Installing a new stereo in the dash...help please..

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grassy

grassy

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I was going to install our stereo in our console but it isn't going to be wide enough so it looks like I have to use the original location.

Can anyone give me some tips before I start cutting up the dash to make room ?


Thanks
Ian.
 
Measure twice, cut once! Should be pretty straight forward, easy for me to say my dash was already cut. Take the measurements from the cage that you are putting in and center them over the old radio holes. I would put down some masking tape to protect the dash a bit. Use a cut off wheel or small reciprocating saw. Good luck!
 
Have you thought about putting the stereo in the glovebox instead of cutting your dash?
 
I put mine in the glove box and use the remote control the stereo came with. Original am radio still in the dash. Truck speakers under the front seats.
 
Someday down the road the next owner that ride is going to be cursing you for cutting the dash......just like I am about the clown that cut the dash on our Fairlane.....oopsss....forgot, not supposed to voice opinions anymore.....Sorry.....
 
I-pod amp......Small and compact, easy to hide with a wired remote....prewired to add additional amp if needed.

Installed on my airboat......will be installing one in the cuda as well.

Make a cover plate for existing radio hole and mount the soft touch pad with the an I-pod mount.........simple & clean.
 

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My first Dart I installed the stereo under the dash in a nice under dash mounting kit. That way I wasn't messing up my dash. I was 13 then it was a 74 slant six dart. 20 years later I wouldn't be as worried about cutting the dash. I've been installing and selling car audio since that first Dart.
 
inkjunkie said:
Someday down the road the next owner that ride is going to be cursing you for cutting the dash......just like I am about the clown that cut the dash on our Fairlane.....oopsss....forgot, not supposed to voice opinions anymore.....Sorry.....
Click to expand...

Funny you should mention that. I curse the person that cut mine all the time. The radio bezel doesn't cover the bottom part of the hole they cut.

:banghead:
 
inkjunkie,

I don't mine different opinions or I wouldn't have asked. i don't like the thought of cutting the dash..thought the console I was building would be wide enough..

I am trolling for different options and my kids and I will go over them deciding what is do able or what will work.

What the kids want is a cd/mp3/stereo with a input plug...

I even thought about making the console wider but that will not work...

Thanks for all the help given...we appreciate it.

ian.
 
Well there is another option, but it would mean spending some cash. They do make modern stereos now with the retro look that would fit right into the opening and have the amenities you are looking for.
 
I bought a Pioneer unit that has CD / MP3 / USB & a whole bunch of other stuff I haven't used yet. I'm pretty sure it makes fresh coffee too LOL :coffee2:

It fits in the glovebox and my stock radio is still in the dash to keep the factory look. I purchased an IR adaptor that plugs into the rear of the deck and is mounted below the dash near the console. That adaptor allows the remote control to work without leaving the glovebox open and/or having to reach across the dash.

I can't find the pics right now, but will look or take some new ones if needed.
 
I always find it funny that people get all upset about cutting a hole for a stereo . But cutting out the whole dash for an aftermarket dash is cool . If your car is not a classic, collectors car,Cut away!
 
grassy said:
Yes...but it makes it hard to manipulate ...and the main driver of this car will be 18...
Click to expand...

That's what the remote is for. I made a wood backing for mine to fit the glove box, works great, closes up after you take the face off.
 
Roughly $20 in materials. Easy to build even has a extra glove box for storage. Cheap and effective and I didnt have to cut the dash up.
 

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I like the kicker option the best for people not wanting to modify the dash. It can be hidden no problem and they sound pretty good. They are reasonably priced too. I have a few other ideas but the price really begins to add up quick. Most decent stereos now come with remote controls which makes the glove box mount a little better option sound quality and features/options will be better with an aftermarket head unit than one of the hidden stereo jobs. And it will be less expensive.

It's been a couple of years since I looked into the hidden audio units but when I last looked they didn't have the features that I had come to expect for an aftermarket head unit.

I guess it all depends on budget and what best fits your needs.
 
wow...lots of great ideas..

Some are expensive and I have gone over budget this year so the wife is eying me closely...and I just want to get this on the road..

I actually am building a console..I am up to almost 60 bucks at the moment...but yours is much wider than mine....mine is 7.5 inches wide...that is dictated by the seats that I have,..

I am building a variant of this...

new%208-XL.jpg


The kids have said no to the glove box idea. I actually liked that idea..

The son thought that if I cut down the front of the console, the unit could be snugged in under the ash tray..

I see only 3 screws...anybody have experience installing under dash to this location ?

Thanks
Ian.
 
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