cutting opening for new radio

[oldopelguy]

Originally Posted by Dan-MI Second, anyone have a stock radio they want to unload cheap?

I have at least 6 almost NOS ones. By that I mean they were dealership pulls from fully loaded cars sold to people who cheaped-out and didn't want to pay for the radio. They piled up on the dealership's shelves, until the dealership finally got around to selling the whole lot of Opel stuff, to me.

FWIW, the AM/FM radios used in most Toyotas, Datsuns, and Mazdas from 78 through 84 usually fit the stock hole just fine. Some of the Toyota and Nissan ones have remote mounted cassette or 8-track players too. The Nissan ones in particular can often times been installed with the Opel chrome face over the top of it, making it almost undetectable as not origional. Further, in this day of the tiny portable MP3 players, there are a ton of options for FM modulators to transmit your favorite tunes onto even an old push button AM'FM, so they are less limiting than you might think. I had several of the stock ones and the AM/FM ones at Carlisle in 2004, and there seemed to be little interest so I just tossed them in a box somewhere. I'll do a little looking and see what I can round up if anyone is interested.

[ba_feitl]

No one has consisdered it yet but you could try talking to a place like Crutchfield. I checked online and surprise they didn't have Opel as a choice of vehicle but you can submit a form where you tell them your exact car and they will find whatever current setup will fit into your dash. Current audio without cutting

Crutchfield

Good luck...

Brad

[opelgtmaster3]

i used a fine toothed blade from a hack saw to cut the dash and used a dremall to smooth it out. im pretty good with car stereos so ask me if you have any questions

[Mike Preble]

I have a Manta with a dash that has never been cut for even an AM radio. I installed a modern radio just within reach behind the seat with a remote. This way I have a radio but you can't see and the dash is still a virgin. There are no cracks on the top of the dash, either. I am trying my best to keep it that way, too. I vote for not cutting a good dash as there are lotsa options out there for modern radios in stock or optional locations.
Good luck.

Mike

[opelspyder]

I measure the thickness of the rectangle on the instrument panel where the radio will go. Then I go to the electronic store, and try to locate one that is not very tall (measuring only the unit, not the surround) and try to find it in black so it doesn't stick out. I've had best luck with Kenwood CD player. Then I make the template and draw it on the panel. use a dremel or even small saw to rough out the edges. Then definitley use a file to meet up to the lines. I mount my stereo from behind with the metal strips usually provided with the stereo. I like the unit to fit real snub into the panel; it helps hold it in, and also makes you cuts look non-obvious. I like a factory look, without everything cut up. This leaves it clean. If you are buying a silver radio, keep in mind, it may cause an eye sore in your interior.
Keith

[EJprovost]

Originally Posted by nobody Out of 14 or so GTs I've seen 3 uncut dashes. It's like finding one with the shear bolts intact. After 30 plus years the chances get slimmer. I'd have to say Liz has a nice setup in the 73. Remote control CD in the back but an uncut working AM in the dash. I imagine if you ask she would post a pic. I forget who did it but it works good and no dash mods needed. Dean did a neat trick in the back too. Search engine works well if given a chance.

The remote controll is the secret, can push the buttons from anywhere in the car. I will post a pic if you want, and by the way I didn't forget who did it, how could you Dave! You sure did a fantastic job! Sure put a smile on my face when I heard my favorite CD booming. Looks good too!

[nobody]

Yes dear, I did yours the same as I did mine. That's why I knew the remote would be sweet.

[ZmokE]

Originally Posted by jerseyopel It's not. There are plenty of dashes out there that are still uncut so if you ever wanted one it would be available. BUT, if the dash is uncracked and you cut into it it would ruin a dash for someone who is restoring back to stock.

And i'm doing that...and it's hard to find a uncut dash...
If someone wants to cut into a good dash...please change it for one who's allready cut, which i have...