Talk me out of cutting my dash

Cut the dash?


  • Total voters
    45

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,390
Reaction score
28,166
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
Personally, I wouldn't cut it.

What's the chances of knobs from other aftermarket radios fitting?

Also, do they still make CD changers that you just tune your radio to a certain frequency? I've got those in both of my Suburbans and like them.
 

Blue Ox

Turning Diesel Fuel Into Fun
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Posts
5,197
Reaction score
11,943
Location
LI-NY
First Name
Derek
Truck Year
MCMLXXXV
Truck Model
K20HD
Engine Size
6.2L
Oh yea there are alternative methods I guess. I have a dual brand tape deck that has an auxiliary input but I hate having the cord strung out. I also really like how this one has a digital readout and presets. The other one does any have either, it’s very basic. I did an eBay search but the only two on there are listed for parts or repair. One is $55 and one is $120. That a lot for a knob lol. If I could find a replacement knob I would probably just keep this one.

If it doesn't have to be exactly original I'm willing to be you can find some acceptable knobs.

They're probably all made to a similar standard so as bucket suggested there's probably something out there that will work.

You'll need dimensions, but maybe try electronics supply houses like Newark.

https://www.newark.com/c/fasteners-mechanical/knobs-accessories/knobs?shaft-type=round-shaft
 

bigcountry78

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Posts
3,678
Reaction score
8,806
Location
Hickory, North Carolina
First Name
James
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
I don’t care if it’s original, as long as I can find 2 that match. The shaft has a notch in the end, the knob has a metal clip that fits into that notch. As long as it’s built similar it should work. I have a couple old radios, I’ll have to check on that. As far as a cd changer that tunes to a frequency, I don’t know. My dad had one several years ago that I think worked that way. But it didn’t work very well lol.
 
Last edited:

Frankenchevy

Proverbs 16:18
Joined
Jan 3, 2018
Posts
6,076
Reaction score
7,743
Location
USA
First Name
Jeremy
Truck Year
Square
Truck Model
CUCV
Engine Size
Small
I need a radio, but I don’t have any speakers to hook it to—so I haven’t bought one. I would buy some speakers, but I don’t have a radio yet.

Some day
 

CoggedBelt75

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2010
Posts
40,076
Reaction score
164,908
Location
Oklahoma
First Name
Joe
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
383
I guess I’ll be in the minority and say go for it. It’s not like it’s fully restored. You’ve already stated you’re not selling. If you did, leave the player in. IMO, how much are you going to lose if you did sell somewhere down the road? Just my thoughts.
 

HotRodPC

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Posts
47,128
Reaction score
9,299
Location
OKC, OK
First Name
HotRod
Truck Year
85 K20 LWB
Truck Model
Silverado
Engine Size
454 - Turbo 400 - 3.73
I just wish my trucks were cut already. Then I wouldn't have to make this decision. I've got 2 nice Pioneer Super Tuner lll s. I don't know who uses CD's anymore though. These Pioneers I have, both have input jacks, 1 also a USB. I've converted all my CD's to MP3s and will just plug in an MP3 player or my phone or tablet. I don't I'll be cutting my dash to install them though. :shrug:
 

bigcountry78

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Posts
3,678
Reaction score
8,806
Location
Hickory, North Carolina
First Name
James
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
Well I was able to find some temporary knobs in my pile of radios. I have 8 radios and two have knobs lol. They’re ugly but they work. And y’all have talked me into keeping the knob radio. The more I think about it, the less excited I get about cutting my dash up.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Craig 85

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Posts
3,914
Reaction score
4,115
Location
Nashville, TN
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K30 SRW
Engine Size
454/TH-400/NP205
I recently installed a Retrosound radio in my truck. It has similar styled radio shafts as yours. They have knobs in a variety of styles and colors. A little pricey though at $40.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,057
Posts
948,514
Members
36,124
Latest member
dabsRus420
Top