Jay M

Well I think that I've decided not to be affraid to cut the dash.

I want to install an XM ready CD player radio. The radio I have now is Custom autosound piece of junk that is on it's last legs. I bought the car to drive and enjoy, so as long as I can make it look good I don't think cutting up the console is that big of a deal.



So how can I make it look good?

I'll need to cut a big rectangle, but how do I compensate for the curve in the console?

Please post pictures if you have any.

I'm open to any advice you have.

BTW- I have the Sony XM reciever, it's not very good, but the service is outstanding! I'll never listen to FM again. The best part is that the antenna works in the area behind the seats, so it doesn't need to be mounted on the surface of the car:)

Thanks,
~Jay

Black68Vette

I dunno, I kinda like the little sony shark fin stuck on the middle of the t-top bar.. then again, my car is black, and I never ride it with the t-tops in...

So far as compensating for the curve, the answer is don't worry about it. All the modern DIN size radios come with a metal "shell" that slides into the hole, plus the plastic surround that goes on top. The shell has foldable tabs at varying lengths from the front, so you'll get a good grip on the console face, and the plastic surround should mostly cover up the little bit that would be sticking forward of the console face.

Although actually since it is a 68, you might be best off finding a used 69-72 face, and cut that one... the 68 face is worth twice what one of those are (just in case you want to be able to sell it as original style someday, with that autosound radio)


[Modified by Black68Vette, 8:44 PM 3/22/2002]

tshort

Here's the whole you will need to cut.

Unfortunately I can't say I did it myself. To make it look right and cover up the edges, you need to either buy or make a faceplate to fit the curve and give the head unit a flat edge to mount to. I'll try to take a picture of mine this afternoon and post it. You may be able to buy one of them at a stereo shop, if not, you could make it out of a piece of aluminum. When it's all said and done, it looks really smooth. Unfortunately my radio is out right now and I can't provide any pics of what the finished product looks like. But there are a few other guys here on the forum that have done the exact same thing and should be able to provide some pics.
I had a spare gauge console and I cut up the one that wasn't in as good of shape. So if I want to go back to original (I still have the original style radio) I can switch it out. Sorry for the large pic.


[Modified by tshort, 9:07 PM 3/22/2002]

tshort

Take a look at this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=262653 . Vettedan has the same setup as mine with a blaupunkt.


[Modified by tshort, 9:15 PM 3/22/2002]

Jay M

Thanks,
Those are a big help!

Is the '69 different than the '69-'72?

Vettedan had a great idea- find a console that is already cut:) I thought of buying an Ecklers console Glad I asked for help!!

If the '69-'72 is different, will it and gauges still fit in my car?

Thanks,
~Jay

JimBRO

Haven't done the work yet, but all parts are bought. Got a good deal on e-bay for a new center console (factory GM original) and bought the face plate from http://www.aius.net/ (part number FP-306). Looks like it should work. Putting a Pioneer head unit in and infinity speakers in the kicks. Waiting for spring to rock and roll.

JimBRO

Terrys69coupe

I just cut mine out last weekend for a alpine cd player that part # is right .You still have to cut the plastic out on the back side .But thats nothing compared to the metal you will cut .I used a rotozip it seemed to cut the best .Kept breakin cut off wheels with my dremel. If you where smart you'd trade some one that already cut theirs and wants a orginal one back .Plus some cash of course.I'd post on forsale board probable make a couple of bucks.

Black68Vette

By golly Jay, no the 69 isnt different than the 69-72, but the 68 sure as hell is!! Be proud of that one year car, no matter how much more you pay for parts! Anyhow, the only actual difference is that the 69-72 gauge face plate is textured (like their shifter console is as well), but in 68 it is flat. However Ecklers and everyone else pretty much charge $300 for a brand new 68, and $150 for 69-72... You do the math. The console plate around the shifter? CAN'T get a 68 one anywhere unless you find it used. 69-72? available easy for around $100.. Funny really, my car was "bubba'd", some :conehead put a 77 interior in it. I've had to claw and fight to get 68 parts to put in it at a reasonable price (can we say hello ebay?). So yeah, check ebay for one, or post a wtb in the forum here for a 69-72 gauge console face, and save your rare 68 one.

Matt Gruber

Jay
what do you mean the Sony is not very good?
i plan to get on for my house, DRN-xm01H, WILL I BE DISAPPOINTED?

mrvette

Personally, I would not bother cutting the dash...just fit something in with an external input, and supply a portable device....CD or MP3 player....to plug in source....no CD's to have stolen...no players to loose....

no smashed windows, slashed tops...messed up dashes....

GENE

Jay M

The Sony has a few big problems:
1- The display is practially unreadable. No matter how I adjust the brightness and contrast it doesn't help. In a dark room if you look directly at it you can see it. In the Convertible while wearing sunglasses and trying to drive, it is nearly impossible to read. It does have a Memo button so I can look at the info when it's safe.

2- The line out is little 1/8" jack the comes loose if you touch it

3- It has a noisey fan. it's not bad in the car, but in the house it will drive you nuts!

4- It is more difficult to mount than you might think. There is a wheel on top that you need access to. For ease of use it should be mounted on the dash board, BUT NOT ON MY CAR! I think a pedistal like people use for portible cd players may work well.

5- Only 5 presets for 100 channels! That combined with the bad display make it hard to get to all the channels I'd be interested in.

But it is the only choice for inside the house now. And the reception works well even on the ground floor. HOWEVER- When I use the 2.4 gigahertz cordless phone it blocks the XM signal! I guess if I put the antenna in the attic they may not be a problem.

I tried out the Pioneer today, but I don't like the user interface. There are only 8 characters for song title, which isn't nearly enough. I guess I'll reconsider the Alpine$$.

---Thanks for the idea to buy a pre-cut '69 console. I found one for $50- Is that a good deal?

Thanks,
~Jay

Jay M

Personally, I would not bother cutting the dash...just fit something in with an external input, and supply a portable device....CD or MP3 player....to plug in source....no CD's to have stolen...no players to loose....
no smashed windows, slashed tops...messed up dashes....

GENE


That was my first idea. But portable devices seem a little difficult to use while driving. Plus the XM reciever doesn't have a Volume ****. And it would be nice to also have XM, Radio and CD all in one device.

It is nice that as it is now I don't have to worry about anyone stealing the crappy radio, though sometimes I wish they would;)

Thanks,
~Jay

Paul 75 L82

First no big deal to cut out, use a Dremel tool with a small cutting wheel. If you want to change sometime just buy a new frame for $120. Go to my web site and see my CD player.

Dave84/76

Jay, if you need the dash kit and can not find one locally, i sell them and could ship to you. If you need one, e-mail me or call me at the shop. (770)925-7003.

Jay M

Thanks Dave,

What's included in the dash kit? Is the part I see metal or plastic?

Thanks,
~Jay

Matt Gruber

Jay
Thanks for the info.
THE FAN worries me.
A fan in a radio! must be a few morons at sony :crazy:

Black68Vette

Just for the house? or for the car too? I've got one in the car (normally sits in my Aztek).. I agree with what jay said on it, but do add that other than a head unit / reciever with XM built in, its currently the best bet for home XM.

Black68Vette

How much?

Matt Gruber

for a sirius radio i found a tuner with:
1. no fan
2. remote control
3. 15 pre-sets
4. RCA output- not that FM modulated crap
5. $229
only problem is sirius is available only in 4 states so far, so i have to wait a few...
6. sirius is 100% commercial free@12.95/mo

GrandSportC3

When you cut your console - just make sure that you don't cut too much.
I cut out a little less and then used a file to make it a perfect fit!

Olivier