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12-20-2012, 01:57 PM | #1 |
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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 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
Cut it!
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12-20-2012, 02:09 PM | #3 |
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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 | #4 |
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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, 02:21 PM | #5 | |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
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12-20-2012, 02:27 PM | #6 |
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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.
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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 | #7 |
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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.
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12-20-2012, 03:19 PM | #8 |
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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!
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12-20-2012, 03:20 PM | #9 |
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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
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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 | #10 |
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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.
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12-20-2012, 03:43 PM | #11 |
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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.
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12-20-2012, 04:06 PM | #12 |
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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
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12-20-2012, 04:18 PM | #13 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
Thanks Leevon, I just ordered that Metra kit. That looks slick!
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12-20-2012, 04:20 PM | #14 | ||
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
Quote:
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12-20-2012, 04:20 PM | #15 |
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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
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John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350 |
12-20-2012, 05:13 PM | #16 |
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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!
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12-20-2012, 07:04 PM | #17 |
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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 |
12-20-2012, 07:09 PM | #18 |
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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.
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12-20-2012, 07:11 PM | #19 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
whats cooler then a radio
RADIO DELETE PANEL!
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12-20-2012, 09:54 PM | #20 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
I did the opposite...
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12-20-2012, 10:01 PM | #21 |
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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.
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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 | #22 |
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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
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12-20-2012, 11:23 PM | #23 |
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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!
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12-21-2012, 12:35 AM | #24 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
its only virgin once.....
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12-21-2012, 01:50 AM | #25 |
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Re: to cut the dash for radio, or not?
I'm cheap i would cut it,A good din size radio is around 100 bucks up,Or spend around 300 for one that fits the factory hole and don't sound as good.
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