What's the best way to go about cutting out the dash factory radio hole (in a 2nd gen) so as to be able to install a CD player (no knobs) radio in it? I have several ideas about how to go about this mod, but only 1 dash (if you get my drift).

Thanks!

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- Michael ('78 Z28)

your new cd player should have a template or a frame you can put up against your plastic and scribe a line around to cut out.I did it and it turned out well.I was like you very nervous not having done any work like that before. I will try to get pictures soon for you to see.I have the flip face on mine when off so it looks like a radio delete plate when not in use.

I just picked up a beautiful Panasonic 583U yesterday and got a free Sirius with it from Circuit City. There was already a DIN whole cut out...guess the din dimensions are available everywhere....I just bought two 6X9 rear deck speakers...Pioneer..$100 installed, and I'm so damn happy with the results...even tho I had to go back today to have them run a fuse and wire to the acc input..evidently the wiring/fusebox on this '78 Z left a bit to be disired...but now I can use the acc switch, instead of having to turn the ignition on....and it's a 4X50, altho in this tiny coupe, they suggested only a couple on the rear deck...and they DO handle alot of power...
I might add another two speakers up front somewheres, but it just sounds so good now...a great unit with a big multipurpose knob and buttons. I'm happy...I would think if someone installed yours...or you...could just take the dimensions of the DIN hole and the unit would fit perfectly, knobs or not.

Double, I don't think you quite understood the question. LOL!

Anyways, I have a CD player from Pioneer already. Thus I know what diminsions I need. It's more the technique of how to cut the plastic that I'm worried about. This isn't something I can afford to "hack-up".... I want it to look clean and neat.

I have a dremel tool with the small cutting discs... I'm just worried about being able to keep control of the cutting disk (ie. staying within the lines). I don't think a keyhole saw would do a fine enough job of cutting (and it'd take a long time, and the in-and-out motion might cause the plastic to crack), though a small X-Acto saw might be useful for cutting out those corners.... I dunno. This is why I'm asking BEFORE I start cutting, though. ;-)


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- Michael ('78 Z28)

I would use a bandsaw to cut the CD player so it fits the dash http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

Seriously. Don't forget that in 5 years, that CD Player will be junk that you can't give away for free, and an unmolested Camaro will be fast rising in price. Keep that in mind when you modify.

I would be inclined to agree with Gary S. As much as I've always wanted a CD player in my car, I just couldn't bring myself to do something as irreversable as a cutting a hole in the dash. Have you ever considered getting a shaft-mount (ie, with knobs) stereo with inputs for a trunk-mounted CD changer? Or you could just use an FM modulator with your existing radio.

Just my two cents though, it's your car...

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I feel nothin', I feel it all the time...
I feel nothin', and I'm doin' just fine...
-Fu Manchu

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Michael211:
I have a dremel tool with the small cutting discs... I'm just worried about being able to keep control of the cutting disk (ie. staying within the lines). </font>

I had the same fears, but tried it and it worked out fine using the dremel tool. If you've got the flexible extension, use it - otherwise you'll run into clearance problems.

a hacksaw works fine, and if concerned about the originality, you can get an aftermarket panel, and cut that

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Yahoo messenger ID archemedes74 feel free to add me
Give blood play hockey!

The plastic seems to be a piece of "nothing".
I bought this Z with the big rectangle cut into it for a DIN installation. How hard can that be, with a Dreml, a hacksaw, a Black & Decker Sabre....a boyscout knife...
Soo...it was done already to mine... who knows, but the Shadow "do", in these pulse-gringding circumstances...just DO IT!! and suffer the consequences...or..punt!

[This message has been edited by DOUBLETROUBLE (edited October 15, 2003).]

Michael, I have an extra lower dash with the din size hole already cut. I assume it's the right size, but I haven't checked. The hole looks good and everything else looks good. It's gray in color. If you want it, just let me know, and all you have to pay is shipping. A lot of people on ebay charge shipping an handling and that could mean just about any price, but I just want what it'll take for UPS to deliver it to your door. E-mail me if you want it with your address and zip and I'll tell you what it'll cost.

I appreciate the offer, Als78z28. But for the time being, I'm going to try to work with what I got. ;-)

I appreciate the other comments too.... I don't have the flexible extension for the Dremel so I guess I'll have to stop in at Walmart and get one of those.

I'm not that concerned about "originality" as much as simply doing things *right*. My car has already had an entire roof transplant after all (from hardtop to T-Top) and I've added aftermarket (Dakota Digital) cruise control, power windows and locks, and a 700R4 tranny.

Thus, this car only has real value to me at this point most likely, since it's far from original. My only goal is that it look good and function as well as factory original if not better. :-)

Thanks!



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- Michael ('78 Z28)

I put mine in the glovebox.

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i just used a hacksaw blade.cut to the inside of your lines so not to over cut.you can always go back and remove a little bit of material at a time.
second i had no trouble with cracking as i cut.if you check my pics one of them show my interior with my deck.

I used a jigsaw and cut waaaay inside the lines. Then I got a flat plastic file and filed it down to the lines. Keep trying to fit the little cd player holding thing in. You have a little bit of leeway, the cd faceplate will cover up some small mistakes.

They make a handle that holds just one end of a hacksaw blade. That's what I used. Get a blade with fine teeth and you won't crack the dash.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Als78z28:
Michael, I have an extra lower dash with the din size hole already cut. I assume it's the right size, but I haven't checked. The hole looks good and everything else looks good. It's gray in color. If you want it, just let me know, and all you have to pay is shipping. A lot of people on ebay charge shipping an handling and that could mean just about any price, but I just want what it'll take for UPS to deliver it to your door. E-mail me if you want it with your address and zip and I'll tell you what it'll cost.</font>
I am in the same situation, not wanting to hack a perfectly good dash. If the offer stands for anyone, I could use an extra. zip 11756 http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif



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Steve. 74 orig owner
383, Comp 280, Sportsman II, HD TH350, 3:42 posi, 4wdisc, 12:1 box, IAS, headers, true-dual w/H-pipe. All new susp/bushings.
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Long Island Phantom Hockey -23-

Hcky, sure, I'll send you an e-mail also. A friend told me that if a package weighs less than a pound, then 2 or 3 day priority mail costs $4.50 anywhere in US. I'll send it to you if you give me your address. Wait until you get the dash, and if it's what you were expecting, then send me $4 or $5 for shipping. I bought the part for the vent, so it won't have a vent, just the dash section. It'll keep you from cutting up yours.

Here's something else to try, just be careful! I've used an old utility knife and a propane torch. Heat up the blade until it gets red hot and then cut the dash while it's still hot. If you marked the line beforehand (duh!) you shouldn't have any problems other than trying to cut for too long after the blade cools. Heat it up again to continue until you're through. Just remember to keep the torch outside the car pointed away from the vehicle!!

[Blatent self-promoting plug to swapmeet section on] Other option is to use a Custom Autosound radio with a changer control. [/Blatent self-promoting plug to swapmeet section off]

I bought a shaft mount Kenwood to keep from hacking up the dash. Or so I thought.... Stupid early design wide shaft spacing!
I still had to butcher the shaft openings and file out the center opening a little bit. I think I would have been better off buying a repop lower dash as a spare and installing a normal stereo.

OSU76LT, check to make sure you can't adjust the shafts. Alot of shaft units had two positions of adjustment,wide and narrow. I guess it won't matter now, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

If there was an adjustment, it was well hidden, and the instructions didn't mention any either. Not that the instructions really mentioned much of anything.......