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Dash wiring

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by johnsotd, Aug 12, 2014.

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  1. johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    I have the dashout of my '62 five and thought I would ask if it is easier to wire a Jeep with the dash out or in?
    I have repaired the extra holes left by the PO and am ready to put it back in if that is the easiest route.
    Anybody have this experience?
    Tommy
     
    johnsotd, Aug 12, 2014
    #1
  2. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I unbolted mine & used a couple of 6" 1/4" bolts in the lower corners to hold it in place but allow me to pull it away from the tub to do the wiring-

    [​IMG]

    This worked out very well for the wiring & subsequent troubleshooting.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2014
    #2
  3. johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    Thanks, Howard. I like that Idea. i was hoping to paint everything before assembly but thats OK,
    Tommy
     
    johnsotd, Aug 12, 2014
    #3
  4. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    :? Thats what I did
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2014
    #4
  5. Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    I have spent too many hours head down, with a mirror. Take off the dash for wiring is the best, or make an opening panel to concentrate all instruments can be good too. Or Tonka solution, all is better that working under the dash.
     
    Alan28, Aug 12, 2014
    #5
  6. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Need more yoga classes. :)

    I usually lie on the seats with my head under the dash.

    I like Howard's approach though, especially if you are rewiring the entire dash. The cloth-covered wire is cool looking. Is that from Walck's or did you source the wire, Howard?
     
    timgr, Aug 12, 2014
    #6
  7. PierreDnepr

    PierreDnepr Member

    Howard,

    Just wondering, what is the black box with the big red button on top of the photo?
     
    PierreDnepr, Aug 12, 2014
    #7
  8. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    That's a Walcks harness Tim. I really like it, my only issues are that the butt splice connectors & light sockets aren't as good as the stock parts, but then again what is these days? For anyone wanting to roll their own they use supplies from Rhode Island Wiring.

    H.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2014
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2014
    #8
  9. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    That's actually an oil bottle I was using to keep the top of the dash flopping back towards the cowl :oops:
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2014
    #9
  10. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    FYI there is is a drawback to my method- you need to move the steering column out of the way. This necessitates loosening the mounting bolts & probably floor pan removal. You'll also need to un-mount the parking brake handle assembly. Since I was in the re-assembly stage of Tonk's rebuild these weren't issues for me.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2014
    #10
  11. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    I did mine while in the Jeep because I couldn't remove it. I'm 6'3" so tough to find a comfortable way to do it..I would lay sidewise with my legs out the door braced on the wall I had the Jeep parked next to. I could only do this for short periods before having to take a break and stretch out.
     
    Boyink, Aug 12, 2014
    #11
  12. ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Same for me on wiring behind the dash. Make sure to put a rag between the dash and the steering column to prevent scratches. As you work like this and test your work, keep in mind you can lose your ground from time to time.
     
    ojgrsoi, Aug 12, 2014
    #12
  13. army grunt

    army grunt Member

    I wired my 71 from scratch, It was not bad at all, I did a layout of the wires an switches, then made all connections (testing as I went)Walt helped me with a few of the switches.It came out great. I cant get under yhe dash (bad back)so everything was done from outside.Because I did the wiring (every joint was soldered)I was able to leave extra wire, that way i could easly reach under dash put the sw, an gauges in easy..
     
    army grunt, Aug 13, 2014
    #13
  14. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I actually ran a ground jumper from the speedo to the firewall, with all that fresh paint i didn't want to take a chance on it.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 13, 2014
    #14
  15. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    timgr, Aug 13, 2014
    #15
  16. johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    My dash--'62 was welded in. Some, I believe are bolted.
    Advantages?, disadvantages?, prefrences?
     
    johnsotd, Aug 17, 2014
    #16
  17. Chevallier87

    Chevallier87 Member

    Seems like Bubba got to your jeep...
     
    Chevallier87, Aug 18, 2014
    #17
  18. johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    I believe my jeep came from the factory that way. There are no bolt holes in the dash. I would appreciate it if someone would post a photo of how theirs is done.
    Thanks
     
    johnsotd, Aug 19, 2014
    #18
  19. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I'm pretty sure it did not, a welded dash on a production line makes no sense. Reach up behind it & feel along the edges of the tub, I'm sure you'll find that there are weld nuts in there that the dash would have originally been bolted to.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 19, 2014
    #19
  20. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Unless the tub is actually a DJ tub. I' e seen some if those that had the dash welded in from the factory. I've also seen one Early CJ with a factory Jeep Equipment hardtop the dash was welded in place. A customer has one. '64 ish. His was the metal hardtop with fiberglass roof.
     
    nickmil, Aug 19, 2014
    #20
    Mark T. likes this.
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