Talk me out of cutting my dash

[WesN]

Put a stock am/fm in the dash open the glove box and mount whatever you want (CD Bluetooth etc.) in there. Years ago I had a job that included installation of alpine equipment and cut up many trucks to install the din mount, regret every one now.

 

[Snoots]

I've noticed that most people regret cutting their dash, eventually.

 

[elcamman50]

Does any company make a "patch panel" to repair the butchered area? I fabricated my own, but it would be nice to have something that is more stock looking. Biggest regret I ever made with my truck was cutting out the stock radio area. I am the original owner and should have known better.

 

[82sbshortbed]

I've noticed that most people regret cutting their dash, eventually.

Why? I've never understood this. Unless you are doing a full stock restore and everything has to be perfect. I don't see why it matters. Would it be a deal breaker when you were looking for a truck if they put in a MUCH BETTER radio and sound system?

Man I Would be bought that truck but, some idiot cut the dash and put in a CD deck. Said very few people ever. Lol

Guess I just don't get it. I could give zero ***** if the dash was cut or not. Because if mine wasn't cut(which it already is)I'd cut the MF myself without hesitation.

I'm not spending $300+ on a radio that fits in it uncut. When I can get a Kenwood deck with CD, mp3 CD, input for phone or other device,usb and Bluetooth with a remote for $100 brand new at Wal-Mart. Then you have money left for amp and speakers.

Guess it just matters how good of a sound system you want. I like a ******* loud one with plenty of clarity and bass but, that's just me. Lol

 

[bigcountry78]

Why? I've never understood this. Unless you are doing a full stock restore and everything has to be perfect. I don't see why it matters. Would it be a deal breaker when you were looking for a truck if they put in a MUCH BETTER radio and sound system?

Man I Would be bought that truck but, some idiot cut the dash and put in a CD deck. Said very few people ever. Lol

Guess I just don't get it. I could give zero ***** if the dash was cut or not. Because if mine wasn't cut(which it already is)I'd cut the MF myself without hesitation.

I'm not spending $300+ on a radio that fits in it uncut. When I can get a Kenwood deck with CD, mp3 CD, input for phone or other device,usb and Bluetooth with a remote for $100 brand new at Wal-Mart. Then you have money left for amp and speakers.

Guess it just matters how good of a sound system you want. I like a ******* loud one with plenty of clarity and bass but, that's just me. Lol

Different strokes I guess. Some may look at it and say, if he’ll cut up his dash, then how was the other work he did? Me personally, I like the way the factory built my truck. I like to add factory equipment. I like the way it all fits and works together. You don’t always get that with aftermarket stuff. Some folks also like the classic look. They may also decide to do a restoration down the road and then regret that they created more work for themselves.

 

[bigcountry78]

I've noticed that most people regret cutting their dash, eventually.

I’ve noticed that too. I also posted this question on Facebook, and out of 50 responses, 45 were to not cut it. Or they did and regret it.

 

[eskimomann209]

Different strokes I guess. Some may look at it and say, if he’ll cut up his dash, then how was the other work he did? Me personally, I like the way the factory built my truck. I like to add factory equipment. I like the way it all fits and works together. You don’t always get that with aftermarket stuff. Some folks also like the classic look. They may also decide to do a restoration down the road and then regret that they created more work for themselves.

I guess I look at it like this. If mine wasn’t cut. I might cut it. Since it was I have a flip out screen with some pretty nice phone compatibility and I love it. But I also wonder why cutting anything means poor workmanship? cutting a dash can be done and not mean that someone cut corners anywhere. 4 link coilover systems make the truck ride very nice. Cutting was involved. But not corners.


Nothing is forever. If i really wanted to replace it, I’d weld in a new piece anyway. Plenty of welding done to restore these trucks

 

[75Monza]

Only problem is that most of the dashes I've seen cut out were terribly butchered beyond actual din size so looked like **** afterwards. The key is to make it look like it was done by the factory. Very few people seem to take pride in any type of craftsmanship these days.

 

[Backfoot100]

Man I Would be bought that truck but, some idiot cut the dash and put in a CD deck. Said very few people ever. Lol

Guess I just don't get it. I could give zero ***** if the dash was cut or not. Because if mine wasn't cut(which it already is)I'd cut the MF myself without hesitation.

I feel you but purely from a devils advocate prospective, look at the amount of issues guys have on this forum purely from a wiring nightmare that PO's have done? Absolute wiring and hack job atrocities that guys try to wring out years, even decades after some ******** decided to just start cutting stuff out and splicing **** in. If somebody is willing to hack up the dash, which is in plain sight as soon as you hop in the drivers seat, what else did they completely destroy that's hidden????

That being said, if somebody took the time and patience to keep a stock look while still upgrading something, my first thought is they took the time to do it right and chances are much better those hidden gremlins don't exist.

Yes, it costs more money and time to do it right. I'd bet you spend ten times as much in money and time fixing other **** that a PO ****** up because hacking that dash apart was the easier, cheaper way out.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I say do what makes you happy that fits your budget.

For me, it’s aesthetics. I don’t think modern stereos look right in older vehicles— or modern looking bucket seats and steering wheels for that matter. I had power leather buckets in my truck when I bought it and pulled them out to put a beat up bench in it. However, I’m not bothered when I see a cut dash knowing I could weld in a patch no problem.

If I absolutely had to install a modern radio, I’d put it in the glove box.

The crazy thing to think about, is that you can get a 256GB thumb drive for $40 that’ll hold over 4000 hours of music.

 

[Snoots]

Most that I've seen that WERE CUT looked too much like a hack job.

Prove me wrong.

 

[80BrownK10]

Most that I've seen that WERE CUT looked too much like a hack job.

Prove me wrong.

Mine was hacked. A bit off centered, nothing really holds radio and it moves around due to hole being slightly larger. Sure I could make it not slide but as long as you don't switch channels like a gorilla it's fine.

 

[Rusty Nail]

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.

Srsly hi dollar knob.

that Alpine made me feen, you couldn't talk me out of runnin THAT for nothin!

 

[bigcountry78]

I feel you but purely from a devils advocate prospective, look at the amount of issues guys have on this forum purely from a wiring nightmare that PO's have done? Absolute wiring and hack job atrocities that guys try to wring out years, even decades after some ******** decided to just start cutting stuff out and splicing **** in. If somebody is willing to hack up the dash, which is in plain sight as soon as you hop in the drivers seat, what else did they completely destroy that's hidden????

That being said, if somebody took the time and patience to keep a stock look while still upgrading something, my first thought is they took the time to do it right and chances are much better those hidden gremlins don't exist.

Yes, it costs more money and time to do it right. I'd bet you spend ten times as much in money and time fixing other **** that a PO ****** up because hacking that dash apart was the easier, cheaper way out.

That’s what I was getting at, I just didn’t word it right I guess.

 

[75Monza]

Another option I've wanted to try is an overhead console. Here is one for a golf cart https://www.amazon.com/Madjax-Universal-Overhead-Stereo-Console/dp/B00O6AWXUU and one for a UTV https://www.amazon.com/ThunderBuckets-UNIVERSAL-OVERHEAD-CONSOLE-SPEAKERS/dp/B07B62Z48F .