Radio/dash question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JoeKan · 06-24-2009, 11:15 PM

Hello to all,
On my 61 there is an aftermarket radio that one of the PO's had installed. I bought an original 61 AM radio to replace it because I'm wanting to restore it back to its original style. The bad/ugly news is that when he put the radio in, he cut the dash up to get the radio in. Do they make a plate or cover to hide this butchering job or will I have to buy a replacement dash (ash tray, heater, radio) and have it welded in?
Thanks for all the help,
Joe

TwiggyTheDrummer · 06-24-2009, 11:20 PM

You're going to need to get that part of the dash and have it welded in. Using a plate to cover it wouldn't work well and would now look stock with another head unit in there. Have someone weld it in and just smooth it out. Basically just shave it back to original.

**Captainfab** · 06-25-2009, 01:02 AM

You could use one of the patch panels that is made just for that, but you don't have to use the whole thing. Just cutout the butchered radio area and weld in just the new radio opening. That is assuming the ash tray and heater control areas are in good shape

vin63 · 06-25-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

You could use one of the patch panels that is made just for that, but you don't have to use the whole thing. Just cutout the butchered radio area and weld in just the new radio opening. That is assuming the ash tray and heater control areas are in good shape

X2...that's what I did. The PO of my truck did the same thing, and I also went back with the original radio. There is a patch panel being reproduced for the center of our dashes - includes the ashtray and heater control cutouts. I just used the radio mount section.

Here's a link to one: http://www.classicparts.com/1960-63-...ctinfo/44-176/

ol Curt · 06-25-2009, 05:42 PM

I just cut me a piece to fit over it. Cut out the areas for the radio and knob holes, painted it and bolted it up using the radio hardware. It seems to look ok and is functional.

I'll post a couple pics when I get home....oh here i found one at work. I had a piece of scrap metal. I suppose you could epoxy the piece on as well. It is thin enough it doesn't show too bad.

06-24-2009, 11:15 PM	#1
JoeKan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 707	Radio/dash question Hello to all, On my 61 there is an aftermarket radio that one of the PO's had installed. I bought an original 61 AM radio to replace it because I'm wanting to restore it back to its original style. The bad/ugly news is that when he put the radio in, he cut the dash up to get the radio in. Do they make a plate or cover to hide this butchering job or will I have to buy a replacement dash (ash tray, heater, radio) and have it welded in? Thanks for all the help, Joe

06-24-2009, 11:20 PM	#2
TwiggyTheDrummer Keep It Simple Stupid.. Nope.. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Live Oak, FL Posts: 665	Re: Radio/dash question You're going to need to get that part of the dash and have it welded in. Using a plate to cover it wouldn't work well and would now look stock with another head unit in there. Have someone weld it in and just smooth it out. Basically just shave it back to original. __________________ 1963 GMC SWB Fleetside in Sunburst Orange Metallic 305E V6 w/ Plaid VC, Powerglide, BOSS 313 20" Chrome Wheels, Kumho Ecsta STX 275/45/R20's, Alpine/Clarion System, Dynomax Exhaust Old custom classic trucks have soul. Their dashboards aren't plastic, and they've survived both the best and worst of what the 20th century had to offer. For the owners of these trucks, it's often the same story. Through both good and bad times they persevered, until one day they could turn the key and roll up in a customized truck everyone with good taste would admire. – Custom Classic Trucks

06-25-2009, 01:02 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: Radio/dash question You could use one of the patch panels that is made just for that, but you don't have to use the whole thing. Just cutout the butchered radio area and weld in just the new radio opening. That is assuming the ash tray and heater control areas are in good shape __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

06-25-2009, 05:42 PM	#5
ol Curt Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,247	Re: Radio/dash question I just cut me a piece to fit over it. Cut out the areas for the radio and knob holes, painted it and bolted it up using the radio hardware. It seems to look ok and is functional. I'll post a couple pics when I get home....oh here i found one at work. I had a piece of scrap metal. I suppose you could epoxy the piece on as well. It is thin enough it doesn't show too bad. Attached Images __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 Longbed I'm Bob....ol Curt was my Grandpa The truck was his and he sure as heck wouldn't understand why I took a perfectly good truck and tore it down! Last edited by ol Curt; 06-25-2009 at 05:44 PM.



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