Before I stuck my head under the dash I did everything I could to make sure I was ready. I triple checked to make sure all the wires were marked and the dash bulbs were installed, made sure the tachometer and speedometer cables were positioned properly, and I made sure the oil line from the oil pressure gauge was fed through the proper hole in the fire wall. I also installed the trip odometer reset cable to the gauge cluster.
I installed my homemade aluminum rods into the dash screw holes then I slid the dash cluster into position. These rods give me a little extra room to hook up the wires.
I used zip ties to keep the dash cluster from sliding off. Some electrical connections were easier to make from the outside. These included the light switch (shown), the ignition switch, and the three bulbs located at the top of the cluster. All other connections were made from behind the dash.
I installed the tachometer and the oil line to the gauges first then I made the engine compartment connections. This allowed me to slide the cluster without getting push back.
Hooking up the dash cluster was a little overwhelming to begin with but as each wire was connected the job became less intimidating. When all the connections were made the cluster was pushed into position. One by one the aluminum rods were removed and replaced with a dash screw. It's tight behind there but everything fit.
Check out the dash lights. I like it!
This is a video of the dashboard in action. Enjoy.
Progress is looking good!!! What's next..... Steering column???
ReplyDeleteWilson
Yes, the steering column is next. In fact, I just got done spraying a little primer on it. That is the next post. Thanks for asking Les.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the dash cluster installation and love watching your precision technics.
ReplyDeletejimq
Thanks Jim. The cluster was a challenge but it is done now. Yahoo!
ReplyDelete