Custom Radio Installation???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HotRod929 · 04-12-2002, 12:28 PM

Anyone got any info on how to install an aftermarket radio/cd player in place of the stock one. I understand that there is some cutting of the dash that has to be done. Also any pics you guys have of aftermarket radios in your trucks would be great. Thanks

~HotRod

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 04-12-2002, 12:34 PM

You can see most of my dash looking at www.picturetrail.com/70CST I have a JVC in the dash with CD and only did little trimimg,however the stock radio will never fit again. Be sure its what you want before yopu cut that pretty dash. It was right for ME
FORGOT THE .com SORRY

[This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).]

Chevy Punk · 04-12-2002, 01:04 PM

Hey shortwide, i like how your tires look. could you tell me what size they are? are those rims us wheel series 52? i like your truck!

JON67 · 04-12-2002, 01:47 PM

Just put in an after market two nobby radio. no cutting required. I have also seen that some of the parts dealers have radios specially made to fit our trucks. I'm sure others have more info than me.

------------------
1967 custom camper 3/4 ton 327
1967 Ford Mustang 200cid 3 spd manual
1999 Kia Sephia (I like how the name ryhmes)
Mountlake Terrace WA
candjsimmo@earthlink.net

**Desert Rat** · 04-12-2002, 01:54 PM

get out torch and trim hole to size of sleeve on cd plaver,cut a little smaller so you can file ALOT

Mike C · 04-12-2002, 05:01 PM

I carefully taped off the entire radio area with masking tape to protect the paint. I then marked off the hole for the sleeve on the tape, cut and filed so the radio fit EXACTLY. Inserted the sleeve, bent down the tabs and bolted a new strap on the rear. Kenwood makes a good looking two knob stereo that will mount in the dash. Most aftermarket shaft mount radios have adjustable shaft width for most dashes, install the new trim plate and that's it. If you want a CD changer, the Kenwood will do it.

------------------
70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400
72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's
64 Corvette Coupe
68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700
69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110
72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable

twomacs4 · 08-09-2002, 12:49 PM

Mike C,
Did you install the Kenwood model KRC 1007 or 2007?

Am considering it so won't have to cut dash - concerned that the posts won't fit..

THOR 50 · 08-10-2002, 08:46 PM

I put mine here then left the stock radio in place. No one notices the expensive radio.

Benrs86 · 08-10-2002, 10:10 PM

thor50, i saw one of those setups today in a 71. only he put the radio in the stock place, but i didnt notice he could have had it up there. what im trying to say is, if you put that stereo in the original spot, would you have a little storage place up there? or would you hav ea jagged edged radio holder? does that make sense? either way it looks awesome. do you like that thing? the guy i talked to said it was the best sound you could get in a old pickup. i like the looks of them, Ben

69mychevy · 08-10-2002, 10:46 PM

i hate to be an @$$hole thor but when i got my truck that highliner was in it and the first thing i did was tear that piece of s h i t out!! when u install the stereo u must put some kind of metal from the back of the deck to the firewall to hold it!!!

RipMeyer · 08-10-2002, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by THOR 50
I put mine here then left the stock radio in place. No one notices the expensive radio.

I been really thinking bout getting one of those. How was the install? What would you do differently? Where did you buy it?
Is it very secure? Any pro`s and con`s would be nice.

69mychevy · 08-10-2002, 11:03 PM

i put mine here then left the stock radio in place. no on notices the expensive radio

those highliners are like freakin one hundered dollars and they r pieces of ****!! please don't get one!!

pros: you get the stock radio but then everybody gets to look up and say what the hell is that piece of **** plus you can put the stock radio in and hide the aftermarket one in the glovebox or under the dash and have the stock headliner too

cons: its ugly, it doesn't sound good, no one likes them, they are cheap, you have to drill on the outside of the stock headliner holes, they're ugly, they don't sound good, and they just suck please im beggin u don't get one!

