Dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68gmcjon · 06-25-2002, 01:37 PM

What would be better cut dash to put a radio in or put it under the dash?

Low69CST · 06-25-2002, 01:41 PM

It would be easier to cut the dash than to fab something up to install one under the dash. However, it would be much easier to wire it up with sitting right there at the bottom of the dash.

O'l Buck · 06-25-2002, 01:48 PM

i cut mine in the old cab....sometimes wish i hadn't, but it is the best place for a radio IMO.........on the new cab, i'm going to use a polished alluminum chanel under the dash to mount the radio in so i don't have to cut this one.

Big69C20 Toy · 06-25-2002, 01:53 PM

this is an age old debate. you coudl fab something under your dash or put one in the glove box. i've got a 'classic remake' so it fits in the stock position and everything but is am/fm/cassette. not much power (16X4) but that's what i've got my amp for.
best of luck with it

68gmcjon · 06-25-2002, 01:53 PM

That's what my neighbor suggested i do was build a brushed alluminum box to hold the radio and some cd's. I like the idea.

Low69CST · 06-25-2002, 02:05 PM

I should have mentioned this before. I'm putting mine in the glovebox. But I hate to cut up my nice cab. I also think it would help the value having an AM-FM. Glove box is a long way away, but i'm getting an MP3 player with a remote.

WORNBRAKES · 06-25-2002, 02:07 PM

My dash was already cut so I used that. I have an orig am in the garage that I would have liked to install for looks. The hard thing I found was a good place for speakers to go. I built a consol out of 1/4'' pine for the speakers. You could aso mount a stereo in it and it would detour any prospective thiefs.(most don't want an am radio)lol I will attach some pics to give you an idea.
Mario

bigvinnie · 06-25-2002, 02:16 PM

it's really a matter of personal preference..... if you want a newer DIN style deck then you'll have to cut, but you can still get shaft style decks with all the bells and whistles without having to cut....

what I did was put an original AM radio in the dash and hide my deck under the bench seat, within reach, and learn to operate it using the braille method and/or a remote, makes it look like there's nothing to steal... so my cd changer, amp, and deck are outa sight and people are always amazed at how much quality sound I can get out of a stock radio...

68 with 350 TPI · 06-25-2002, 03:08 PM

Please put it in or under the dash...

Someone wanted the radio pretty bad in my truck and messed up my dash while they got it .
Im having to replace my intire dash to fix the 12 inch gapping hole that they left me

Plus the dash is welded in so its not like you can just unbolt it and throw in another.

Oh well what goes around comes around

Paul Clark · 06-25-2002, 03:49 PM

"but you can still get shaft style decks with all the bells and whistles"
Where? What kind? CD or just cassette?
Thanks

bigvinnie · 06-25-2002, 04:03 PM

check out this thread for some ideas....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=stereo

here's the link to custom autosound...

http://www.custom-autosound.com/

Longhorn Man · 06-25-2002, 04:45 PM

The glove box is a long way from the drivers seat, I would not adise this onles you get a remote controlled unit.
I just cut my dash up. I have yet to regret it too.

Longhorn Man · 06-25-2002, 04:47 PM

Just be real carefull, I would rather have to trim it again than have a hole that is a hair too big.
Here it is with a stereo in it.

WORNBRAKES · 06-25-2002, 04:56 PM

If by chance you cut out to much, You can use trim around it to make it fit nice.

Longhorn Man · 06-25-2002, 05:39 PM

oops, forgot the pic.
It's a crappy pic, but I'm too lazy to get another pic...besides, my digi-cam is out of film.

colohusker · 06-25-2002, 07:00 PM

Hate it when I'm out of digi-film! I won't be cutting my dash until next year, at least if I stay to the budget that I lined out, but I'll definitely be putting in a DIN sized receiver.

68gmcjon · 06-25-2002, 11:08 PM

Thanks for all the great comments guys!

barn9 · 06-26-2002, 10:40 AM

Custom Autosound makes nice units to fit. I've got one in my truck, come over and look at it since you're here in Winfield. Get in touch with me at 2114, leave a message if I'm not in the house. As far as I'm concerned, cutting the dash is out of the question, all that accomplishes is ruining the dash.

chevyman 68 C/10 · 06-26-2002, 11:07 PM

Put it in your dash. You can always weld it back up, but I bet you never want to put it back.

Project1970 · 06-26-2002, 11:17 PM

Wornbrakes - that's exactly what mine looks like, with the exception of the fact that mine also has one allen-head screw on either side to hold the plate to the dash (locknut on the other side). It really works well and looks good, IMO. Plus, it probably makes it a bit harder to steal - they tried to steal my stereo once, didn't get it, and instead of bending up my dash in the process (like they did my neighbor's '69) they just scratched the aluminum plate a small amount. Some spraypaint on the plate again, rebent the strap that holds the back of the stereo to the truck, pushed it all back in, and nobody's tried since.

Paul Clark · 06-27-2002, 01:26 AM

Way back when CB radios were the "in" thing, a friend of my dad's installed one in his truck. He super-glued double edged razor blades all over the back of it. Someone tried to steal it. He knew that 'cause there was blood all over the carpet.
Guess if you try this with your stereo you should probably tell the audio guy about it before he tries to work on it.

06-25-2002, 01:37 PM	#1
68gmcjon Got earplugs? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Winfield, Kansas Posts: 556	Dash What would be better cut dash to put a radio in or put it under the dash?

