How hard would it be to change places

[Skunksmash]

What all would be involved in swapping the places of the radio, and the air conditioning control unit? (1987 model) Ever notice how bad of a spot the radio is in? I don't have the factory radio, i got a CD player, but you get the idea. When in "D" for drive, the handle bar for the shifter on an automatic perfectly covers up the face of the radio. Thow in the steering wheel, and you cant even see the radio at all without leaning to some awkward position. This is real inconvenient when you are driving an only have a second or two to look at the face and change the channel. But, you really dont use the AC control panel much. Mainly just the fan speed, and you can just feel for that one, easily. So if you could just switch their places, it would be waaaay easier to see the radio. How difficult would it be switch em, and make it look at least close to stock? Or somewhat like it is supposed to be that way?

[GoatBeard]

Though I haven't ever done it, I really don't think it'd be all that hard to do.  You can easily reroute the ductwork if you want it to come out the factory radio location.  There is plenty of room in the factory register location for a stereo.  As long as you have everything routed so it all goes back together easily and run some metal to reinforce your stereo mounting bracket, it shouldn't be all that hard.  Might just pay really close attention to how everything connects and maybe take some reference pictures just in case.  I think it's an excellent idea -- like you said, the factory radio is in a terrible spot. 

If you had buckets you could make a nice console with the stereo in it, too.

[78 Chevyrado]

The hardest part will be making the dash bezel look right.  The AC control hole isn't square except right at the faceplate  and is smaller than a DIN radio.  As far as remounting everything that would be relatively easy.

[Irish_Alley]

what about putting the radio were the vent is at that way you don't have to mess with any a/c crap and it would make it a little higher. and eather block off the duck work or reroute it to the radio spot

[Skunksmash]

The hardest part will be making the dash bezel look right.  The AC control hole isn't square except right at the faceplate  and is smaller than a DIN radio.  As far as remounting everything that would be relatively easy.

Yes but are the factory wires and cords that go to all this stuff, long enough to stretch to go to the new hole?

[Irish_Alley]

i know on my 94 and 89 with the radio about were the vent is on the 73-87 chevys you can keep your wrist resting on the shifter and change the radio right there with out moving your hand much