Repairing Radio Cutout

[67RS/SSx2]

I am looking at a 72 C20 that a previous owner enlarged the original radio cutout to accommodate a later model radio. I HATE THAT! So...is there a reasonable way to return that to original?

I believe one could get an original patch from a donor truck, weld it in, and repaint to match original. However, that is beyond my skill set and I expect would be very expensive to have a body shop do.

So is there hope???

Thanks!

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by 67RS/SSx2

I am looking at a 72 C20 that a previous owner enlarged the original radio cutout to accommodate a later model radio. I HATE THAT! So...is there a reasonable way to return that to original?

I believe one could get an original patch from a donor truck, weld it in, and repaint to match original. However, that is beyond my skill set and I expect would be very expensive to have a body shop do.

So is there hope???

Thanks!

Welding that patch is easier than you might think, if you have a little welder and some patience. If you have neither, I would get such a patch as you suggest - sometimes available on our parts board - and take it to a professional welder, not a bodyshop.

Then I would buy the correct paint from an automotive paint shop - have them put it in a rattle can for you - tape off the dash, and spray it myself.

[pjmoreland]

This thread has some photos and an explanation of a good way to cut a patch panel.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=823465

My truck had a butchered dash when I bought it. I replaced my entire dash by drilling out the spot welds in the window opening. This required removal of the windshield. I have good enough welding skills to fill in spot welds, but I didn't trust myself to weld in a patch panel to my satisfaction. I wanted to do the work myself, so that's why I did it this way. Welding in a patch panel would definitely be way easier for someone with the right skills.

[bob arrington]

brothers truck, LMC, and others sell radio restoration panels and with some of the bonding supplies available now, jbweld etc. they can be installed without welding and with permanant results. hope this helps

[jaros44sr]

Got pics? Maybe a radio delete cover will work to hide the mess

[cj847]

Welding and repainting is a big job on an already running/driving truck. For me I made 3 patch panels. One from aluminum, one from wood, and one from ABS. I ended up using the ABS piece as I don't have woodgrain Cheyenne interior. For <$5 it was a reasonable solution for me.

[bob arrington]

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1967-...tinfo/DFRP072/
i didn't use it, my project isn't a restoration but here's a link. They also sell a single din repair surround that I did use that made the butchered hole look factory. https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1967-...tinfo/BRB6772/ Both are a bit spendy but if you want a pro look and dont have pro skills are money well spent, imho

[Southcity]

Below is a link to one of my post's for a low-cost do-it-yourself radio delete. It could be used as a temp solution if you decide to patch/weld your dash in the future or even as a permanent solution if you are happy with the look/results.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=655585

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by 67RS/SSx2

I am looking at a 72 C20 that a previous owner enlarged the original radio cutout to accommodate a later model radio. I HATE THAT! So...is there a reasonable way to return that to original?

I believe one could get an original patch from a donor truck, weld it in, and repaint to match original. However, that is beyond my skill set and I expect would be very expensive to have a body shop do.

So is there hope???

Thanks!

If you haven't bought the truck yet make sure you deduct $1,500. - $2,000. from the price because that's about what it would cost to have a body shop repair it back to the way it should be . Sure you can cover it up to look decent and install a later model radio but that's not repaired it's patched and the price of the truck should match the condition .Post a picture of the truck

[body bolt]

Originally Posted by cj847

Welding and repainting is a big job on an already running/driving truck. For me I made 3 patch panels. One from aluminum, one from wood, and one from ABS. I ended up using the ABS piece as I don't have woodgrain Cheyenne interior. For <$5 it was a reasonable solution for me.

That turned out well.

[fun in dirt]

Originally Posted by cj847

Welding and repainting is a big job on an already running/driving truck. For me I made 3 patch panels. One from aluminum, one from wood, and one from ABS. I ended up using the ABS piece as I don't have woodgrain Cheyenne interior. For <$5 it was a reasonable solution for me.

I did this same thing w the black plastic & worked great!
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120ABS...ra-ABS316.html
Take your time cutting it slowly with a jigsaw or it melts & gums up the kerf, but can sand/file edges to smooth it all off slick.

[Peanut74]

Well as others have shown there are some quick, easy options that will work. It all depends on how far you want to take it. For me I cut a patch out of a donor truck. The patch I cut was just around the radio opening of the donor and welding it in. My welding skills are not the best so it took a long time to get it to look right.

IF I were to do it again I would cut out the donor patch as shown by the blue tape in the pic. The reason for such a large patch is that 80 to 90% of the welding is hidden. This would allow for the welding that doesn't look the best to hidden, be so much faster than the way I did it, and be a lot cheaper.
That's my experience anyway. Keep us posted as to what you decide to do.

NOTE: Please disregard the blue tape by the ignition switch. That marks a small paint touch up I need to do. The ignition switch decided to give me a had time when I went to install it.

[72c20customcamper]

Since the OP said back to original abs isnt going to help . OP you have one options buy a patch panel . I chose to make this to mount an original type radio I made it on it on a plasma cutter I planned on just using panel adhesive. Never got around to it though so the din is still in the truck. Made from heavy gage stainless.