "shafted" stereo that sounds good, has digital inputs and isn't super expensive? If not, I am cutting it up. I can always replace the dash with a new one if I want to... Thoughts?

12-20-2012, 02:09 PM	#2
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? Cut it!

12-20-2012, 02:09 PM	#3
Lone_Star Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Worth, Texas Posts: 57	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I went with Retro Sound - http://www.retrosoundusa.com/ Used a Mobile One in a Datsun, and most recently a Zuma in the truck. Both have multiple axillary inputs, RCA outputs for amps, and you can adjust the shaft spacing as needed.

12-20-2012, 02:14 PM	#5
Telecasterjoey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa ON Posts: 514	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447435 Check that thread out, I did this mod and it works great! And still looks original! Posted via Mobile Device

12-20-2012, 02:27 PM	#7
i8tokyo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 61	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I cut both of mine and don't regret it a bit. I wouldn't touch the vette or chevelle though. __________________ 1982 C-20, 454, TH-400, PS, A/C, 71,000 miles 1978 C-20, 350, TH-400, PS, Non-A/C, 112,000 miles If it ain't broke, there is still probably room for improvement. Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

12-20-2012, 03:16 PM	#8
notallthere Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: sarnia ontario canada Posts: 211	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? If I had a choice I would just order a retro sound like I did with the Chevelle.

12-20-2012, 03:19 PM	#10
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I batted this back and forth until this week. Is the '80 your daily driver or a special car like the Chevelle? I decided to cut it for two reasons; 1) it seems the quality of the so-called "vintage" radios has been suspect and 2) if my truck ever becomes as valuable as a split window vette then I guess some poor schuck is going to have to weld two tabs back into the dash (behind the bezel) but it likely won't be me. CHOP CHOP! Now get to it. Now my '71 has an uncut dash and I was fortunate enough to have bought a nice two post Kenwood back when people still played tapes LOL. It is serving me well...I just need some more tapes! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-20-2012, 03:20 PM	#11
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	I would not cut it they over fit quite right anyway. it may be a driver but might as well have it look good Posted from 67-72chevytrucks.com App for Android __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

12-20-2012, 03:30 PM	#12
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? Do not cut it. All you need is a radio receiver that controls an mp3 player and possibly a CD player (though CDs are about obselete now with MP3s, Ipods everywhere). Once you cut it you cannot put it back to original. All 3 of my squares were cut by installers, but I would not cut one if I could avoid it. The cut units never really do look or fit like original, IMHO.

12-20-2012, 03:43 PM	#13
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I'm gonna play devils advocate one more time. I will say though, if you have a working ETR (electronic tuning radio) like this one then keep it and add the inputs. I wanted to do this but found out my left channel is not working. As for the DIN install, it's like anything else you can do it sloppy or do it right. For some reason on this forum, unique to 73-87's I've seen some atrocious stereo "installs". It can be done right! You need to use the Metra kit, p/n 87-99-3052: http://www.metraonline.com/part/87-99-3052 It will come out looking like Acex's or Classic87's and a couple I've done...pretty clean if you ask me. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-20-2012, 04:06 PM	#14
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I did two things cut the square the PO cut bigger then moved the radio up in the 78 like my 87 Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

12-20-2012, 04:20 PM	#16
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I got one of those digital tuner CB ones(stereo but has no balance control?) with a I phone holder works well for me and stays stockish lol and it gets CNN Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

12-20-2012, 04:18 PM	#17
Gigem Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lakeway, TX Posts: 335	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? Thanks Leevon, I just ordered that Metra kit. That looks slick!

12-20-2012, 05:13 PM	#18
Chevrolado Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 114	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I keep going back and forth on this one too.. Anyone ever had any experience with the radios they sell at LMC Truck to fit the stock dash? Curious how the output is on them and if they are quality. If they are.. might be worth the money on them! __________________ Dave - 1977 Chevy K10 - 1997 3000GT - 2006 Chevy 1500 Z71

12-20-2012, 07:04 PM	#19
Telecasterjoey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa ON Posts: 514	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? It's not all that hard to weld the cut pieces back into the truck. When I bought my truck it was already cut for a CD player, I went to the junkyard and found the radio I wanted in a similar truck, took the guage bezel and cut the lower part of the dash off. Went home trimmed the pieces to fit tacked em in and put the radio in. So if you were to keep the pieces you'd be fine. Maybe even get a spare bezel to cut too. Posted via Mobile Device



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12-20-2012, 07:09 PM	#20
bigwheel15 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 727	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? If its not going to be a restored, to factory specs truck; id just cut it.

12-20-2012, 07:11 PM	#21
cory d Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Arlington WA Posts: 1,728	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? whats cooler then a radio RADIO DELETE PANEL! __________________ GMC C15 355 SM465 3.73 80 C10 cruiser build thread 79 short stepside crew cab. big and ugly. build thread

12-20-2012, 09:54 PM	#22
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I did the opposite... __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

12-20-2012, 10:01 PM	#23
derrickmanx1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rising Star, Tx Posts: 249	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I'm cutting the whole dash center section out and starting over. I'll be installing a southern rods a/c unit and w/vent in the dash with a double din Alpine. I say cut the heck out of it. __________________ NAME: TRAVIS TRUCK: BRUISER 71 C/10 SWB 3.5/5" drop 4.11 GEARS. F.A.S.T. BBC 408 496hp/479ft/lb JAKES 4L80E TCI TCU PTC 10.5" 2800 STALL My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...30#post5779530 Last edited by derrickmanx1; 12-20-2012 at 10:02 PM. Reason: Auto spell

12-20-2012, 10:03 PM	#24
88Jimmy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: houston, texas Posts: 1,974	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I put a stereo that didnt need cutting and looks retro plus can add ipod, cd, amps...anything http://www.casmfg.com/Chevy_GMC_Truck_Radios.htm Attached Images __________________ 2008 Silverado Z71 RCSB 1991 GMC Jimmy 4x4 1976 GMC Sierra C15 SWB

12-20-2012, 11:23 PM	#25
HIGHWAY BY THE SEA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: BY THE CAROLINA SEA Posts: 922	Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not? I vote for NOT cutting it. I took out the old ratty aftermarket junk radio/ cassette player from my truck dash and installed this DELCO factory original that was removed from a Corvette. It looks and sounds great too! __________________ FRANKENTRUCK 1981 Chevrolet C10 Shortbed Stepside GRANDTRUCK 1968 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Longbed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584617 PROJECT JIGSAW 1967 GMC C3500 GREAT WHITE 1986 Blazer M1009 454 engine w/700R4 transmission gas conversion

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