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cutting plastic dash

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=90269
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 4:13 PM


Topic: cutting plastic dash

Posted By: fastc4
Subject: cutting plastic dash
Date Posted: February 09, 2007 at 2:00 PM

I've got a '05 Dodge Ram Quad Cab that I want to install a center channel for dolby digital (I have a Pioneer AVHP7600 DVD).

Looking at installing (2) 4' speakers connected mono from a 250X2 amp. I need to cut a big hole in the dash/speaker cover to enlarge the space so sound will get thru.

Any recommendations on how to cover the hole? Should I just drill a bunch of 1/8" holes for sound to get thru? fabric? The dash area is removable and ez to work on, just not sure how to make it look nice.

thanks!



Replies:

Posted By: master5
Date Posted: February 09, 2007 at 6:17 PM

Drilling the small holes (called "perferating") can look really nice and professional. I just did that with a 1968 Shelby replica on the plastic rear side panels,kicks and one for the woofer cover I constucted to hide the enclosure and sub in the trunk. Looks amazing, like the factory should have done it this way if they had any sense.

The trick is to get one of those metal "ceiling" speaker grills and use the holes in it as a template. They don't neccesarily have to be 1/8'' holes, I use a bit that fits into the template holes nicely. Just be extra careful as with this technique you will not get a second chance..in other words if you screw up it's a new dash or on to plan B.

Best of luck..



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Posted By: davedyer79
Date Posted: February 09, 2007 at 8:23 PM

I have installed a center channel setup in a customers truck and will never do it again.  Re-routing the heat/ac/defrost vents were very time consuming and I wasn't happy with the final outcome, but the customer was.  Here is a link that I came across last year that had a center channel setup installed that looked great.  Looks like alot of work but it might be something that you could tackle.  Good luck.

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/803280



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davedyer79




Posted By: maliboom
Date Posted: February 13, 2007 at 6:34 PM
You can also try to make a pod for the top of the dash (like kick panels) that can be screwed onto the dash with small holes for the speaker wire to pass through. I know there isnt much room but with some fiberglass and paint it could look really good.





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