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2002, 11:08 PM

LOL...I personally don't care for those things myself...makes me think of J.C. Whitney stuff, but I'm sure with an upgraded set (2 sets actually) of speakers, it'd be ok. But after $100 fir the unit, then 2 sets of good speakers, then a head unit...you're looking at quite a bit of money.
I cut my dash, did it with a smile, and have not regretted it for one moment.

**chevy71super** · 08-11-2002, 12:15 AM

Here is a photo of a Custom Audio CD Controller in my dash. (Based on a Kenwood unit Kenwood no longer makes.) Its hooked to a 10 disk CD changer under my seat. (If you have a non air glove box the changer will fit in there.) My amp and bass speakers are under the seat. I will post of picture of the speakers I placed on the kick panels.

**chevy71super** · 08-11-2002, 12:17 AM

Here are the speakers.

THOR 50 · 08-11-2002, 12:21 AM

Now I remember why I rarely post anymore.

69mychevy I think your radio install looks great! Oh wait that Longhornmail's.
I resent having my truck trashed because I did something different.

twomacs4 the posts are usually adjustable

Benrs86 you could probably use that space for storage but there are other roof mount consoles out there that might be better.

RipMeyer the install was fairly easy. the b*tch was running the antenna and coax cables for the amp. You can ground the radio to the cab and you can wire the roof speakers directly to the radio. Using the coax to run the door spears etc. from the amp. I used a flip front Kenwood stereo so when the power is off you barely notice the head unit.

I got this headliner a few years back from Whitney for under a hundred dollars w/ pioneer speakers. Seeing that people are spending almost $150 for kick panel speaker covers I think in was a fair deal.

O'l Buck · 08-11-2002, 01:46 AM

i did this for the low low price of free.....yes, kinda out of place, yes, easy to steal(not that i'm worried about it).....but i like it.

colohusker · 08-11-2002, 03:30 AM

Thor 50 - In the pic it doesn't look too bad. Just remember, it's your truck, it should fit you and not everyone. Besides, it's good to be different, makes people remember you. Well, at least that's what my psychiatrist used to tell me.

Ol'Buck - Knowing the part of the country you live in, if it did get stolen, you'd simply have to look at the other 15 cars around to find out who took it.

Just kidding, I'm jealous that you get to live there.

I plan on putting in either a Sony or an Alpine unit and like Andy will be smiling as I cut!

69mychevy · 08-11-2002, 12:23 PM

thor 50 i never make fun of people for havin things that r different from me all im saying is that is the cheap way out and unless you never listen to music you won't b happy with it

junkyardjohn · 08-11-2002, 05:56 PM

I'VE GOT A HIGHLINER IN MINE & YES I LISTEN TO MY RADIO, & AM SUPER HAPPY WITH IT. IT WAS EASY TO INSTALL, I'VE HAD IT IN FOR ABOUT THREE & HALF YEARS, & HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING BUT COMPLIMENTS ON IT (LOTS OF EM). BUT I'M 44 & DON'T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE 150 FEET AWAY ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH THERE WINDOWS ROLLED UP & THE AIR ON BEING ABLE TO HEAR IT, OR SETTING OFF CAR ALARMS, OR WAKING PEOPLE UP AS I DRIVE BY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WITH THAT GROUNG SHAKING BASE EITHER. MY ADVICE IS TO FIND SOMEONE THAT HAS ONE, LISTEN TO IT, & MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND AS TO WEATHER IT WILL DO THE JOB FOR YOU OR NOT.

THOR 50 · 08-11-2002, 06:51 PM

junkyardjohn Like your dash gauges!

THOR 50 · 08-11-2002, 07:02 PM

Look familiar?

Pont · 08-11-2002, 07:57 PM

wow, I would think that as many times as it has been debated about whether or not to cut a dash, we would all agree that we will never all agree.

