battsup

Just picked it up a few hours ago and i want to know how to cut the dash to install the deck.

Older Than Dirt

I used a Dremel tool to cut out mine.

78 Vette

This is what I did :thumbs:


[Modified by 78 Vette, 9:47 PM 3/8/2004]

battsup

alrite, but how would i mount the deck? and keep it from coming out?
o and wicked install 78vette :thumbs:


[Modified by battsup, 7:06 PM 3/8/2004]

78 Vette

Thanks
Not sure what you mean by the deck.

Older Than Dirt

You should have a front trim piece and a bracket hangar to adjust and hold up the back. That's about all holding it in , I think. Seems like mine had a chassis housing that locked the unit in place also. :confused:

Aflac

If you dont want to cut the outer bezel, vette works has a part made just for the DIN radios. Mid America also has one but you have to buy it with their radio. At least from what i saw in their last catalog. :seeya

Frankenvette

Here is what I did.... placed masking tape all the way around the existing radio mount area for the old original radio. Then I placed the new DIN unit up against that and traced it with a pencil to give me a rough opening template. I used a hacksaw blade (not the hacksaw itself, just the blade) to cut the plastic along the line I drew on the tape. I used my dremel to clean up the rough opening. I would test fit the radio and file the plastic as needed for a clean fit. The DIN unit inserted into a metal chassis and had metal tabs to lock it in place. I inserted the DIN unit into the chassis and made a rear mount with the included metal hanger. Pretty easy project and took about an hour.

page62

:iagree: Frankenvette did it right! A dremel makes the job a little quicker, but a hacksaw blade is an excellent tool for those on a budget.

For those who are providing feedback, remember the bezels on the 77-82 Vettes are cheap, black plastic, and they're flat to boot. Unlike the early C3's, it's a no-brainer to install a modern stereo (and they look like they belong there). Nobody ever regrets cutting their bezel -- even Paul67 did it to his '79 when he owned it!

battsup

I was thinking of purchasing this precut bezel but i think that it might be cut up too much, can anybody verify this?

Older Than Dirt

I wouldn't buy it, you can do a better job on the one you have. Just take your time. :yesnod:

page62

Cut up, cracked, dirty and disgusting. Cut the one you have. Like our Older Than Dirt friend says, take your time :yesnod:

weendoggy

I just cut mine and installed a new Blaupunkt CD/Radio. Take the DIN piece and make a template of the outline on paper. Put that up to your dash to see how much and where you'll need to cut. Cut the template and mark your dash to know where to cut.

You'll find that the opening is just about the right height and you'll end up cutting just to the edge of the "****" outlets. Trim the upper piece on the inside edge. You'll know what I mean when you see it. I used a single hacksaw blade and did it by hand and then "fine tuned" that with a good hasp and file.

Do test fits every so often to make sure you don't cut too much. Easier to cut more than try to replace.

Once the DIN hoder is in the dash, bend the tabs to keep it in place. Slide the radio in and make your mount in the rear to support it.

I did my entire install in two hours. Remove the passenger side tunnel carpet piece and that should do it.