Best Method for Drilling Dash?

[owdlvr]

Next step in my Heater install is drilling out the dash, which requires putting a 1" hole in the padding portion of the dash. Since I've got one shot to this, I figured I'd ask here if anyone has done this cleanly before? I'm thinking 1" tube sharpened (similar to a leather punch) might be my best bet?

-Dave

[Trevor P]

I made a tool to do this once. It was a piece of conduit that I sharpened to work like a leather punch just like you mentioned. I made an inside sleeve and a centre for it. I just twisted it into the pad and it made a pefect hole.

[BUSDADDY]

This works every time: http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/power-tools/power-tool-accessories/drill-accessories/8256471-12-step-titanium-coated-drill-bit

[Bruce]

Here's how my sharpened tube did the job:
I may still have the tube.

[Alisdair]

just a thought , you may have the perfect tool for the job and didnt know it dave , 1'' wood auger drill bit.
 one of those old tricks i learned from my grandad  was to use a wood auger drill bit turned  by hand.



they have a sharp pointed blade edge  that cuts burr free .
drill small pilot hole , insert drill bit tip and turn it in reverse direction by hand . it will cut a perfect hole .
did i mention do it by hand . dont use a drill .

[70's Looker]

one of those air chisels and lots of beer SHOULD do the trick nice and clean like but if your not comfy with that methos use some tourches but make sure you put alot of padding behind it so nothing hot falls on the carpets try using blankets or foam something not flamable....

[owdlvr]

Thanks Kev.

A sharpened tube worked just find, but maybe next time I'll try the torch method.

-Dave