Hotrod, if you are not worried about cutting the dash, go to Radio Shack and pick up a tool called the "Nibbler". It's a hand held tool that cuts sheetmetal in small bites. I cut my dash (perfect virgin dash) this way and it turned out perfect. Looks like it came that way after cutting. Just remember, it's your truck so cut it if you want. I also agree with those people who have a perfect truck and think it would be a waste to cut an all original, high optioned truck. My truck was nothing special to start worth and would never retain any value as an original truck so I was not concerned with cutting it.

Just remember, it's your truck and you should set it up the way you want. If I ever sell my truck, I could care less if the next owner thinks I was dumb for cutting the dash.

69mychevy · 08-11-2002, 08:34 PM

first of all junkyardjohn when you say whether or not you want one its spelled whether not weather, second of all yea i do like setting car alarms off thats all part of the fun when you're a kid, but even my dad hated that highliner plus when u put that in you hav to drill holes on the outside of where the stock headliner goes and therefore you can never go back to original

Custom 68 · 08-11-2002, 09:27 PM

That is an incredable (sp) dash! I have never seen one that clean and tastful!

04-12-2002, 12:28 PM	#1
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	Custom Radio Installation???? Anyone got any info on how to install an aftermarket radio/cd player in place of the stock one. I understand that there is some cutting of the dash that has to be done. Also any pics you guys have of aftermarket radios in your trucks would be great. Thanks ~HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

04-12-2002, 12:34 PM	#2
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,215	You can see most of my dash looking at www.picturetrail.com/70CST I have a JVC in the dash with CD and only did little trimimg,however the stock radio will never fit again. Be sure its what you want before yopu cut that pretty dash. It was right for ME FORGOT THE .com SORRY [This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).] [This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).] [This message has been edited by 1970 CST Short Wide (edited April 12, 2002).] __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

04-12-2002, 05:01 PM	#6
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,739	I carefully taped off the entire radio area with masking tape to protect the paint. I then marked off the hole for the sleeve on the tape, cut and filed so the radio fit EXACTLY. Inserted the sleeve, bent down the tabs and bolted a new strap on the rear. Kenwood makes a good looking two knob stereo that will mount in the dash. Most aftermarket shaft mount radios have adjustable shaft width for most dashes, install the new trim plate and that's it. If you want a CD changer, the Kenwood will do it. ------------------ 70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

08-09-2002, 12:49 PM	#7
twomacs4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Flower Mound, TX, USA Posts: 44	Kenwood Model Mike C, Did you install the Kenwood model KRC 1007 or 2007? Am considering it so won't have to cut dash - concerned that the posts won't fit..

08-10-2002, 08:46 PM	#8
THOR 50 Over worked under paid Join Date: May 2001 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 378	radio in header panel I put mine here then left the stock radio in place. No one notices the expensive radio. Attached Images __________________ Roger '69 C-10 with GMC front clip billet grill, 283CI, 400TH and 12bolt posiw/3.73 gears

04-12-2002, 01:04 PM	#3
Chevy Punk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Blaine WA Posts: 455	Hey shortwide, i like how your tires look. could you tell me what size they are? are those rims us wheel series 52? i like your truck!

04-12-2002, 01:47 PM	#4
JON67 Lootie Stole My Truck Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mountlake Terrace WA USA Posts: 822	Just put in an after market two nobby radio. no cutting required. I have also seen that some of the parts dealers have radios specially made to fit our trucks. I'm sure others have more info than me. ------------------ 1967 custom camper 3/4 ton 327 1967 Ford Mustang 200cid 3 spd manual 1999 Kia Sephia (I like how the name ryhmes) Mountlake Terrace WA candjsimmo@earthlink.net

04-12-2002, 01:54 PM	#5
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	get out torch and trim hole to size of sleeve on cd plaver,cut a little smaller so you can file ALOT

