Repairing 71 cutlass dash cut for modern radio.

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Old Jun 19, 2020 | 04:56 PM
  #1  
russell-t's Avatar
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Angry Repairing 71 cutlass dash cut for modern radio.

Has anyone figured a way to repair 70-71 Cutlass dash that has been cut out to fit
a modern radio ??. Have seen many nice cutlasses that have had the stock radio section of the dash board cut away
to accomadate a Wal Mart radio, and just ruins the look of the car. Is there a way to repair this damage and
return it to fit the stock radio? I want to buy a 70 71 Cutlass convertible but am having a hard time finding one that hasn't been
damaged in this way.
Old Jun 19, 2020 | 05:07 PM
  #2  
2blu442's Avatar
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You can replace the plastic instrument panel, but that's time consuming. That's the only route to go that I know of.
John
Old Jun 20, 2020 | 05:24 AM
  #3  
joe_padavano's Avatar
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What John said. The only "repair" is to replace the plastic.

Now, having said that, the woodgrain applique DOES cover the hacked dash hole. If you can figure out a way to bond something to that plastic to fill the hole and properly smooth it, a new applique will then make it look original. I suspect that is MUCH more work than simply replacing the lower dash plastic, however.
Old Jun 20, 2020 | 11:29 AM
  #4  
russell-t's Avatar
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Original dash had recesses cast into the plastic for
the radio ***** to be bolted to it. Lots of work.
Where would I be able to find an uncut dashboard to
use for a repair?
Old Jun 20, 2020 | 11:34 AM
  #5  
cdrod's Avatar
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Russell:
I have an extra plastic instrument panel in black if you decide to go route.
Rodney
Old Jun 20, 2020 | 07:03 PM
  #6  
scrappie's Avatar
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I may have some too in various colors?
Old Jun 21, 2020 | 02:20 AM
  #7  
rocketscientis's Avatar
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Have a rainbow of those as well..

Plastic repair of dashes consoles..head light plastics ..Ect ..can be performed but only worth it if doing yout stuff
developed steel reienforced / plastic covered hinge repair for 70-72 consoles & had to estimate cost ..& barely within realm of affordability
You must use identical plastic...& 100 or so other tricks...& if ya dont like it...looks like we have enough tp go round
currently ISO broken Lh & Rh 73 S grills as I need finns to repair ones I have...
Luck with.that...


​​


Last edited by rocketscientis; Jun 21, 2020 at 02:31 AM. Reason: Want 2
Old Jun 21, 2020 | 03:16 PM
  #8  
71 OLDS's Avatar
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They repro the 68/69 bezel that can be used but it's LOTS of work. See pics and details here:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...e-97684/page7/
Old Jun 21, 2020 | 07:57 PM
  #9  
rocketscientis's Avatar
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cut it out

In the days of my youth I glued razor blades to the back of my Pioneer Super Tuner in my 71 Cutlass quite some time later someone broke into it and commenced to stealing my radio they left behind a sizable portion of one of their fingers along with a busted Dash & busted radio and broken dash plastic that – would be an excellent donor & perhaps even an easier fix than yours
hypothetically of course
Old Jul 2, 2020 | 06:02 AM
  #10  
russell-t's Avatar
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CDRod What would you want for the dash assembly? Located in PA. and would have to have it shipped.
Also...not offficially in the market yet as I don't have a car. Apologize for what seems to be a waste of time,
but need to know if this repair can be done. Thanks for getting back to me.

Last edited by russell-t; Jul 2, 2020 at 06:05 AM. Reason: Name of person replying to.
Old Jul 2, 2020 | 06:08 AM
  #11  
russell-t's Avatar
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scrappie Thank you for getting back to me. I apologize for what looks like a waste of time as
I don't have a car yet. So many I see have this damage done and needed to know if the repair was
possible. What would you want for dash board?
Old Jul 2, 2020 | 07:29 AM
  #12  
rocketscientis's Avatar
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I perform great feats of repair

Hitherto thought impossible & have for years but my skills / abilities / patience level probably somewhat elevated but it can be done
cost of time / material needs to beat cost of replacement part it's a learning experience and you are gaining knowledge for future repairs plastic dashes range from 100 I'm up to as much as you want to pay I sell my broken one for much less if you want to practice at the moment I have a few black ones Coppell blue ones a couple green ones andt them it's just the ones I know about
Ask all ya want...just tax partz ....you get info & I get. To spread tm knowledge which is priceless cause a dummy w/ hi $ college edgeumacation is still a dummy but this stuff is intrestin useful & makes th world a better place...unless ya screw it up...
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