Stereo suggestions for minor cuts in dash

[nibls66]

The previous owner cut just enough out of the dash to fit their old radio in. I'd like to return it to stock-ish or at least one of the cheapo retrosound or classic car radios.
I'm not planning on welding up patch panels for these two smaller pieces but I certainly don't want to cut out the rest of the radio dash are to fit a larger stereo. Anyone have any experience with the retro radios and would they possibly do a good job of covering up those missing chunks?
thanks!

[darrellyates]

I am not sure if it would cover or not. Here is a picture of my dash with a RetroSound radio. I used the patch panel in the dash, and it works great!

You might be able to put the optional chrome outer on the RetroSound, I've seen that on other posts here and it looks good. I would say you can make it work without patching the dash, just be sure you secure the radio good from the back.

Good Luck!!

[dmjlambert]

If you should become interested in patching it, you may not need a patch panel. An old school body shop or a friend who welds may be able to make quick work of welding a couple of small pieces of scrap metal there. It may be inexpensive.
Or, a sheet metal shop may be able to cut a plate, or a couple of matching plates, with main and knob holes for your new stereo, and you can sandwich them in front and behind the recessed part of the cut dash.

[Killer Bee]

look for an old shaft style radio kit with faceplate that will cover that area..

been a while since I installed one of these, but might want to verify shaft spacing or look for adjustable shafts..

here's a few ebay listings of vintage offerings and there's some retro styles listed that include faceplates..

all depends what you're willing to spend, good luck!

old style radio AM/FM 12 volt shaft mount
$75.00 Free Shipping



New! Roadmaster RS1200C AM/FM cassette 2 shaft stereo car radio Sealed package
$45.00 + $12.62 Shipping





Vtg UNISEF AM-FM RADIO & CASSETTE Car Stereo Adjustable Shafts Classic Car Nos!
$49.99 + $12.95 Shipping

[bill3rail]

Originally Posted by nibls66

The previous owner cut just enough out of the dash to fit their old radio in. I'd like to return it to stock-ish or at least one of the cheapo retrosound or classic car radios.
I'm not planning on welding up patch panels for these two smaller pieces but I certainly don't want to cut out the rest of the radio dash are to fit a larger stereo. Anyone have any experience with the retro radios and would they possibly do a good job of covering up those missing chunks?
thanks!

The strange thing is those radio knobs may have been able to be moved towards the outside to make both knobs fit in the factory holes.

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Or, a sheet metal shop may be able to cut a plate, or a couple of matching plates, with main and knob holes for your new stereo, and you can sandwich them in front and behind the recessed part of the cut dash.

This sounds good.

Bill

[dagnabbitt]

If it was mine, I'd get a delete plate for that hole, and then put a stereo in the glove box.

[67 chevelle]

retrosound is an excellent radio , stay far away from custom autosound

[nibls66]

Awesome. Thanks for the suggestions! I rarely ever have the radio turned on because I'd rather listen to the 396 rumble but that radio no longer works and has to go. I appreciate the responses!

[beaterku]

I used the "faceplate" that came with the Retorsound to cover up the cut dash in my truck. It's a lot more chrome that I was looking for, but it does the job.

[Redneck Rydes]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

If it was mine, I'd get a delete plate for that hole, and then put a stereo in the glove box.

I did exactly that with mine.

[Overdriven]

If you don’t want to weld, get the patch panel and cut it up to fit in the radio recess. It’ll cover the holes and fit in the recess really well since it has the same shape. A cheaper option is LMC has a trim plate for radios, chrome or black for painting to suit. Check in their catalogue on the same page as the aftermarket radios.

[HO455]

I had this plate made to cover my chopped dash and reinstall a factory radio. The full story in the WMB thread below page 12.

[darrellyates]

HO455: that repair looks really, really nice...

I like the way it turned out, and no welding/painting!!!

Good Job! I love it when people are smarter than I am!

D.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by darrellyates

HO455: that repair looks really, really nice...

I like the way it turned out, and no welding/painting!!!

Good Job! I love it when people are smarter than I am!

D.

Thanks. It helps to have friends with tools like laser cutters!