Radio install in my 81

[Armor]

hey all i just installed my sony ipod deck in my truck and thought id share how i got it to work.

first i laid out on my new bezel where i wanted the radio to sit, i chose to raise it up a tiny bit so the top covers the area that the origional square was, leaving the rest below it unseen




after double and triple checking it in the truck to make sure its perfect, the slow cutting with a small dremel bit began. because i didnt want it to look all hacked up i took my time and checked with the radio trim bezel through out the cutting.

when i was done i had 2 pieces of radio knob surround off and a bit of trimming behind the bezel to make it flat also, but it was perfect on the bench for a dry fit



next i had to make a bracket for the dash as the PO ruined it with 2 horizontal cuts and folded back steel, it was a train wreak, so using the post from JackJeckel757(great idea champ!), i made a bracket that worked great. its more finished then this step, but this is to get the main idea. just to showcase multiple checking, the black outline was my first check, the red is when i actually screwed the bezel in properly and redrew it, that was close lol



finished product, looks great, only the gap below the radio that you dont even notice, and no visible cuts outside of the radio trim ring. the noe pic that looks like a cut above the radio is dirt that i didnt clean off for the pic, but you get the idea.



all in all great mini project that took me away from my power window and lock install while i was planning that out, and really matches the interior perfectly. i hated cutting the new bezel, but im very pleased with the results.

morgan

[76k104x4]

Looks awesome

[78 Chevyrado]

Looks Good!

[bake74]

     Great job, always appreciate someone who takes the time to do it right.

[sonicbluezx3]

Looks very good! I have that problem with the dash on my new cab... someone cut it up and now I have to fab a bracket to make the radio fit. Going to try to find the post you used... unless you have a link handy?

[ehjorten]

You know Metra makes kits for this type of thing.  You get a metal piece to reinforce the dash and a textured piece of plastic to cover-up the larger holes in the plastic part where the old tw0-post stereo went.  It is a pretty inexpensive kit for our 3rd gen trucks and looks factory after the install.  I did it on my '77 when I installed the Pioneer DIN stereo with the iPod and Bluetooth.  Gonna update the Crew Cab soon too with a new stereo.

[sonicbluezx3]

You know Metra makes kits for this type of thing.  You get a metal piece to reinforce the dash and a textured piece of plastic to cover-up the larger holes in the plastic part where the old tw0-post stereo went.  It is a pretty inexpensive kit for our 3rd gen trucks and looks factory after the install.  I did it on my '77 when I installed the Pioneer DIN stereo with the iPod and Bluetooth.  Gonna update the Crew Cab soon too with a new stereo.

Do you have a link or a kit number? That sounds like a good idea if it isn't too much money.

[ehjorten]

www.installer.com

#87-99-3052

http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=87-99-3052

[Dirty Offio]

AWESOME!!!  Love the job you did on this one!!

[Linville33]

What did you use for a 12v accessory? I can't seem to find the one in my truck

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk

[Engineer]

Since this topic pops up fairly regularly one of these threads should be made a sticky, or placed in the tech section.

The OE GM two post radio is so passé. Many people want to upgrade to a DIN chassis, so tech on it should readily be available.

[Captkaos]

Ask and you shall receive:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=27645.0

[Engineer]

Ask and you shall receive:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=27645.0