Need to replace the radio/instrument bezel in my 1970. Have read several posts about cutting the radio slot for a more modern radio. How hard it this to do and what tools would i use?

pretty easy..

just take the template from the radio if it has one or there will be a rectangular box that slides over the casing. Use this to draw a line. then use a dremel to cut the hole. cut on the inside on the line.. its easier to open it up more than it is to cover up a hole thats too big.

Check out our DIN Radio bezel to give this mod a clean look.

http://www.vettespecialties.com

Alex
Vette Specialties

Ah ya, the hack saw blade and file, my favorite tools, you know they make a new after market bezel that allows you to install a am-fm-cd player all in one in the stock location, they offer different make players and bezel somewhere around $500.and the bezel looks right,how come they didn't have it last year?!

From Vette Specialties the bezel kit is $65.00 for the DIY crowd, and the complete small gauge bezel modified for the DIN radio range from $130.00 to $249.00, depending on year. Avialable for 1968-1982 Corvette.

Alex

http://www.vettespecialties.com/simplecatalog/ez_catalog_display.asp?CategoryID=262 to see the bezels in the on-line catalog.

cthulhu said: pretty easy.. just take the template from the radio if it has one or there will be a rectangular box that slides over the casing. Use this to draw a line. then use a dremel to cut the hole. cut on the inside on the line.. its easier to open it up more than it is to cover up a hole thats too big.

I measured the size of the radio and marked this out on the back of my bezel. I then used a jigsaw and cut this out to fit the radio. After I cut it out the hole was too small so I filed the areas where it was too tight. Now the radio fits in nice and tight. chtulhu said it correctly, it is easier to cut it too small and make it fit, if you cut it too big the first time, you can't make the hole smaller. Just take your time and you will be alright.

I bought my stereo on ebay and took it to a local stereo shop and had them install it for $35.00 its looks perfect and they have a lot of experance cutting up cars plus if they screw-up they have to buy a new benzel. Its a small price to pay for insuance and its done right. I also had the put some 5 1/4 speakers in the kickpanels this was a great improvement in sound in the front of the car.

|UPDATED|7/24/2004 8:47:21 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Don't cut up a good original bezel! Unbroken bezels are becoming hard to find. The bezel is unique for 69-71.

The seat belt button and warning cut outs are unique to those years.

A perfect piece may go for at least as much as the DIN bezel from Alex.

If your bezel is perfect, I will buy you the DIN bezel from Alex in exchange for yours.

You can e-mail me at bogp9@aol.com



Bill