Radio Delete for the DIY's

[Southcity]

My version of a homemade radio delete plate, can be used for years 60-66 or 67-72. Hardware was purchased at local OSH, total cost came to under $20.00.

What you need:
1. A dash that has sadly been cutup at one point in it's life
2. One radio faceplate, I got mine here at Retro Sound - $15.99
http://www.retrosound.com/product-p/faceplates.htm
3. Two 3/8 hex head course thread bolts, approximately 1 1/2 inch in length - $2.39
4. A few washers for the two bolts - $1.50
5. Two chrome push button nuts - $2.39


Dash was cut at some point in it's life




Radio faceplate from Retro Sound, comes with the two backing plates



I got mine with the black textured surface and chrome trim to match the after market air-con vents



Hex head bolts - number of washers needed depends on fitment



3/8 Chrome pushon button style nuts

[Southcity]

Installation is a lil too easy:

Pre-assemble one side of the faceplate by adding some washers to bolt, push bolt through backing plate with threaded end to front of faceplate and test fit to determine how many washers are needed for a good fit. I ended up using four washers





Start by placing one of the backing plates with bolt and washers in stereo opening and steady it with a finger



add faceplate and then loosely attach one of the pushon button style chrome nuts, repeat same steps for other side



hand tighten and adjust - done!

[Southcity]

Few more shots.









For more money and a really custom look you could use the knobs from two of the lighter assemblies (Black & Polished - http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-t...1960-1963.html) which match the other controls on the dash and the knobs have a threaded shaft, come apart and can easily be used to attach the faceplate instead of the cheaper alternative of using the bolt+pushon style button nuts.

[doobiebro]

Kool idea! Thanks for posting..

[Slow Build]

Pretty cool. If you mount some type of pouch behind it you could also use it to store sun glasses, cell phone, drumsticks,........

[Mjminino]

Pretty sweet!

[Grizz1963]

Nice detailed description and write up.

Thanks for sharing.

My dash was eaten by an angry Badger at some point and I just bought a repair piece but have to say this is easy, simple and highly effective.

[Lokin4AReason]

neat idea ... thanks for the share =0)

[Southcity]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

Pretty cool. If you mount some type of pouch behind it you could also use it to store sun glasses, cell phone, drumsticks,........

Yep the options on what you can mount behind the faceplate are many but of course Slow Build suggests drumsticks and that's what I'll be using it for, cell phone holder too. Good to hear from you Slow Build - Happy New Year!

[66LSx]

I cheated... mine too was eatin by a die grinding badger by the P.O....

[Mjminino]

I like that idea, but I LOVE my music while cruising.... YES I like the sound of the motor too.

[Mjminino]

What gauges are those 66lsx? I really like those.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by Mjminino

What gauges are those 66lsx? I really like those.

Speedhuts.... there amazing.

Really wish I had an OEM appearing radio delete tho....

[Mjminino]

I pm'ed you

[Southcity]

Updated photo using lighter assembly knobs purchased here:
http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-t...1960-1963.html

The lighter assembly knob unscrews and has a threaded stud just long enough to run a nut and washer to secure the radio faceplate and of course nicely matches the existing knobs on the dash.

[61_FL_Apache]

I also had a hacked dash. This was my solution.

[hotrod66]

I also had a hacked dash but I finally fixed mine since mine was down this far. nice idea would have done this if the truck was nicer to begin with. I will remember this cool trick.

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[C-10cutty]

Good idea.