Wiring Through Firewall
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Wiring Through Firewall
I'll soon be adding a combination auto dimming inside rear view mirror/compass/thermometer/garage door opener/map lights to my '79.
The only (and rather minor) difficulty I foresee is the sensor for the thermometer. It uses two small gauge wires. Every vehicle I've seen with such a sensor finds it front of the radiator where presumably it is in the best possible position to sense actual ambient air temperature.
Where would you suggest running the wires through the firewall? Is there any existing place that is reasonably easy to access, already has holes/grommet and has room for a little more wiring? I really want to avoid removing the entire dash if at all possible. I know how to do such (have removed mine more times than I care to say) but really don't want to do it again as my interior is completely assembled and perfectly fitted with everything working and amazingly few rattles/squeaks for a Corvette.
The only (and rather minor) difficulty I foresee is the sensor for the thermometer. It uses two small gauge wires. Every vehicle I've seen with such a sensor finds it front of the radiator where presumably it is in the best possible position to sense actual ambient air temperature.
Where would you suggest running the wires through the firewall? Is there any existing place that is reasonably easy to access, already has holes/grommet and has room for a little more wiring? I really want to avoid removing the entire dash if at all possible. I know how to do such (have removed mine more times than I care to say) but really don't want to do it again as my interior is completely assembled and perfectly fitted with everything working and amazingly few rattles/squeaks for a Corvette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,881
Likes: 3,558
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
An old trick that I have used for many years- but haven't seen somebody else putting a Youtube out on it...yet...
I was routing some- OK a lot of extra wires- to the back of my car. Here's how I did it when I needed another hole on the grommet.
Just need-
- A piece of tubing slightly larger than the wire(s)
-Grinder
-Drill
Take one end of the pipe and sharpen up the edges on the grinder.
Chuck it up in your drill and carefully-slowly drill into the grommet- obviously being careful not to nick the other wires.
Remove pipe from the drill- run your wire(s) through the pipe and pull the pipe on through when you have the wire about as far as you need them.
Richard
DSCN4778 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
DSCN4777 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
DSCN4779 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
DSCN4781 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
I was routing some- OK a lot of extra wires- to the back of my car. Here's how I did it when I needed another hole on the grommet.
Just need-
- A piece of tubing slightly larger than the wire(s)
-Grinder
-Drill
Take one end of the pipe and sharpen up the edges on the grinder.
Chuck it up in your drill and carefully-slowly drill into the grommet- obviously being careful not to nick the other wires.
Remove pipe from the drill- run your wire(s) through the pipe and pull the pipe on through when you have the wire about as far as you need them.
Richard
DSCN4778 by richardhayes454, on FlickrDSCN4777 by richardhayes454, on FlickrDSCN4779 by richardhayes454, on FlickrDSCN4781 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
on the drivers side firewall follow the speedo cable in, I have had no problem reaching wires from there by simply reaching up from under the dash
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,881
Likes: 3,558
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
When I was looking at them- looks like GM Truck was the ticket- only problem I found is that it would interfere w/ the sunvisors because of the width.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 28
Found it on ebay. It's a Gentex. Used and removed from some vehicle, cleaned up and with a new temp sensor/wiring. From what I read similar models were discontinued some time ago as were any that combine the Homelink garage opener and compass.
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,881
Likes: 3,558
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
It's been a while since I was looking- but the mirror were all going to require modification to the visors.
Couldn't find the dimensions on the Gentex 341-do you guys have them?
THANKS-