1981 Toyota 4x4 dash modification

russtri · 09-30-2009, 12:48 PM

I am wanting to put in a older model Nakamichi pull out stereo into my 1981 4x4 truck. I know some mods. will have to be done. I currently have a stock stereo and the stock cassette right above it. I will be having to cut the plastic dash. What is the best way to do this?

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yota81 · 09-30-2009, 01:07 PM

a small cut off tool, such as a dremel, will be the best for the plastic...you may have to cut some supports out behind the dash panel to fit the width.

tj884Rdlx · 09-30-2009, 02:16 PM

if you haven't cut plastic with a dremel, you don't know what you're missing. i've done a lot of stereo installs using razor knifes, hacksaw blades with tape around one end, etc. a dremel goes through plastic like butter if you crank up the rpms and let the cutting wheel do the work. be prepared tho, hot liquid plastic will spray and burn mildly. it's irritating.

HOWEVER, i just looked at a picture of a dashboard for an 81 for sale on fleabay. the pic shows a radio on bottom and a pocket above. are you sure the pocket above isn't a DIN size hole? you may be able to pull that cassette and its brackets, and mount the sleeve for the pullout nakamichi right in that hole without cutting. check it out first. it might require just some filing of the hole to fit the sleeve, instead of major cutting. and then you can leave the factory radio alone.

rowdy235 · 09-30-2009, 04:02 PM

You may not want to hear this, but....

Stock Umolested Center Bezels are getting more and more rare as time goes on. My truck, for instance, doesn't even have the original one, its cut from a piece of plexiglass.

Now, if it were me, I would remove the whole bezel, and put it some chrome diamond plate or something like that, would make it look way cooler, plus for the price you could get out of the bezel, you could probably pay for the diamond plate.

That said, a dremel does work great for cutting plastic.

yota81 · 10-01-2009, 05:14 PM

^ this is true. modifying the stock bezel for a new cd player leaves it looking messy, and the supports behind have to be cut out. sell the original dash and make a new one. probably make enough money with the sell to make whatever you want.

slacker · 10-01-2009, 06:01 PM

true dat !!!

If your dash is in great condition .. the DONT CUT IT !!
there are tones avalable at the wreckers .. so go get one of those , and keep the original in good shape .

if it's already been "hacked" up .. then cut away

.

Sked · 10-02-2009, 03:12 PM

How much would you guys pay for a mint dash and pad anyways? They are rare as crap around here not even a single toyota older than 85 in any wreckers.

I drove up north to Mackenzie and picked up a parts truck and it had a mint pad and dash... couldnt believe it and paid 300bux

slacker · 10-02-2009, 05:36 PM

I might be interested ...
email me cj@toyotafiberglass.com

09-30-2009, 01:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
yota81 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: raleigh,nc Posts: 91	a small cut off tool, such as a dremel, will be the best for the plastic...you may have to cut some supports out behind the dash panel to fit the width. __________________ 81 4WD Flat Bed

09-30-2009, 02:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
tj884Rdlx Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ATL! Posts: 514	if you haven't cut plastic with a dremel, you don't know what you're missing. i've done a lot of stereo installs using razor knifes, hacksaw blades with tape around one end, etc. a dremel goes through plastic like butter if you crank up the rpms and let the cutting wheel do the work. be prepared tho, hot liquid plastic will spray and burn mildly. it's irritating. HOWEVER, i just looked at a picture of a dashboard for an 81 for sale on fleabay. the pic shows a radio on bottom and a pocket above. are you sure the pocket above isn't a DIN size hole? you may be able to pull that cassette and its brackets, and mount the sleeve for the pullout nakamichi right in that hole without cutting. check it out first. it might require just some filing of the hole to fit the sleeve, instead of major cutting. and then you can leave the factory radio alone. __________________ 88 4Runner DLX, 15x8 soft8s w/ BFG 33x10.5 A/Ts. 1.5" SDORI spacers, OME CS009s, 1" 4crawler b.l., original Canback top

09-30-2009, 04:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,562	You may not want to hear this, but.... Stock Umolested Center Bezels are getting more and more rare as time goes on. My truck, for instance, doesn't even have the original one, its cut from a piece of plexiglass. Now, if it were me, I would remove the whole bezel, and put it some chrome diamond plate or something like that, would make it look way cooler, plus for the price you could get out of the bezel, you could probably pay for the diamond plate. That said, a dremel does work great for cutting plastic. __________________ The Daily Driver: 1998 Tacoma \| Regular Cab \| 4WD \| 2.7L \| 5-Speed Stick \| Mostly Stock The People-Hauler 1988 Grand Wagoneer \| SUV \| 4WD \| AMC 360 \| 3-Speed Auto \| All Stock The Dump Runner 1982 Pickup \| Regular Cab \| 2WD \| 22R \| 5-Speed Stick \| Custom Exhaust FER SALE! http://www.yotatech.com/f108/1982-sh.../#post51229916

10-01-2009, 05:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
yota81 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: raleigh,nc Posts: 91	^ this is true. modifying the stock bezel for a new cd player leaves it looking messy, and the supports behind have to be cut out. sell the original dash and make a new one. probably make enough money with the sell to make whatever you want. __________________ 81 4WD Flat Bed

10-01-2009, 06:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
slacker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,114	true dat !!! If your dash is in great condition .. the DONT CUT IT !! there are tones avalable at the wreckers .. so go get one of those , and keep the original in good shape . if it's already been "hacked" up .. then cut away . __________________ 86 4x4 , fiberglass bed , 1/2 doors , hood ... more to come . 84 2WD "hotrod" Intercooled 7MGTE 83 Trekker SR5 CURRENT BUILD My home page MY PAGE 2WD fourm I frequent NEW Trekker forum

10-02-2009, 03:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Sked Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Posts: 240	How much would you guys pay for a mint dash and pad anyways? They are rare as crap around here not even a single toyota older than 85 in any wreckers. I drove up north to Mackenzie and picked up a parts truck and it had a mint pad and dash... couldnt believe it and paid 300bux __________________ 81 shortbed 4" Lift, 4.37 w/ Lockright Rear, Bilstein 5150's, Custom bumpers w/Ramsey8000 and flatbed 20r bored .060 w/ wiseco 9.9:1 forged pistons, Weber 38 outlaw 260 Comp Cam .440lift ,Crane Springs, 22r Valves, Pacesetter Header with a Flowmaster 40

10-02-2009, 05:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
slacker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,114	I might be interested ... email me cj@toyotafiberglass.com __________________ 86 4x4 , fiberglass bed , 1/2 doors , hood ... more to come . 84 2WD "hotrod" Intercooled 7MGTE 83 Trekker SR5 CURRENT BUILD My home page MY PAGE 2WD fourm I frequent NEW Trekker forum

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