[tom s]

My first time at this and dont want to screw it up?Can it be done alone or best use two?Should the underdash harness be attached or done later.Radio installed or later.Any pitfalls I should know about going in?I have the steering assm out of the car.Tom

[GoatDr]

The wiring harness should be installed before putting it in. I think it's like my 70's and part of it goes on top of the dash insert inside a plastic sleeve. So, that means the dash insert should be installed also, before insertion. AC vents should be attached to the dash if needed.

[GOAT WHORE]

I usually lower the steering column first but since yours is out it will be a lot easier. Leave everything installed (radio, gauges heater controlls). I leave heat controll cables conected to controller and unhook from other end. Unhook all wiring from guages, lights, radio, door jamb switches for dome light, etc. Dont forget the speedo cable. Take off the glove box door and glove box. Follow all the under dash wiring and make sure it is unhooked from dash and related components. I think there are six bolts that hold on the dash.It can easily be done as a one man project. Probabily take about 45 min to take out.
I am sure I forgot some steps but once you get under there just use comon sence.
Good luck.

[UPC-WU2]

I did it by myself, but it would be easier with two. I had the dash harness installed in the dash first. And the radio & heater controls. Anything you can install in the dash ahead of time means fewer things you have to install upside down on your back with a flashlight later. Except the glovebox - leave that for later.

[tom s]

Not looking at getting it out!Im looking at getting it in!Tom

[GOAT WHORE]

Now I am wondering if I have been doing it the hard way after reading the posts here. I have always left the wiring in the car and removed the dash. Makes since what you guys are saying but I am not out looking at my cars either.

[GOAT WHORE]

Well of course it would be reverse to get in!

[GOAT WHORE]

Here is what the manual says:
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove glove box.
3. Disconnect speedo cable and wire connectors at headlamp switch, windshield wiper, turn signsl, ignition switch, printed circuit,heater and/or air conditioner control panel.
4.Remove lower column trim and disconnect air control cable at heater case.
5. Remove 3 screws at instrument bombs.
6. Remove 2 instrument panel to column support screws, 1 screw at each outboard lower end of panel and 3 nuts above glove box compartment liner.
7. loosen 2 right hand toe plate screws and 2 screws clamping right toe plate to left plate.
8. remove column to instument panel bracket nuts and drop collumn.
9. Pull entire instrument panel rearward far enough to gain access to cluster.
10. Remove groung strap retaining screws, and 2 instrument panel harness conduit retaining screws.
11. Remove instrument panel cluster retaining screws then cluster.
12. To replace, reverse removal procedure.

[tom s]

Thanks all!Might tackle it in the next day or so.Tom

[gtohurstjudge]

It's a lot easier to unplug the dash harness at the junction block on
the firewall and remove and install the dash with the dash harness already installed
to the dash components. This is how it was done on the assembly line when the car was built
If you don't have the steering column removed when you install the dash, put several towels
over the top of the column so you don't scratch the column during installation.

[tom s]

should the engine harness be connected and passed through the firewall or connect it later?Tom

[dxeven]

Disconnect the engine harness

[goatnut]

Originally Posted by tom s

should the engine harness be connected and passed through the firewall or connect it later?Tom

I would fasten it to the firewall at time of install with the 2 long hex head screws. Its easy to fasten the engine side later when you are done inside. I use a 1/4 drive rachet with a long extension (@18") and a swivel socket to tighten the bulk head connector from the engine bay. This makes it real easy to work around the brake master cyl and booster if installed and even easier without the booster in place.

[tom s]

I pulled the booster today,trying to get the friggin parking brake cable in.Got the dash all put together today,going to wait for some help this weekend before trying to get it in.Had to order a defroster unit today as mine was all rotted out where it goes to the underdash.Got a call today,my seats are all done.Might be light at the end of the tunnel!Tom

[wrea3_98]

I did my 69 with the dash on a table. Added all the componenets and the harness. I kept the fuse panel bagged for protection until I got the dash secured. Seems like the easiest way to do it.