Dash is cut need advice

[Mmorgan32]

So the 80 year old man who was the original owner cut the dash to install a CD player because he thought it would sell better. What can I do? I don't have a welder or a friend who does so a patch panel is out of the question right now. I would just leave it how it is but its not a CD player it just has an iPod hook up which don't work. Does anyone offer a bezel or something so I can put a retro or original stereo in? Can y'all post some pictures of your setup?

[sduckworth13]

If you have a rivet gun and sheetmetal it's a easy fix. I fixed mine that way and I have a welder.

[snipescastle2]

most restoration companies, I.E. LMC or Classic parts of America, Brother's trucks all have patch panels to repair the dash openings for the radio area.....like this:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=76

HTH,
Ben

[Mmorgan32]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

most restoration companies, I.E. LMC or Classic parts of America, Brother's trucks all have patch panels to repair the dash openings for the radio area.....like this:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=76

HTH,
Ben

I don't have a welder though that's the best Robles with a patch panel

[Mmorgan32]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

If you have a rivet gun and sheetmetal it's a easy fix. I fixed mine that way and I have a welder.

That sounds cool can you post a picture

[sduckworth13]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...549651&page=45 Post #1768

[sduckworth13]

Next

[sduckworth13]

I had to make my brace to fit this aftermarket radio. The PO installed a huge AC vent where the radio once was. If you contact randy (teeitup) he sells the radio patch for a clean look.

[sduckworth13]

Next one

[sduckworth13]

Riveted in.

[Mmorgan32]

Thanks man

[JimGreg72]

When I was young and stupid, I cut my dash to put in a cd player. Now I want to go back to an original looking radio. So I have been searching through the forum for posts on the subject, looking for solutions. Ideally, what I was looking for was a face/mounting plate to fit over the original radio and cover up the hack job. Surprisingly, none of the threads I looked at indicated the existence of such a thing even though there were plenty of folks who were looking for just that. After much searching on the internet, I found something that looks like it may work on the LMC website. It is Part number 38-8585. It’s made by Retro Sound. It’s part of the install kit for the radio they make which is designed to fit our trucks. I ordered one so we’ll see how it works.

[Zeroman]

There is a Build Thread for Bruce88's awesome truck. He has a great fix for the cut dash if you have a donor dash.....Post #236 on Page 10

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...318544&page=10

[JimGreg72]

Thanks Zoroman,
I took a look at Bruces Post. I'm aware of this option, and while it's probably the best solution, It's way more heartburn than what I want to get into. I'm hoping the face plate will do the trick. I wish somebody made one with studs on the back so it could be mounted to the dash.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I installed one of these:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...um+radio+bezel

HOWEVER, the guy that's selling them hasn't had any board activity since October, so don't get your hopes up too high, but you can send him a PM and see what happens.

[OregonNed]

You might PM or check with BigBlock68 on this forum - every time I go to his store (Chevy Metal) I see one in his main display case. Rick is a great guy and vendor on here.

[OregonNed]

Originally Posted by OregonNed

You might PM or check with BigBlock68 on this forum - every time I go to his store (Chevy Metal) I see one in his main display case. Rick is a great guy and vendor on here.

That is - the billet bezel plate mentioned above ---

[demian5]

Put a bluetooth alpine in it and call it a day.

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by demian5

Put a bluetooth alpine in it and call it a day.

Or whatever brand you prefer. You can make a panel that goes between the radio sleeve and the dash. The sleeve will hold it in place when you bend the retainers up so you don't have to actually rivet it in place. Then support the rear. I don't regret cutting mine, or my Jimmy's I cut in '89 or the 70 Sierra Grande I sold.

(this pic's glare makes it look a little sloppy, but it looks excellent in the real world. LOL)

[jocko]

the bezels in the upper left of the page may be a solution without welding. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=89

I've seen a nice chrome one floating around but can't remember if it was ebay or what - I'll eventually remember and post it... Similar to the two above, but chrome and beefier.

[Andy4639]

I just finished installing this in a 56 Chevy Bel Air and a 64 SS Impala. Very nice radio. Put the single din in it and forget it. The cutting of the dash is BS I have never seen a truck are car for sell that didn't because the dash was cut. Its just BS. Put the really good tunes in and enjoy your ride.

[cherokeejohn]

I agree with Andy on the too, I have never seen a vehicle not sell because the dash was cut for better tunes. pick yourself something nice out of the Crutchfield catalog and ROCK OUT! I cut mine a week after I bought it and the doors too for some good 6x9s. I'm working on a console that holds a 10" sub to go from under the dash to the seat. also to house my control panel of switches and CUP HOLDERS!. I love old cars and trucks but the two qualities they lack are good soudsystems and cup holders

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...549651&page=45 Post #1768

This series of pictures looks interesting. Can you please tell more? The link does not open for me, it just goes to a page that says "Invalid Thread specified"

Is that a bracket you made or somebody is selling them? Do you put something on the front to cover up the rivets?

[JimGreg72]

That din stile face plate is nice looking, but that’s not the direction I want to go. I already have a din stile radio installed now. I hate the way it looks, I hate the way it sounds (probably not the best quality unit) and I hate the way I can’t see the display when the sun is shining on it.
I want to go back to a radio that looks similar to the one that originally came with our trucks. There are a handful of manufacturers out there that are making radios that look like the original but with modern electronics. I’m leaning toward one made by “RetroSound.” Looks like their face plate will cover up the hack job. Anyone out there have one of these? If so, what do you think?

[jocko]

Not sure how the din style discussion started - op stated in post #1 he wanted to have a retro or original look.

There are many ways to get a great sound system without hacking the dash or sawing the doors. If it aint cut, don't cut it - it's simply not necessary with today's stereo technology. And, yes, I have 1 truck with a din setup, and it looks like it's all hacked up, as most (not all) installs like this tend to. Will be returning it to stock, with the door panels, at some point, undoing the chainsaw massacre that someone thought was a good idea.