cut the dash or not??
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
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cut the dash or not??
I am looking for ideas on how to install a modern stereo into my 79 without cutting the dash as the truck is in near original condition, and the interior is near perfect. Please give me ideas, my thoughts are to build a center hump console and install it in there. Thanks for the input. Thomas
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
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From: Rockport, WA
Now you have me scratching my head. I helped a buddy install a radio in another friend's '76 F250. I can't recall if we did much cutting on her original dash. I do recall we got some heavy plastic, and I cut out two pieces that sandwiched on either side of her dash material, making an opening of the correct size to insert the DIN standard carrier for the radio we were installing.
If I understand the primary problem, it's that the original radio was not DIN standard size.
Have you checked with Crutchfield?
Are you just installing a radio/CD player? Or is there more stuff to put into the cab? I know if you have a bench seat like me, you may not want to clutter up the cab with a lot of stuff. If you have buckets a console might look good. And things like CD changer and amplifier can always be hidden.
Good luck with the project.
Lane
If I understand the primary problem, it's that the original radio was not DIN standard size.
Have you checked with Crutchfield?
Are you just installing a radio/CD player? Or is there more stuff to put into the cab? I know if you have a bench seat like me, you may not want to clutter up the cab with a lot of stuff. If you have buckets a console might look good. And things like CD changer and amplifier can always be hidden.
Good luck with the project.
Lane
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
You can either hand it under the dash, or put it in the glovebox. The plastic dash piece will have to be cut to put in the original position. You can bend the metal piece that also mounts the heater controls out of the way too.
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Freshman User
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I am wanting to install a cd player and the original radio is the dual post design. If it is just plastic I dont mind cutting it but if there is a metal backer I dont want to cut it. We have all seen pictures of the l 57 chevy pickups and someone has hacked a hole for a modern stereo. I can tolerate it in a chevy but not my blue oval.. Check my gallery I am waiting for my truck to arrive as I just purchased it and it hasnt been delivered yet. Thank you for the continued input
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 851
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From: Elkton, MD
lmc truck sells radios that mount in the original position, no cutting at all, and have a cd player that is remote mounted, like a 10 disk changer or something like that, it looks like it came in the truck.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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The radio half of the metal plate that holds the heater controls has to almost be cut completely out, also the dash bezel has to have the original radio opening cut out as well. Other locations not mentioned yet are above windshield, build whole enclosure for stereo, speakers over headead etc. or under seats. I have seen both done.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Pensacola, FL
jc whitney had a deal that would let you install it overhead, dont know if they still have it though
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: southwest pa
i had a setup in y cutlass where the radio was in the glovebox. no cutting or anything incolved. i didnt listen to the radio in that car so i just pulled it out. ended up being a waste of money but the setup was pretty cool.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 421
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From: Canyon Lake Texas
Worked for me
This worked for me in my 63. Stereo and speakers overhead, shown before any upholstery. The AC took up ant room behind the dash, so options were limited.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...oy/F100007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...oy/F100007.jpg
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Waco, TX
Mine was cut to accommodate the DIN CD player when I bought it, and although original is nice, it ain't as nice as being able to pop a CD in whenever I get the urge. Hard to do that with a remote CD changer.
Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 4
From: Montana
I put an underdash mounting kit in mine. The kit fit perfectly under the ash tray. The mounting kit only cost me $16 and was easy to install. I fabricated a bracket for the back of the kit so it mounts solidly to the firewall. My new Kenwood looks and sounds great and I didn't have to cut any holes in my dash.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
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From: Terre Haute, Indiana
My advice is if you are not wanting to cut your dash, go to your local wrecking yard and purchase a heater/radio mounting bracket and another bezel/trim plate, there are still parts available that have not been hacked on yet, I have a complete set in my garage, make your cuts on that one and when you want to sell just put your other one back in,
It will require some cutting, one of the responses you received suggested
cutting some plastic panels to go in front and behind your bezel, this works great and the plastic can be purchased at most custom car audio shops,
it will require a little time and you may want to get a little extra to practice with. Abs is fairly easy to work with it usually comes in a 12"x12" sheet about 1/8" thick.
The shop I used to work for did plenty of older vehicles, 70's fords were much better to do than 70' chevy's, and looked better when finished.
A small dremel style tool works really well when shaping the edges, it can be done and look like a factory install when your done, also it will help to use a backstrap to help support the weight of your radio, and will also make it a LITTLE more difficult to a steal.
It will require some cutting, one of the responses you received suggested
cutting some plastic panels to go in front and behind your bezel, this works great and the plastic can be purchased at most custom car audio shops,
it will require a little time and you may want to get a little extra to practice with. Abs is fairly easy to work with it usually comes in a 12"x12" sheet about 1/8" thick.
The shop I used to work for did plenty of older vehicles, 70's fords were much better to do than 70' chevy's, and looked better when finished.
A small dremel style tool works really well when shaping the edges, it can be done and look like a factory install when your done, also it will help to use a backstrap to help support the weight of your radio, and will also make it a LITTLE more difficult to a steal.