Author Topic: Gaping Radio Hole  (Read 3814 times)

L8KRFAN

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 511
Gaping Radio Hole
« on: October 23, 2022, 07:50:01 PM »
Any tips on how to repair the butch job the previous owner did on the radio opening on my 74 Esprit? All that's left is a rectangular opening. I have a 90s Sony AM/FM Cassette (free) that I'd like to install but have nothing to mount the volume and tuner shafts to. Thanks in advance!  :D
Los Angeles, California
-----------------------------------
1979 Trans Am Olds 403 Matching Numbers
1974 Firebird Esprit 350
1971 Camaro SS350 Matching Numbers

Wallington

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2474
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2022, 12:46:38 AM »
Do you mean to replace with an original style radio? I obtained an original dash cut from a ruined dash but never proceeded with the swap when found the 'fully rebuilt' 1978 radio didn't appear to actually work at all. But I'd imagine the swap would be even easier with an original dash. It's require some grafting and perhaps a border in matching dash vinyl, but that is largely hidden by radio bezel also. I also saw somewhere a while back a moulded plastic or fibreglass perhaps, radio mounting plate for those doing this exact swap, although it may have been a universal size, the idea was still there and possibly of use to mount something to. The original radio used a mounting bracket also, they were super heavy.

b_hill_86

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2135
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2022, 08:04:37 AM »
I thought there was a “repair kit” of some sort to fix a butchered opening. I could be wrong though. Wouldn’t imagine it’d be hard to make one though.
-Brian-

1977 Trans Am 400 4 speed

L8KRFAN

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 511
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2022, 04:46:18 PM »
Thanks for the replies! I'll use my imagination and come up with something.  :grin:
Los Angeles, California
-----------------------------------
1979 Trans Am Olds 403 Matching Numbers
1974 Firebird Esprit 350
1971 Camaro SS350 Matching Numbers

L8KRFAN

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 511
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2023, 12:46:55 PM »
After a long hiatus from fixing broken and messed up stuff on my derelict 74 Esprit, work has resumed.

Here's how I repaired the radio hole opening. I made this YouTube video showing the steps:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJSDHfzIhXE

Happy 4th of July!
Los Angeles, California
-----------------------------------
1979 Trans Am Olds 403 Matching Numbers
1974 Firebird Esprit 350
1971 Camaro SS350 Matching Numbers

Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2023, 12:46:55 PM »

5th T/A

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1511
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2023, 01:33:26 PM »
Nice work around on repairing a butchered radio opening. Also, a great job with the how-to video. I am sure there are others out there who will appreciate you posting this repair.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

langss

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 354
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2023, 10:01:49 PM »
Great Fix... And excellent "How To Video"... I'm sure that will help someone else...Way To Go... 8)

b_hill_86

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2135
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #7 on: July 05, 2023, 07:09:44 AM »
Good job!
-Brian-

1977 Trans Am 400 4 speed

hakitup

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1245
  • What more do you need?
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2023, 09:54:46 AM »
Nice job that turned out great.

Tom H
"I don't know what you call it, I only know the sound it makes when it lies!!"

TA301

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 143
Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2023, 03:29:26 PM »
Good fix for a major problem you had.

Re: Gaping Radio Hole
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2023, 03:29:26 PM »
You can help support TAC!