08-10-2002, 10:10 PM	#9
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	thor50, i saw one of those setups today in a 71. only he put the radio in the stock place, but i didnt notice he could have had it up there. what im trying to say is, if you put that stereo in the original spot, would you have a little storage place up there? or would you hav ea jagged edged radio holder? does that make sense? either way it looks awesome. do you like that thing? the guy i talked to said it was the best sound you could get in a old pickup. i like the looks of them, Ben __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

08-10-2002, 10:46 PM	#10
69mychevy yes i did post something Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 244	i hate to be an @$$hole thor but when i got my truck that highliner was in it and the first thing i did was tear that piece of s h i t out!! when u install the stereo u must put some kind of metal from the back of the deck to the firewall to hold it!!! __________________ you can want in one hand and s h i t in the other and see which fills first NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GIRL(S) IN MY AVATAR IS PLEASE READ MY POST

08-10-2002, 11:03 PM	#12
69mychevy yes i did post something Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 244	i put mine here then left the stock radio in place. no on notices the expensive radio those highliners are like freakin one hundered dollars and they r pieces of **!! please don't get one!! pros: you get the stock radio but then everybody gets to look up and say what the hell is that piece of ** plus you can put the stock radio in and hide the aftermarket one in the glovebox or under the dash and have the stock headliner too cons: its ugly, it doesn't sound good, no one likes them, they are cheap, you have to drill on the outside of the stock headliner holes, they're ugly, they don't sound good, and they just suck please im beggin u don't get one! __________________ you can want in one hand and s h i t in the other and see which fills first NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GIRL(S) IN MY AVATAR IS PLEASE READ MY POST

08-10-2002, 11:08 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	LOL...I personally don't care for those things myself...makes me think of J.C. Whitney stuff, but I'm sure with an upgraded set (2 sets actually) of speakers, it'd be ok. But after $100 fir the unit, then 2 sets of good speakers, then a head unit...you're looking at quite a bit of money. I cut my dash, did it with a smile, and have not regretted it for one moment. Attached Images

08-11-2002, 12:15 AM	#14
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Here is a photo of a Custom Audio CD Controller in my dash. (Based on a Kenwood unit Kenwood no longer makes.) Its hooked to a 10 disk CD changer under my seat. (If you have a non air glove box the changer will fit in there.) My amp and bass speakers are under the seat. I will post of picture of the speakers I placed on the kick panels. Attached Images

08-11-2002, 12:17 AM	#15
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Here are the speakers. Attached Images

08-11-2002, 12:21 AM	#16
THOR 50 Over worked under paid Join Date: May 2001 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 378	to each his own Now I remember why I rarely post anymore. 69mychevy I think your radio install looks great! Oh wait that Longhornmail's. I resent having my truck trashed because I did something different. twomacs4 the posts are usually adjustable Benrs86 you could probably use that space for storage but there are other roof mount consoles out there that might be better. RipMeyer the install was fairly easy. the btch was running the antenna and coax cables for the amp. You can ground the radio to the cab and you can wire the roof speakers directly to the radio. Using the coax to run the door spears etc. from the amp. I used a flip front Kenwood stereo so when the power is off you barely notice the head unit. I got this headliner a few years back from Whitney for under a hundred dollars w/ pioneer speakers. Seeing that people are spending almost $150 for kick panel speaker covers I think in was a fair deal. __________________ Roger '69 C-10 with GMC front clip billet grill, 283CI, 400TH and 12bolt posiw/3.73 gears Last edited by THOR 50; 08-11-2002 at 12:51 AM.*



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08-11-2002, 01:46 AM	#17
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	i did this for the low low price of free.....yes, kinda out of place, yes, easy to steal(not that i'm worried about it).....but i like it. Attached Images __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

