CD player installation question - Please help!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
CD player installation question - Please help!!!
UPDATE - check page 2 for an update with PICS
Hello everyone,
I am currently in the process of installing a cd player in my 68 vette. I have removed the gauge cluster bezel and I am stuck!
Here is my question for you. What is the easiest way to cut the bezel? The thing is made out of metal and it does not seem like an easy thing to do. I have a very limited tool selection. I know that companies make new bezels, but the 1968 version is $250 (if you know of a place that is at least $150 cheaper, let me know) and I would rather just cut mine and save the cash. (It has already been slightly modified (drilled) to fit an aftermarket tape player, so it is worthless anyway) I have seen loads of people change over to an in-dash (din sized) cd unit, how did you guys go about doing it? Are there any tricks? All suggestions welcome!!
Thanks,
Joe
Hello everyone,
I am currently in the process of installing a cd player in my 68 vette. I have removed the gauge cluster bezel and I am stuck!
Here is my question for you. What is the easiest way to cut the bezel? The thing is made out of metal and it does not seem like an easy thing to do. I have a very limited tool selection. I know that companies make new bezels, but the 1968 version is $250 (if you know of a place that is at least $150 cheaper, let me know) and I would rather just cut mine and save the cash. (It has already been slightly modified (drilled) to fit an aftermarket tape player, so it is worthless anyway) I have seen loads of people change over to an in-dash (din sized) cd unit, how did you guys go about doing it? Are there any tricks? All suggestions welcome!!
Thanks,
Joe
Last edited by 68coupe; Feb 16, 2005 at 10:23 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Originally Posted by NC C3
Sounds like the job for a dremel tool to me. They only cost about 50 bucks and the uses are endless!! good luck
Thats how I did and with a small hacksaw. You can get a plastic cover sort of thing that goes over the installation that really cleans it up also. I ordered it from somewhere in Georgia at the suggestion of someone on the forum.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
I used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut most of it and finished (the corners) with a hacksaw. You can find a cheapo angle grinder for $20.
I recommend you get the plastic cover plate as it really cleans up the installation.
I recommend you get the plastic cover plate as it really cleans up the installation.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
Originally Posted by R. Bruno
Thats how I did and with a small hacksaw. You can get a plastic cover sort of thing that goes over the installation that really cleans it up also. I ordered it from somewhere in Georgia at the suggestion of someone on the forum.
Thanks for your help,
Joe
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
Originally Posted by mrtroutjedi
I used a sawzall on the bench
Was it a messy cut? Hard to control?
Did you just put it in the vice and go at it?
I thought about using that, but I thought it would be to difficult with the confined space.
Thanks,
Joe
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
Jigsaw?
What about a jigsaw with a blade made for metal cutting. I think that tool would be easier to control than a sawzall and has the characteristics to cut in the confined space.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Joe
What do you think?
Thanks,
Joe
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: Valencia (near LA) CA
Originally Posted by 68coupe
Hello everyone,
I am currently in the process of installing a cd player in my 68 vette. I have removed the gauge cluster bezel and I am stuck!
Here is my question for you. What is the easiest way to cut the bezel?
Thanks,
Joe
I am currently in the process of installing a cd player in my 68 vette. I have removed the gauge cluster bezel and I am stuck!
Here is my question for you. What is the easiest way to cut the bezel?
Thanks,
Joe
those are unique and expensive to replace if you ever decide to go back to stock.
I would call some corvette junk yards and find a bezel that has already been cut. A used cut bezel is only $50. I you really don't care about your bezel, then sell it for $200 (assuming it isn't broken) and buy a used pre-cut bezel.
~Jay
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
Originally Posted by Jay M
I wouldn't cut a '68 bezel!!!
those are unique and expensive to replace if you ever decide to go back to stock.
I would call some corvette junk yards and find a bezel that has already been cut. A used cut bezel is only $50. I you really don't care about your bezel, then sell it for $200 (assuming it isn't broken) and buy a used pre-cut bezel.
~Jay
those are unique and expensive to replace if you ever decide to go back to stock.
I would call some corvette junk yards and find a bezel that has already been cut. A used cut bezel is only $50. I you really don't care about your bezel, then sell it for $200 (assuming it isn't broken) and buy a used pre-cut bezel.
~Jay
Thanks for the suggestion but the bezel is broken in half and it has already been cut to fit an aftermarket tape player. I know how tough they are to come by. I wish it was in good shape, but it is really kind of a piece of junk.
Thanks,
Joe
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
What about a jigsaw with a blade made for metal cutting. I think that tool would be easier to control than a sawzall and has the characteristics to cut in the confined space.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I used a jigsaw and a metal blade to cut mine. I also used a file to make the final fit nice and tight for the cd player. Not too bad. Just mark out your pattern to cut by on the back of the bezel and have at it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Boston MA
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
I used a jigsaw and a metal blade to cut mine. I also used a file to make the final fit nice and tight for the cd player. Not too bad. Just mark out your pattern to cut by on the back of the bezel and have at it.
I gett the cd player on Wednesday, I will start working on it then. I will post some pictures of the progress.
Thanks,
Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 814
Likes: 2
From: WESTLAKE LA
Originally Posted by BreauxBridgeKid
I used a Dremel and use the carbon fiber wheel....takes a while to get it exact but not hard just painstaking. Definatly doable alone. Good luck.
Paul
Paul
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Originally Posted by 68coupe
What about a jigsaw with a blade made for metal cutting. I think that tool would be easier to control than a sawzall and has the characteristics to cut in the confined space.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Joe
What do you think?
Thanks,
Joe
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
I am in the middle of doing thi myself. I used an air grinder with a cut-off wheel and it worked great. Radio install
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Eagle WI
I also used an air grinder with cut off wheel. I made my own bezel out of sheet steel. Made a pattern, cut out, bent all the sides, then welded. It fits into the hole I cut into the original bezel, and is screwed in from the backside. Very solid. Of course, after all that, I found the ready made version was available! Here's a pic:
BTW: Next interior project for me will be replacing the missing seat belt warning switch & refurbishing console & dash panels! Also, if you are using pre-outs to an amp, I found some cables with right angle connectors helped the close fit at back of head unit / heater.
BTW: Next interior project for me will be replacing the missing seat belt warning switch & refurbishing console & dash panels! Also, if you are using pre-outs to an amp, I found some cables with right angle connectors helped the close fit at back of head unit / heater.
