Im gonna install a new rebel 9+3 wiring harness.My dash is out would it be easier to wire it with the dash out or should i bolt it up first.This is a 56 ford fairlane victoria (2 dr ht).Thanks
I've always done it with everything in place. I find it much easier that way. You might have to temporally remove a switch of component to get to something but in the long run it's the only way to go.
If your talking about having the cluster out. Wire it and get a terminal with enough spots in it for the wires. Then you can wire the cluster where you can take the cluster in and out easily. Just my opinion.
I did it with the dash out,cause I'm old and fat can't see for **** looking through bifocals laying on my back looking up.If you are going to do it with the dash in take the front seat out.Several guys in the 52-59 Ford Group have used the 9+3 kit in their Fords you should ask there.
As long as you don't have to solder anything, and I can't imagine you would, make all your connections and get under there. Taking the seat out would be what I would be doing, not really knowing your car, but you gotta get comfortable.
I would be mounting fuse block and routing wire with the dash out for easier install of those procedures since the dash is out and you removed dash so you have knowledge of wear things should go. I can appreciate jeffB2 statements as to the bifocal and not as trim and young as I am in my mind, Good Luck!!
I can't see any disadvantage to doing the dash out wiring. It would be much easier to see everything and the few wires that need to go away from the dash could be left long enough to terminate after the dash is installed. Mine is out now and will be doing it before I put it back in.
Out............looking to the future. I'd make it so the dash could be taken out later for ease of any re-wiring. That way you could work on the wiring with the dash in or out.
If you do it with the dash out, make a sub-harness with a multi-pin connector to plug into the main harness. Wire it on the bench, nice and neat, install it, and pulg it in. That way if you ever have or, want to remove the dash you can just unplug it and pull it out.
We did the majority of the wiring on the Ranch Wagon with the dash out,the wires were left long enough to reach the dash once it was installed,it was just easier,,and as Jeff said there was no seat in the way. We installed most of the gauges and radio in the dash before mounting it. I can't imagine trying to wire this car with the dash in place. HRP
Whenever I have the option, I'd always wire it with the dash out. I do the gauges and all the internal dash wiring on the bench, and wire switches, and devices that bolt into the dash in place with enough lead to reach where they mount. Then once the dash is wired, I bolt it in, and mount all the switches once it's in place. If I have to wire all the gauges, etc. in place, and it's too hard to be fitting each gauge, and making wire splices necessary with doing it in place. I can also mount a terminal strip under the dash on the firewall, so once I bolt the dash in, I can make the final connections on the terminal strip. I use two terminal strips, so one is for dash connections, and the 2nd for spares from my wiring system for anything I don't use, or may need in the future.
HRP,You really need to make up some duplicates of your dash panel I know several guys hungering for one of those,great work! Another thing I found in these 50's Fords after you remove the dash don't be surprised if you find rust on the p***enger side around the heater core area which will drip down to the p***enger side floorboard the only rust issue my AZ car had.You won't see that with the dash in the car,so it is a good time to fix that issue.When I rewired mine some of the old light sockets were frayed(rotten cloth wire insulation) those were replaced with new blue LED lights to match the blue interior and exterior.
THanks! I did it with the dash out.Installed all new Omega gauges (MADE IN GEORGIA USA).I painted it too.Check my profile for pics.THanks
Nothing more fun than lying on your back with a blood rush to the head. A blob of solder in your mouth as you concentrate , and a dag of wire falls in your eye. In other words follow HRPs lead dash out. I am doing my shoebox at present with dash out.
The last 4 I did with the dash out...installed quick disconnects on the dash wiring to make it painless...
I just did my Ford... dash out as I was painting that anyway. I did make note of any interference points and kept the harness runs below that. The dash goes back in this week or the next and all I really need to wire is the ignition switch, headlight switch, heater, column and gauges. I can do a lot with the cluster out, being able to reach in and connect things easily.
In some cases it might be better to take the dash out, as in my 54 Chrysler. You can't even get up in there just to take the speedo head out. Same with my 54 Lincoln, very cramped up in there. If it isn't very difficult, pull the dash. The idea of adding some connectors to easily remove the dash is a great idea too.
I prefer dash out and quick connects. But I don't like to lay under a dash for long periods of time. Some cars its easier with the dash in and some cars you just don't have a choice, but anytime I can do something sitting up I will do it sitting up.
I'm not at all comfortable working under a dash with my current back situation. And my neck is not far behind. I have a HF moving blanket to lay on and the front seat is also out, so if I have to, I'm good to go.
Bob I hear ya on the back thing. I have two discs that are AWOL in my lower back one more on its way and two in my kneck that are also trying to go over the wall. I think that backs are a very poor design or maybe I should have taken better care of myself. LOL
Sorry it took so long to reply Jeff,I just saw this pop back up today. I believe I still have the template,and I got the engine turn material from Speedway Motors,,I will look for it and post again. HRP
Great deal depends on the car you have and if you're replacing gauges. On my shoebox I did the rewire with dash in place ( 1 st time for me ) wasn't too bad except at the gauge areas was pretty tight even with my little fingers. Of course the seat has to be out. Bifocals ****s.
Quick disconnect to guage cluster, dash out. If you gotta do it dash in, push it outside or near the open garage door, laying there with a trouble light shining in your ear gets old quick. Even if you don't wear gl***es normally get a pair of low powered cheaters at walgreens.
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