cutting for radio

[coreys87]

Sure everyone has done it. But looking at new gauage clusters and when i get a new one and i have to cutout for my pioneer radio i just dont know the best wayto go about this? How have you guys done this? Thanks

 

[smurph20]

Use the trim ring from around the radio to make the rdges for the cuts you need to make.

 

[wildcatjason]

Use the trim ring from around the radio to make the rdges for the cuts you need to make.

I'll just add to this. I like to use a grinder with a cutoff wheel if you're not confident use a dremel with a cutoff.

 

[chengny]

I just did this recently modifying the plastic bezel wasn't too bad. But, enlarging the actual steel dash behind it and fabricating a support bracket was tough, much more labor intensive.

The trim ring on the head unit is the limiting dimension - it just barely fits in the recessed area. You need to get the lower right hand corner as tight to the bezel border as possible. When you get it positioned scribe the inside of the opening. You only want the opening to be as big as the actual head unit - the sleeve goes behind the bezel and gets bracketed to the dash frame.

On the bezel, I drilled the 4 corners and used a jig saw with a metal cutting blade to make the rough opening. Dial it in with a lot of filing.

The steel dash opening needs to be enlarged as well. I used an air powered high speed cut-off tool. Don't completely detach the pieces you cut out. Leave the bottom connected and bend it back in towards the fire wall - it helps support the head unit sleeve.

Here are some images of how close the fit is:

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[Guardian]

Hey chengny that looks good. I used the same process when I did mine and it worked well.

 

[HotRodPC]

That turned out great Jerry. I was going to suggest using a Sawzall, but that can get away from you in a big hurry then you cut to much. I like Jason's suggestion of using a Dremel with a small cut off wheel. I need to cut 2 of mine. I hate to since the metal and the bezel are still OEM. But, it's gotta be done so may as well just jump into it. I already have the Stereo's just a matter of installing them.

 

[bucket]

Don't completely detach the pieces you cut out. Leave the bottom connected and bend it back in towards the fire wall - it helps support the head unit sleeve.

This way will only work well if you make a support bracket (like you did). Without a support bracket, the head unit's sleeve needs those little tabs bent down right behind the face of the dash so the head unit stays tight and doesn't droop. If the dash metal is folded down, it gets in the way of those little tabs.

 

[89Suburban]

Just out of curiosity, I suppose the steel part of the dash radio opening is different pre-1988?

 

[HotRodPC]

Just out of curiosity, I suppose the steel part of the dash radio opening is different pre-1988?

Yep, the later years got a bigger stereo. You'd probably need a filler to use the single DIN stereo head unit.

 

[swagger]

I'll just add to this. I like to use a grinder with a cutoff wheel if you're not confident use a dremel with a cutoff.

Watch them sparks flying around
windows dont like spark showers. Lol