08-11-2002, 03:30 AM	#18
colohusker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 436	Thor 50 - In the pic it doesn't look too bad. Just remember, it's your truck, it should fit you and not everyone. Besides, it's good to be different, makes people remember you. Well, at least that's what my psychiatrist used to tell me. Ol'Buck - Knowing the part of the country you live in, if it did get stolen, you'd simply have to look at the other 15 cars around to find out who took it. Just kidding, I'm jealous that you get to live there. I plan on putting in either a Sony or an Alpine unit and like Andy will be smiling as I cut! __________________ ------------------------------------------------ I say it's only money, my wife says it's only a truck.... '71 C10 Deluxe, factory ac, ps, pb, should be done by 2102 Longmont, CO husker95@hotmail.com

08-11-2002, 12:23 PM	#19
69mychevy yes i did post something Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 244	thor 50 i never make fun of people for havin things that r different from me all im saying is that is the cheap way out and unless you never listen to music you won't b happy with it __________________ you can want in one hand and s h i t in the other and see which fills first NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GIRL(S) IN MY AVATAR IS PLEASE READ MY POST

08-11-2002, 05:56 PM	#20
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	I'VE GOT A HIGHLINER IN MINE & YES I LISTEN TO MY RADIO, & AM SUPER HAPPY WITH IT. IT WAS EASY TO INSTALL, I'VE HAD IT IN FOR ABOUT THREE & HALF YEARS, & HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING BUT COMPLIMENTS ON IT (LOTS OF EM). BUT I'M 44 & DON'T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE 150 FEET AWAY ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH THERE WINDOWS ROLLED UP & THE AIR ON BEING ABLE TO HEAR IT, OR SETTING OFF CAR ALARMS, OR WAKING PEOPLE UP AS I DRIVE BY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WITH THAT GROUNG SHAKING BASE EITHER. MY ADVICE IS TO FIND SOMEONE THAT HAS ONE, LISTEN TO IT, & MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND AS TO WEATHER IT WILL DO THE JOB FOR YOU OR NOT. __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

08-11-2002, 06:51 PM	#21
THOR 50 Over worked under paid Join Date: May 2001 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 378	Thank you junkyardjohn Like your dash gauges! Attached Images __________________ Roger '69 C-10 with GMC front clip billet grill, 283CI, 400TH and 12bolt posiw/3.73 gears

08-11-2002, 07:02 PM	#22
THOR 50 Over worked under paid Join Date: May 2001 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 378	Look familiar? Look familiar? Attached Images __________________ Roger '69 C-10 with GMC front clip billet grill, 283CI, 400TH and 12bolt posiw/3.73 gears Last edited by THOR 50; 08-11-2002 at 09:32 PM.

08-11-2002, 07:57 PM	#23
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	wow, I would think that as many times as it has been debated about whether or not to cut a dash, we would all agree that we will never all agree. Hotrod, if you are not worried about cutting the dash, go to Radio Shack and pick up a tool called the "Nibbler". It's a hand held tool that cuts sheetmetal in small bites. I cut my dash (perfect virgin dash) this way and it turned out perfect. Looks like it came that way after cutting. Just remember, it's your truck so cut it if you want. I also agree with those people who have a perfect truck and think it would be a waste to cut an all original, high optioned truck. My truck was nothing special to start worth and would never retain any value as an original truck so I was not concerned with cutting it. Just remember, it's your truck and you should set it up the way you want. If I ever sell my truck, I could care less if the next owner thinks I was dumb for cutting the dash. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

08-11-2002, 08:34 PM	#24
69mychevy yes i did post something Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 244	first of all junkyardjohn when you say whether or not you want one its spelled whether not weather, second of all yea i do like setting car alarms off thats all part of the fun when you're a kid, but even my dad hated that highliner plus when u put that in you hav to drill holes on the outside of where the stock headliner goes and therefore you can never go back to original __________________ you can want in one hand and s h i t in the other and see which fills first NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GIRL(S) IN MY AVATAR IS PLEASE READ MY POST

08-11-2002, 09:27 PM	#25
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,944	WOW Thor That is an incredable (sp) dash! I have never seen one that clean and tastful! __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

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