06-25-2002, 01:41 PM	#2
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	It would be easier to cut the dash than to fab something up to install one under the dash. However, it would be much easier to wire it up with sitting right there at the bottom of the dash. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-25-2002, 01:48 PM	#3
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	i cut mine in the old cab....sometimes wish i hadn't, but it is the best place for a radio IMO.........on the new cab, i'm going to use a polished alluminum chanel under the dash to mount the radio in so i don't have to cut this one. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

06-25-2002, 01:53 PM	#4
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	this is an age old debate. you coudl fab something under your dash or put one in the glove box. i've got a 'classic remake' so it fits in the stock position and everything but is am/fm/cassette. not much power (16X4) but that's what i've got my amp for. best of luck with it __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

06-25-2002, 02:05 PM	#6
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I should have mentioned this before. I'm putting mine in the glovebox. But I hate to cut up my nice cab. I also think it would help the value having an AM-FM. Glove box is a long way away, but i'm getting an MP3 player with a remote. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-25-2002, 02:07 PM	#7
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	My dash was already cut so I used that. I have an orig am in the garage that I would have liked to install for looks. The hard thing I found was a good place for speakers to go. I built a consol out of 1/4'' pine for the speakers. You could aso mount a stereo in it and it would detour any prospective thiefs.(most don't want an am radio)lol I will attach some pics to give you an idea. Mario Attached Images __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

06-25-2002, 02:16 PM	#8
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	it's really a matter of personal preference..... if you want a newer DIN style deck then you'll have to cut, but you can still get shaft style decks with all the bells and whistles without having to cut.... what I did was put an original AM radio in the dash and hide my deck under the bench seat, within reach, and learn to operate it using the braille method and/or a remote, makes it look like there's nothing to steal... so my cd changer, amp, and deck are outa sight and people are always amazed at how much quality sound I can get out of a stock radio... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

06-25-2002, 03:08 PM	#9
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	Please put it in or under the dash... Someone wanted the radio pretty bad in my truck and messed up my dash while they got it . Im having to replace my intire dash to fix the 12 inch gapping hole that they left me Plus the dash is welded in so its not like you can just unbolt it and throw in another. Oh well what goes around comes around __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

06-25-2002, 03:49 PM	#10
Paul Clark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Center Point, IA Posts: 502	"but you can still get shaft style decks with all the bells and whistles" Where? What kind? CD or just cassette? Thanks

06-25-2002, 04:03 PM	#11
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	check out this thread for some ideas.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=stereo here's the link to custom autosound... http://www.custom-autosound.com/ __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

06-25-2002, 04:45 PM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The glove box is a long way from the drivers seat, I would not adise this onles you get a remote controlled unit. I just cut my dash up. I have yet to regret it too. Attached Images

06-25-2002, 04:47 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Just be real carefull, I would rather have to trim it again than have a hole that is a hair too big. Here it is with a stereo in it.

06-25-2002, 04:56 PM	#14
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	If by chance you cut out to much, You can use trim around it to make it fit nice. Attached Images __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

06-25-2002, 05:39 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	oops, forgot the pic. It's a crappy pic, but I'm too lazy to get another pic...besides, my digi-cam is out of film. Attached Images

06-25-2002, 07:00 PM	#16
colohusker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 436	Hate it when I'm out of digi-film! I won't be cutting my dash until next year, at least if I stay to the budget that I lined out, but I'll definitely be putting in a DIN sized receiver. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ 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



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06-25-2002, 11:08 PM	#17
68gmcjon Got earplugs? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Winfield, Kansas Posts: 556	Thanks for all the great comments guys!

06-26-2002, 10:40 AM	#18
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Custom Autosound makes nice units to fit. I've got one in my truck, come over and look at it since you're here in Winfield. Get in touch with me at 2114, leave a message if I'm not in the house. As far as I'm concerned, cutting the dash is out of the question, all that accomplishes is ruining the dash. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-26-2002, 11:07 PM	#19
chevyman 68 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gilmer, Texas USA Posts: 313	Put it in your dash. You can always weld it back up, but I bet you never want to put it back. __________________ 69 Chevy short fleet side soon to have LT1 and 4L60E pb. ps cruise and air. 68 Chevy short fleet side 400 sb 5 inch chop top pb. ps. pw. 350 auto and shaved handles 68 anniversary no engine long wheel base 400 auto FOR SALE 68 Chevy fleet side long wheel base complete parts truck.

06-26-2002, 11:17 PM	#20
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Wornbrakes - that's exactly what mine looks like, with the exception of the fact that mine also has one allen-head screw on either side to hold the plate to the dash (locknut on the other side). It really works well and looks good, IMO. Plus, it probably makes it a bit harder to steal - they tried to steal my stereo once, didn't get it, and instead of bending up my dash in the process (like they did my neighbor's '69) they just scratched the aluminum plate a small amount. Some spraypaint on the plate again, rebent the strap that holds the back of the stereo to the truck, pushed it all back in, and nobody's tried since. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

06-27-2002, 01:26 AM	#21
Paul Clark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Center Point, IA Posts: 502	Way back when CB radios were the "in" thing, a friend of my dad's installed one in his truck. He super-glued double edged razor blades all over the back of it. Someone tried to steal it. He knew that 'cause there was blood all over the carpet. Guess if you try this with your stereo you should probably tell the audio guy about it before he tries to work on it.

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