The steering column is out...what can I do?

[Jim69coronet]

Car is 1969 Coronet. I also have radio out and heat/ac box. What electrical testing can I do. I need to test the ampmeter, adjust the stop light swith, test dash lights and wire the Classic Air system. Can I start the car?

Thanks

 

[Bird 426]

Heater hoses would need to be capped. What's wrong with your gauges and lights. You may want to pull your gauge cluster. Easier with the front seat out and maybe even the steering column.

 

[Sam69sat]

The brake lights, turn signals, horn, hazzards route through the steering column wiring so you wont' be able to test those with column out.

 

[Jim69coronet]

The brake lights, turn signals, horn, hazzards route through the steering column wiring so you wont' be able to test those with column out.

Heater hoses would need to be capped. What's wrong with your gauges and lights. You may want to pull your gauge cluster. Easier with the front seat out and maybe even the steering column.

I took the column out for easier access to remove old MC and install new booster. The PO added another ampmeter to bottom of dash. I want to remove it and test the one in the dash and replace if bad. I want to test dash lights and replace bulbs. After the new booster was installed the stop light switch needs to be adjusted and tested.

Thanks

 

[RJ Squirrel]

Inspect the firewall electrical bulkhead connector closely, look for melted wires would be a good place to start. Get one of these big easy to read wiring diagrams too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3726468439...CD6pWvIXIbx1o/rk5jsjXGeBU=|tkp:Bk9SR4j445OiZw

 

[LowBikeMike]

Have you ever had the car running? If so, what did the original Ammeter show? If PO wired another in, likely some wiring changes have been made. Really need to pull cluster to inspect. Can you start it with column and other parts out? Yes.

 

[Jim69coronet]

Have you ever had the car running? If so, what did the original Ammeter show? If PO wired another in, likely some wiring changes have been made. Really need to pull cluster to inspect. Can you start it with column and other parts out? Yes.

Yes, the car does run, but since I started these projects, it has been several years since it ran last.
I don't remember what the oem ammeter showed. Looking under dash it looks like 2 wires are running from the old ammeter to the new one.

Thanks

 

[LowBikeMike]

Meaning the original wires at the Ammeter are disconnected from it? You really need to pull the cluster to see what you have. Im an Ammeter fan, but they do require some maintenance. Also check the bulkhead for overheating as suggested.