Butchered radio opening! What'd you guys do?

[ConradBSomething]

So my truck's PO tried to cut the radio opening and did a terrible job of it.
I don't have near the skills to weld in a new section, and I'd hate to lose pin stripping on other parts of the dash, so I was wondering what other folks here did with there cut up messes.


Thanks in advance!

[aerotruk63]

You could JB WELD a replacement piece from behind after carefully cutting out the butchered section along the curved section.

[par4tom]

This is an easy fix...but first, are you wanting to install another radio? If so, are you going to go with another radio that utilizes the control knob shafts to mount the unit or will you be going with a single-din unit?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by ConradBSomething

So my truck's PO tried to cut the radio opening and did a terrible job of it.
I don't have near the skills to weld in a new section, and I'd hate to lose pin stripping on other parts of the dash, so I was wondering what other folks here did with there cut up messes.


Thanks in advance!

You can do this! You CAN weld it. I had about 3 hours of experience with a MIG welder using gas before I tackled this.

See THIS LINK POST #247. That's my truck. I used a patch cut from another 64-66 dash but vendors also sell the patch piece.

You CAN do this!

[Chevy Fleetside]

I swear it looks like he used a hammer and a chisel. Maybe an air chisel. The PO needs to be slapped. Repairing it the way TJ did might be your best bet, unless you can find a radio that will fit the hole and hide all that stuff. I cut my dash but I used a metal cutting blade and measured a few times..

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by ConradBSomething

So my truck's PO tried to cut the radio opening and did a terrible job of it.
I don't have near the skills to weld in a new section, and I'd hate to lose pin stripping on other parts of the dash, so I was wondering what other folks here did with there cut up messes.


Thanks in advance!

I know your PO pains lol mine did much worse to my dash for a stereo lol easiest way i fixed mine was to fix the cut straight useing a dremel tool and put in a 1 din trying to show you b4 and after pics . the last one is the final product of my fix it's not perfect but the beauty ring around the stereo hides any of the imperfections that were left from the cutting after applying paint it will look good enough you won't be able to tell. I was not the one who did all the cutting on the dash that was the previous owner I'd like to say he stopped there but he didn't my poor truck has been cut at the bottom of both doors simply because the moron dropped a tool down inside the door and couldn't fit his arm in to reach it. so Hey let's just cut a hole not in one door but both after screwing up the dash cut in the original spot for the radio the previous owner decided he'd cover that up with a piece of plastic and cut a new hole out of the ashtray spot lol. I firmly believe I have saved this truck even though I don't have the proper tools or enough money to do the job right I am going to screwin or pop rivet A piece of aluminum into the spot where the three holes are cut and put a clock in there to fix that spot the ashtray spot is going to have 3 gauges mounted In a aluminum patch panel to fix that spot it's the best and cheapest fix I can do I think when done it will look pretty good. so you see I understand all too well wanting to punch the previous owner in there head lol

[ConradBSomething]

Holy cow lug! You did an awesome job.
Wolfman, I thought My truck had it bad.... Yikes sorry man. You def made the best of it.

I don't plan on putting a radio back in for a while, but when I do I'd like it to be stock. Eventually I'll have to work up the nerve to do what Lug did, but for now I'm just trying to hide the hole.

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by ConradBSomething

Holy cow lug! You did an awesome job.
Wolfman, I thought My truck had it bad.... Yikes sorry man. You def made the best of it.

I don't plan on putting a radio back in for a while, but when I do I'd like it to be stock. Eventually I'll have to work up the nerve to do what Lug did, but for now I'm just trying to hide the hole.

for just hiding the hole go get you a piece of plastic then paint it the same color as your dash .. and get you some Velcro strips and Velcro it to the dash no extra screw holes that way and then only thing to deal with will be some adhesive. just a thought of a temp fix for now

[1963c-10]

On my fleetside, the PO drilled like 30 holes all over the dash, cut the speaker vent, dented the ashtray hole and of course the usual hack job on the radio hole.

I opted to just replace the entire dash with a nice unmolested donor to fix all the issues at one time.

They do make dash repair panels also that will fix your issue.

[paulspickupparts]

I am parting several 60-66 trucks and could cut a repair panel out.

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by paulspickupparts

I am parting several 60-66 trucks and could cut a repair panel out.

thats a really nice offer bud thanks but im on perm disability and dont have the extra cash right now even just for shipping .. so i have to stick with my cheap home made fixes for now but ty for the offer

[LDO]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

You can do this! You CAN weld it. I had about 3 hours of experience with a MIG welder using gas before I tackled this.

See THIS LINK POST #247. That's my truck. I used a patch cut from another 64-66 dash but vendors also sell the patch piece.

You CAN do this!

Great Job Lug!

[ConradBSomething]

I'm in the same position lug. Broke as a joke. Trying to make do. I like the Velcro plate temporary solution. May give that a shot

Hey Paul... Pm me about what that might cost if you don't mind.

Thanks

[LDO]

Check out post 61 of my build thread HERE

All it cost me was a 5 dollar piece of aluminum. Once I painted it the color of the dash, it was almost invisible...

[ConradBSomething]

LDO that looks awesome man. As does the rest of the truck.

[LDO]

Thanks,
I ended up buying the dash repair section the other day and gave this to a fella on one of the FB pages that needed one and was short on $$. Sent him a single din radio that fits in there as well. Hoping some of that good karma comes back my way LOL...

[LosBarberos]

I used a radio repair panel I found on line. Cut out the piece I needed , welded it , and now working body work to finalize and paint.

[ConradBSomething]

All guys braving the proper fix has got me thinking maybe I should try it.

[Joe Pass]

Take your time and repair it right, its something you will look at every time you drive the truck. I went with a radio delete plate look after the repair, good luck with your project.

[bj383ss]

So we almost have you convinced of welding in a patch. I did mine it was just like yours except mine only had one ear left. I bent the ear back in place. Straightened up and welded it. Then I cut a patch to fit the hole. At least I have the one hole to help make the other two holes for the original radio. Haven't bought one yet and haven't cut out the holes yet. I have very little welding experience except for restoring this truck. You can do it.

DSCN8670 by bjohnson388, on Flickr

DSCN8671 by bjohnson388, on Flickr

DSCN8687 by bjohnson388, on Flickr

[doobiebro]

radio holes I see are still there on your truck. How bout covering it up. I did this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=614582

[LDO]

Conrad,

I will gladly send you a donor section of dash for you to fix yours. It's not perfect but it should work nicely in your truck.

Just cover shipping and it's yours. I have 2 and only need one. Then you can post your repair here in your thread.

[ConradBSomething]

Bj- that's looks great, good job man.

Doobie- I bought that same delete off feeBay, and it didn't cover the damage by a long shot. Yours looks cool though, dig that silver.

LDO- that would be awesome man, I'd really appreciate it. Just tell me what you need for shipping and I'll get it to you.


I'm equal parts nervous and excited to try this out....

[Jim53066]

I had the same problem, although not quite as bad. I bought one of the vintage look radio's with a face plate that fits Karmen Gia, VW, and Porsche. It covered it just fine. (the wire you see is an aux. jack from the radio)

Jim

[LDO]

Originally Posted by ConradBSomething

Bj- that's looks great, good job man.

Doobie- I bought that same delete off feeBay, and it didn't cover the damage by a long shot. Yours looks cool though, dig that silver.

LDO- that would be awesome man, I'd really appreciate it. Just tell me what you need for shipping and I'll get it to you.


I'm equal parts nervous and excited to try this out....

No problem. I will try to find a box for it tomorrow after work!