Beetle has old "proton" stereo in it. The gap in the dash is 4cm high, while or new units are 5 cm in height. Do I really have to cut 1cm out of the dashboard to fit a new stereo?

no you could mount it under the dash or in the glove box

Hi

Thats about the only way, when you cut make sure you enlarge the hole downwards so the unit gets further away from the wiper motor..

1302Steve

Under dash to seems a good way to knock layers of skin off your knees.
Glove box idea may take.

What would you use to cut the dash?

body saw

Yes, You have to make the hole to the DIN size...
It could be slightly wider too...

Mine had a metal frame to fit into the hole and the stereo slid and locked into the frame....

I used an angle grinder with a cutting disc...

Just Be careful.... better to be slightly too small and file the remainder for a perfect fit...

Lee