C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Has there been a post of installing the Dash Harness on a C2 ('64). Should I plug in the Cluster and then put it into the Dash or do I put the harness into the Dash first?
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Hi Dale, my next project is to change my dash harness for various reasons. My plan is to pull the column, instrument panel, glove box, radio and anything else that will come out. Photogragh the harness in place then remove. Plan on fitting the harness and switches etc to the dash instrument panel, testing, and routing the harness back in as an assembly. Will also have both seats out as well. Did this on a C1 and worked fine. Don't like working on the dash in place at all! Make a list and fix any other items exposed at that time so you only do this once. Have fun,
Dan1964 Red FI Coupe, DUNTOV '09
Drove the 64 over 5000 miles to three Regionals and the San Jose National, one dust storm and 40 lbs of bugs! -
Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Dale, I usually remove the cluster first (after the steering column, etc.) and unplug everything before I take it off. I then label all of the plugs (probably unnecessary but its helpful), then I photgraph the harness in place. I take pictures to get the routing and the curves. I then unplug everything else and remove the harness and lay it beside of the new one. I will sometimes label the plugs on the new harness, but I have also just used the old one as a reference. Then reverse the removal procedure and its in. I usually just troubleshoot the problems, but I may try Dan's testing idea the next time.
PaulComment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
I found assembling the harness on the cluster making bends like the old one then installing it is SOOOoo much easier. (make pictures and notes)Comment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
I thank everyone for their information. I agree that it must be better to wire the cluster first and then insert the harness back into the dash. I am not able to gt everything to fit correctly with the small space working with the harness already in the dash and trying to connect the cluster. I had my original cluster out before and did not have an issue. But this time I have a new dash harness and it needs some bending and realilgning the new wires to get them to form correctly.
As I know, this is one I will remember becuse learning is best from your mistakes.
Thanks all
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
The General's designers must've been sadists and/or intended to use little people (the correct sensitive term) on the assembly line and to work on the dashes in these cars. As I recall, getting under and into my 73 in my early twenties wasn't that much fun either. My neighbor always asks me to help him on his 66 because he can't even get under the steering wheel!!Comment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
There is a post or article somewhere that calls for the installation of 2 or 4 ~six inch long threaded 1/4" rods into the threaded holes in the dash where the instrument cluster attachment screws will eventually be installed. Those rods through the respective holes in the cluster will support the cluster and allow you to pull the cluster away from the dash. With the cluster that far away from the dash you can easily reach up behind the cluster to see and install (or remove) all the connections. That is how I made the connections of my new harness before the steering wheel and column were installed.
DougComment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
I had used the long treaded rods, but now several of the ligh bulbs have poped out and when I got underneath one of the leads for the brake light and the lead for the emergency brake warning were too short to reach. I need to pull it out and wire the cluster, get all of leads arranged propertly and then put the wired cluster back into the dash. I will still use the long tread-alls to support the cluster.
Maybe I should add that I am in my late 60's and had neck surgery this spring. I also wear an extra large glove. All great attributes to working under your dash.Comment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Doug,
There are a couple of articles by John Hinckley under "Gauges and Instruments" on this page:
http://www.lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/vettetech.html
Is that the info you were referring to?
JoeComment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Joe, I was not aware of this information. I had seen an article on restoring a dash cluster, I thought it was on some vendor's web site. I will read through all of this. I can't thank you enough for pointing me in the correct didrection.Comment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Dale,
You're welcome! There's a wealth of good information on that web page on many different topics.
JoeComment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
I stack blocks on the floor to the hieght where the cluster sits. They allow me to rest the cluster on them while I wire it. The advantage of this over threaded rods is that you can tilt the cluster and move it in and out as you need to. I usually sit it on a towel to keep it from slipping around. The disadvantage to this method is you must have an arm or your chest (or a helping hand) to keep the cluster upright, although after you get a few connections in they will hold it up.
PaulComment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
This might be a good idea, I find that using the rods does not give you much movement. I had not completely removed my steering column, I loosed it up and dropped it down on a box to support. This seems to give me sufficient room, but at this point its not much more to remove it completely. Appreciate your suggestion.Comment
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Re: C2 Dash Wiring Harness Install Instructions
Hi Joe,
That's the aritcle. It worked fopr me. Driver's seat out and a small cardboard box on the floor to rest my head on while I worked.
DougComment
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