Opening up the dash... should I???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: S.E. Michigan
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10
Opening up the dash... should I???
I'm considering doing some repairs behind by dash: Ammeter replacement, radio swap with speakers, tach repair, new harness to fix previous 'bubbas'. Should I attempt it or farm it out? I replaced the front harnesses last summer and want to finish the job. It's a '71 coupe. Ideas??
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Cary Illinois
I pulled the entire dash this winter and repaied all the panels, rewrapped a number of wires, replaced all bulbs, cleaned guages, etc. The hardest part was the dash removal especially the upper dash pad (make sure to heat it up before you bend it slightly to clear the bird cage.)
I would say that if you have intermediate mechanical skills, you should be able to handle the job fairly easily. There's a lot of satisfaction in doing it yourself
I would say that if you have intermediate mechanical skills, you should be able to handle the job fairly easily. There's a lot of satisfaction in doing it yourself
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Unless you have a lot of exta ca$h, this is a job you will want to do. First, the experience and knowledge you gain about your car is invaluable. Then, you know you have done it correctly. Make sure you know exactly which gages have problems. Chances are you can fix the ammeter with a little instruction (probably a lead wire to the coil broken and needs a re-solder). You will also want to repair/replace the heater core and clean out the heater/A/C plenums while you are in there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
I did mine last spring and it wasnt as bad as I thought. The problem is you dont know where to stop when everything is out. It felt great to get the 35 year old wiring harness out and replaced. This is the time to replace all bulbs and if you have a/c, replace the a/c wiring harness. As suggested, if you havent changed your heater core, this is the time to do it. While at it make sure all ducts are sealed tight and all valves are working properly.
The hardest part was putting the speedo/tach cluster back on. The new harness didnt want to bend the same way the old one did...but with a little persuation its all back together and working. Also dont forget to replace you headlight switch with a quality replacement...keep the old as a spare. Also great time to get the new stereo and speakers instaled. good luck.
The hardest part was putting the speedo/tach cluster back on. The new harness didnt want to bend the same way the old one did...but with a little persuation its all back together and working. Also dont forget to replace you headlight switch with a quality replacement...keep the old as a spare. Also great time to get the new stereo and speakers instaled. good luck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: S.E. Michigan
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10
Thankx to all! Yup, I'm FIRED UP! I got my front end harnesses from Lectric Limited. I'll do the same for the dash. Gonna have a nice stereo and speakers for when the wife rides along... I like the RUMBLE, myself. 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 1
From: Edinburgh
I have had the dash out a few times now to sort out tach problems, I thought that last time would do it since I replaced the tach, only to get it all back together again, fire it up and find the tach needle sticking on the 2 screws on the face. So now I have to strip it al down again remove the tach strip it and ease the needle forward a tad and then re-fit it all. The pain!!
Last edited by Graemeinvette; Apr 17, 2007 at 09:00 AM.
