I really want to get a modern cd player to fit in my dash. I am thinking about making a panel, or buying one from a parts car to cut. I don't want to cut the one I have because I would like to be able to return it to original someday. Anyway, has anybody made a panel to replace the stock one in an SA? If so, what material did you use? I have a dremel thing, so I think that I could cut what I needed to. Or if anyone has an SA parts car with a stereo panel I would be happy to take it off of your hands for you. I will pay for it and shipping as long as it is not outrageously expensive. (I still would have to have enough money to buy the cd player!) Any input is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

don't even bother trying to mod the faceplate for a modern din sized radio... the sides will be way too thin and it'll crack. save the space for some nice guages. what i did is i ran my stereo from the glovebox. there's a support brace on the top which was perfect for mounting the cage to with rivets (they have to be ground down on the inside, though. wiring was very simple... just be careful if you ahve air conditioning, as the heat sinks in the back of the stero may mmelt the casing to the evaporator.

 

I mounted a cd player in my sa dash, BUT it was already hacked up when I got the car. The inside demensions of the radio mounting hole are too small for a single din head unit, you will end up having to grind on the inner structure of the dash to get it in there and even then it will be a pain in the ***! So, I guess it just depends on what you want, I have no problems grinding something up to make it what I want, but it sounds like you want to keep yours returnable to stock so this may not be the way you want to go.

 

Yeah, i did it too, but it took me all weekend. Cutting out the faceplate is just the beginning. Youll also need to cut out the tabs that connect the climate controls to the dash. then re attach them with new smaller screws. a diegrinder with a carbide bit will be your best friend. The dremel will spin too fast and is much more likely to walk on you when your cutting.

I dont want to make this sound like its too difficult. it just takes a lot of planning ahead, and is a little time consuming. but yeah, if your going to do it i can take pics and show you how i did it.

 

My first attempt I modified the stock panel (it was already partially hacked.) I ended up filling in the stock radio hole and putting the stereo down where the cassette player was. My second panel I custom made out of aluminum cut on a waterjet, and accomodates a set of gauges.
See pics of both attempts here.

 

the aluminum looks really good. i had planned to do something similar, with the gauges and all. but i didnt really have time to mess with it.

 

I have an old panel made by Rotary Reliability and Racing. It has pre cut holes for a radio, switches, 3 = 2 1/8 gauges, and of course, the temp right above. its not hard to make at all since its flat, unlike the 81-85.

 

how about making an Al panel for me?

 

I don't have access to the waterjet any longer.
I also made mine out of thick enough material that I had to mill the back side to make the AC controls fit flush like factory. It also required some trimming of the steel behind the panel, BTW, so this isn't for someone concerned about going back to stock. You probably still can, but...
I could post the .DXF file that the panel was made from if I can find it in my black hole of an office.

 

I saw pictures of RR&R's piece once. That's what inspired me.

 

Do you have a picture of the panel, it looks like their site is under construction and I would like to see what it looks like. Thanks for the info everybody.

 

Hah, no. Look you can easily make a din unit fit and it will look much nicer in the original radio position.

Here's what ya do:
Cut as much plastic away from the OEM radio slot to make it a din slot. Place over the fitted pos and note how much steel to saw away from the heater controls and other areas.

Caut what you need to away - yes the heater controls will still bolt back on, then fold back or remove all excess that stops you emnjoying standardised din pleasure.

Ok, now you're away laughing, fit the thing already! .

 

I could take photos of my SONY installation if ya want? It is soo mcuh better to have that nice fascia with a proper modern radio and still have the little tray underneath too.

Any questions?

 

Cool I may not need to takes pix. I can if Maguire doesn't post his.

 

Cor, is someone chasing the elusive 100 posts and custom avatar?

 

you'd better say that 5 more times

 

No wait ... who ... oh no. ... me.... oops ... never mind......

Love a nice kickin' or thumpin' stereo in an SA though. So who else has done this and has some input on this thread, there must be others who've made sacrifices to get the adio just right.

I don't think I'd have let a shop cut up my panel and center console for this type of install though, I think it is a real DIY job so you know it has been done right. I'll try and get those pix

Yay V8 Supercars @ Pukekohe this will be great - 600 BHP Ford and Holden (GM - Australia) collide. Cool.
Nice wallpaper - - sorry guys Ford

 

Good idea, how about one more - oooops - must try and add more value to these posts I guess look at this then : ＡＤＶＡＮＣＥ　ＲＸ－７（ＦＤ３Ｓ )

Much better, that is one fine FD!

 

wierd - all that work and they didn't bother to paint the engine bay... personally I think yellow body, red engine bay with blue and silver piping is a bit too many colours

 

you did a good job

 

There is a guy over on FC3S forums that will custom cut panels for you.

 

Thanks!
I made several practice runs out of chip-board before I commited to the aluminum.
Cardboard and chip-board are your friend!
There's really no reason that the faceplate couldn't be cut by hand, it'd just take longer than the minute or so it took on the waterjet...

 

I'll see if I can find it. I think it's archived off on my external drive, so it may be Monday. The drive's at work, and I'm off 'til Mon.

 

Thanks frankenrex. Does anybody know what the guy's name is in the fc forum? Thanks for all of the help so far.

 

well, if you find the file, PM me.