Dash was cut for DIN radio

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John Reason

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When I bought the truck the dash was cut to accept a DIN radio. Want to install the RetroSound Hermosa Bluetooth unit. Do I need anything else to mount this radio? Didn't know if I need to rig something to make it work since the original dash was hacked up.
 

Michael Wood

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At least you can use a single DIN radio......mine isn't cut out and I don't know where to find a 2 post radio (without spending $300 on a vintage sound radio)

Maybe I'll just cut mine out also........
 

HotRodPC

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Unless you've seriously got a truck worthy of an all original OEM restoration, I'd cut it too.
 

yevgenievich

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Or weld in a piece from 89-91 suburban for 1.5 din radio
 

PrairieDrifter

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Thats my thought as well, unless you’re going for all original, and old school. It’s not a hack job if you take your time and do it right, and you get a modern head unit with higher outputs and many more accessories and options. Also for a lot cheaper than the original fit modern head units. Shouldn’t have to pay 400 dollars to get good sound, a good 100 some dollar kenwood and a 10 dollar install kit is worth it for me.

I like to think my install came out pretty good

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PrairieDrifter

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But to answer your question, if your dash was cut to accept a modern single din radio, a two post radio or modern replacement will not work without replacing metal.
 

SquareRoot

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I just cut mine using the $10 Metra install kit. Use the template to mark the opening. This is what it will look like. I used a Dremel with a cutoff wheel to keep the edges clean and square. The kit has a black textured faceplate that virtually blends in perfectly with the OEM bezel.
No regrets! It's not a resto and I prefer some modern features. The bluetooth feature and blue backlighting goes great with the Dakota Digital dash I'm currently installing.

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Michael Wood

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Unless you've seriously got a truck worthy of an all original OEM restoration, I'd cut it too.

Bwaahaaaa! Have you seen my truck?!?!

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Actually I plan on fixing it up slowly, new doors, fenders, hood and interior.
Already painted the bed and it looks 110% better & fixed tool box doors
 

SquareRoot

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Vasectomies are sacrilegious IMO...but, worth it in the end.
 

MikeB

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I cut my dash and used Metra kit #87-99-3052 to install an older model (but new in box) Alpine DIN radio that a buddy gave me. If I could do it over again, I'd go with a base model Retosound shaft radio. DIN radios made in the past 15 years have way too many buttons, and tiny ones at that. Couple that with the radio being down low and partially hidden by the steering wheel, means it's not very easy to use while driving.

Also, with the dash panel being recessed where the radio is mounted, it was not an easy modification/installation, especially getting the DIN sleeve secured. And I've installed lots of aftermarket radios over the years. For those of you thinking about doing it, I suggest you don't.

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