Rewiring the dash, any gotchas?
 

Hi guys,

I've got an idea to rewire the dash over Christmas. If I pull the trigger I'll buy a fresh harness. I've got a '68 convertible with AC, no gauges, console, and AT.

I've had the dashpad and instrument panel off so I know the hell to expect there. My question is: are their any gotchas? Anything I can do to make things better?

I've put a fresh circuit board on in the past. I've got a brand new AC control panel that I plan to install. Mine works but there are some issues. I've got a radio out of a '68 Catalina that I think will fit into the old radio space with some minor modifications. I'll probably get the guts replaced but that's a project for a time when I can afford a refurbished instrument panel.

Thanks in advance.

Disconnect the battery first.

Remove the seats and console.

Pay special attention to clips and grounds.

It is tedious, but really a plug and play situation.

I recommend M&H Electrical for the harnesses.

If you are open to improvements,rather than just original,a relay installed in the convertible top switch circuit might prolong the switch's longevity.Also wouldn't hurt to run a couple of extra grounds(wires)in addition to the strap system that was factory.

X's 2 on the additional ground wires !! The original underside/backside of the metal dash is unpainted from the factory and will have some surface rust that could affect gauges and switch opperation after reassembly.While it's appart you could clean and paint underside,add the additional ground wires like paint guy stated and you should be good.

Thanks guys. When I had the instrument panel off before the strap grounding system seemed to be a bit iffy to me.

Do you know if the M&H dash harness comes with bulb sockets? The ones that go into the gauges are standard push and turn sockets but the one for the AC control is a weird size. I couldn't find any pictures of it or I would have spliced one on.

I'm planning on replacing the instrument panel at some point in the future. Given the price of a restored, uncut '68 instrument panel it might be after I strike gold in my back yard. I guess it's about time to get out the pick and shovel.

I did my whole car in M&H, was the best money I spent on the car. All plug and play, yes all sockets are on the harness. Factory colors and styles for wires and plugs. M&H also has a very good tech line if you need help they will walk you right through. Trust me spend the money, most old harness (re-used) are frail and or damaged, thats where a lot of lighting issues come from (dim dash lights). just my .02

As mentioned below, add a few grounds and make sure you are grounding to "clean" metal. I would also pull your steering wheel in addition to the front seats. Take good photos before you start disassembly and mark every wire you disconnect....EVERY wire. Agree with using M&H, there is none better. I would also recommend "bench-testing" all your lights, including the dash lights, it's just easier to work on at the kitchen table instead of in the car. Since you have an a/c car, you'll want to pay special attention to the routing of your wires to clear the pathways for the ducting. I forgot to do that and had to re-run my wiring to open up those areas, especially the driver's side dash vent...what a PITA. Good luck!

Thanks for the info guys. I'm more confident about the process but still not sure whether the finances are going to be in order. If I go for it I'll post pictures.

If your original dash harness is good & uncut I know a guy that repairs & restores these using the correct loom and will replace any wires that have too much resistance.

I just put mine back in my 68 Convertible after rechrome and can give you some help or pics if needed. I would drop your steering column down too make installing cluster a snap. Prior post alraedy mentioned grounds which is vital. Make sure metal dash where studs poke through is clean too. This is where the ground starts when panel is pulled through. There is also a fiber optic wire from back of cluster ash tray for lighting. Lastly is plug your cluster and using jumper for ground check all your lights to make sure they all illuminate prior to bolting it down. With column dropped as I said it really easy to drop cluster in. Take it from experience the other way is a bear.