Got my dash harness, what else should i do?

[manic_mopar]

Hey guys. I just got my dash harness in from Y1 thanks to their memorial day sale. My dad is flying out here in a month or so to help install it. We want to pull the dash and replace the firewall insulation and plug up all the holes in it while we are doing the harness.

So my question, what should i go ahead and replace/renew/etc. while im pulling the dash apart? Any major wear items in there or around it that would be good to tackle? I know I have a leak somewhere when it rains that drips through the dash and on my leg that i think is from a bad windshield seal. I'm going to try and get safelite to come out and take the windshield out and leave it like that to make it easier to work on, and come back after we are done to re-seal it.

Any thoughts are always appreciated. Thanks!

 

[munger77]

Spend some time going through the harness and making sure it matches what you need and there are no mistakes - 2 vs. 3 speed wiper motor, heat, AC controls, electric vs. manual windows, power top, radio, etc. That's what I would do. I wouldn't remove the glass unless you are sure it has a leak. Could be a leak in the cowl unrelated to the glass, not sure.

 

[manic_mopar]

Thanks for that! Ill pull off the plastic cover things on the cowl and take a look inside. If thats the case, then i can definitely leave the glass on.

 

[idrivemopar]

If you are taking the complete dash out, then you might want to consider refreshing the heater box, there are kits available from Detroit Muscle technologies, and I guarantee the foam inside it on the doors and what not is either gone or will disintegrate if you touch it. Also a good time to check the heater core to see if it has any issues. Also, the firewall insulation is two different kinds, the fiberglass and cardboard type, that's easy to replace, and there is the shoddy pad, looks like chopped up mulit-color linen which is glued to the fire wall. All is available if you want to replace it.

 

[Dennis H]

I got the harness on the shelf too. It never ends. One thing leads to another.

 

[manic_mopar]

If you are taking the complete dash out, then you might want to consider refreshing the heater box, there are kits available from Detroit Muscle technologies, and I guarantee the foam inside it on the doors and what not is either gone or will disintegrate if you touch it. Also a good time to check the heater core to see if it has any issues. Also, the firewall insulation is two different kinds, the fiberglass and cardboard type, that's easy to replace, and there is the shoddy pad, looks like chopped up mulit-color linen which is glued to the fire wall. All is available if you want to replace it.

Those are great suggestions. I didnt even think of the heater core. Mine cracked back in 2002 in high school. Came out to a passenger floorboard full of radiator fluid! Haha

No kidding Dennis! Thats why we are gonna do everything dash related now. Pull it out once and ve done with it. (famous last words)

Thanks guys

 

[kiwigtx]

If you know there are leaks under the dash, it might a great time to thoroughly inspect the seals around the wiper shafts. Also check that the cowls for your vents are in good condition.

 

[Car Nut]

Could be a leak in the cowl unrelated to the glass, not sure.

Also check that the cowls for your vents are in good condition.

My 70 Challenger leaked, found leaves and crud built up around the cowls. I cleaned it out, leak went away. I miss that car.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I have done this maaaaaany times!

It is posible to make it on car? Yes. But is tricky, specially trying to reach all the wiring looms around the dash frame

Remove the full dash assembly is easy really on 71 and lates B bodies, doesn't need to twist your hands here and there and will make a cleaner installation. Since you also got a leak somewhere, you can try to find that leak at the same time. The advantage on our generation cars is the windshield can keep on car removing the full dash

I don't get why ppl mentions about 2vs3 speeds wiper and some other differences. That's not truth. The dash harness is the same on all cars as far you matched the year and the cluster kind. As an example you can even get a 73 dash harness from a station wagon Coronet and install it on a 73 Charger, if both are standard cluster ( or rallye ). Extra parts and accesories are adds on to the basic harness

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I have a full dash frame removing procedure posted... somewhere LOL.. will search the link and post

 

[Nacho-RT74]

If you know there are leaks under the dash, it might a great time to thoroughly inspect the seals around the wiper shafts. Also check that the cowls for your vents are in good condition.

71 and lates doesn't have that problem. Wiper pivots are not on passenger cab

 

[manic_mopar]

Thanks guys. I'll check in the cowl area for any blockage or even holes for that leak before i consider removing the windshield. Thanks for that info as well Nacho!

 

[Bruzilla]

My leak test is to get a spray bottle with some red food coloring in it. Get a white beach towel and lay it across the floor under the dash. Then start systematically spraying around the windshield, cowl, wipers, panels, etc., until you see red.