Cutting into trim

[DannyLlama]

I took the Metra dash adapter for my Pioneer out and made the cutouts

And here's with my tablet in place and tethers wirelessly thru my rooted Android phone app and the sound goes thru the Pioneer Z120BT with bluetooth.

I put in glow in the dark mic holders for the Kenwood mic and the Midland 75-822 CB

I wanted to reference what Garry did as I want to do something similar.
What do you all suggest to do to cut and secure some switches and a battery gauge?

Never cut trim before, whats there to take note of? I also need to cut into my rear bumpers for some reverse light install so whats to note?

 

[harper7]

Hey Danny
I use a pneumatic pencil die grinder made by ARO that I've had for years but they aren't cheap new.I got mine used from a Lockheed aircraft surplus store in Georgia about 20 years ago.It has a common 1/8" chuck that you can chuck up cut off wheels ,sanders,ect.

I suggest something like a Dremel rotary kit for just cutting plastic but I also use a drill to drill small holes in the corners of what I'm cutting after I lay it.Then use a small cut off wheel to cut hole to hole and a file to fine tune the cutout. The air gauge for the lockers was cut out with a hole saw and has clips on the back to hold it in place.

 

[DannyLlama]

Hey Danny
I use a pneumatic pencil die grinder made by ARO that I've had for years but they aren't cheap new.I got mine used from a Lockheed aircraft surplus store in Georgia about 20 years ago.It has a common 1/8" chuck that you can chuck up cut off wheels ,sanders,ect.

I suggest something like a Dremel rotary kit for just cutting plastic but I also use a drill to drill small holes in the corners of what I'm cutting after I lay it.Then use a small cut off wheel to cut hole to hole and a file to fine tune the cutout. The air gauge for the lockers was cut out with a hole saw and has clips on the back to hold it in place.

Thanks Gary... what did you use to hold the gauge/switches in place? Glue? double sided tape or just slid in?