Dash Wiring

[gsniegow]

Let me preface this by saying I did several searches on the forums and have read many dozens of posts but none seem to address the questions I have.

I just ordered the YO dash harness kit (HU274B) for my '69 Charger.  I have some questions I was hoping someone might be able to help me with.

1 - Bulk Head - I must admit I am terrified at the thought of removing this.  It looks difficult to reach and it looks fragile.  Any tips or anything like that to calm my anxiety?   

2 - I have read all I need to do is loosen four screws holding a plate under the steering column to drop it slightly.  That should allow me to remove the dash pannel and provide me easy access.  True?  Am I missing something?

3 - While I am at it, I think I would like to just replace all of the dash light bulbs.  My luck is I would put everything back together only to have the bulbs die days later.  I am not able to find a comprehensive list of light bulbs that I would need to do this.  Does anyone happen to have such a list?

4 - Any general tips & tricks to know about?

I do have the manual with the wiring diagrams, so once the new kit arrives I do plan on labeling everything before even attempting the install.  My thoghts is that will make it allot easier once I have the spaghetti (sp?) bowl in front of me! 

I'm not sure when this will arrive.  I know it's really cold in Chicago so I may not get to this task for a couple of weeks but I like to read and plan everything iin advance. 

Thanks!

[Dmichels]

I am assuming the harness is basicly the same as a 68


1 Do this on a warm day the wires and conectors will be much easier to work with. Remove the 3 conectors inside the engine compartment. You will see some spring clips on the BH conector work those clips in while pushing the conector into the car. Not a big deal do not worry about it. This is a good time to check the main power wires that go in and out threw the BH conector They are prone to melting because of the high current that goes threw them See this link for more info
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,33574.0.html
2 yes   Personally I would remove the column AC duckting and any thing else in the way. It will mke your job much easier. Wear gloves there are some sharp things under the dash that will rip you open.
3 Yes do that
1969 bulb chart http://www.1969chargerregistry.com/gallery/facts/chart_pic_001?full=1
4 Take pictures label things make sketches ect Use dielectric grease on the BH conector.

Good luck it really is not that bad
Dave

[charger Downunder]

Buy some wire tags little stickers with abc or numbers on them and tag each wire on both ends as you undo them or make your own tags. be prepared for it to take a lot longer if you have to chase up bulbs and put it all back so there will be no rubbing on wiper arm as it moves when on.

[Mopar Nut]

Let me preface this by saying I did several searches on the forums and have read many dozens of posts but none seem to address the questions I have.

I just ordered the YO dash harness kit (HU274B) for my '69 Charger.  I have some questions I was hoping someone might be able to help me with.

1 - Bulk Head - I must admit I am terrified at the thought of removing this.  It looks difficult to reach and it looks fragile.  Any tips or anything like that to calm my anxiety?   

2 - I have read all I need to do is loosen four screws holding a plate under the steering column to drop it slightly.  That should allow me to remove the dash pannel and provide me easy access.  True?  Am I missing something?

3 - While I am at it, I think I would like to just replace all of the dash light bulbs.  My luck is I would put everything back together only to have the bulbs die days later.  I am not able to find a comprehensive list of light bulbs that I would need to do this.  Does anyone happen to have such a list?

4 - Any general tips & tricks to know about?

I do have the manual with the wiring diagrams, so once the new kit arrives I do plan on labeling everything before even attempting the install.  My thoghts is that will make it allot easier once I have the spaghetti (sp?) bowl in front of me! 

I'm not sure when this will arrive.  I know it's really cold in Chicago so I may not get to this task for a couple of weeks but I like to read and plan everything iin advance. 

Thanks!

I would replace the light bulbs with led if available, much cooler. The 20% off did work, you did get a good deal.

[gsniegow]

1 Do this on a warm day the wires and conectors will be much easier to work with. Remove the 3 conectors inside the engine compartment. You will see some spring clips on the BH conector work those clips in while pushing the conector into the car. Not a big deal do not worry about it. This is a good time to check the main power wires that go in and out threw the BH conector They are prone to melting because of the high current that goes threw them See this link for more info
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,33574.0.html

Thank you!  Last season I did make some electrical changes in the engine bay as well.  Most notably, I replaced the engine harness with a new kit from YO.  I also ran power directly from the alternator to the starter relay, rather then running it through the dash first.  Inside the car I removed the ammeter from the equation as well.  I will do so again with this new kit as it would not function as designed with the other changes I made. 

2 yes   Personally I would remove the column AC duckting and any thing else in the way. It will mke your job much easier. Wear gloves there are some sharp things under the dash that will rip you open.

Remove the steering column or will dropping it be sufficient?  My AC/heat ducting is just sitting there anyway, so yeah, that will be removed and I hope to get all that back in place as well when I am done.

3 Yes do that
1969 bulb chart http://www.1969chargerregistry.com/gallery/facts/chart_pic_001?full=1

Excellent, thank you!  I will see if I can find LED replacements instead too as I think the dash lighting is very dimm as it is!  Oh, last seasons electrical changes also included bypassing the dimmer switch.  Mine has issues and I could never see wanting to make the dash lights any dimmer then they already are!  LOL

4 Take pictures label things make sketches ect Use dielectric grease on the BH conector.

Noted.  Thanks for the help and encouraging feedback!

Buy some wire tags little stickers with abc or numbers on them and tag each wire on both ends as you undo them or make your own tags. be prepared for it to take a lot longer if you have to chase up bulbs and put it all back so there will be no rubbing on wiper arm as it moves when on.

Ah, good idea I had not considered previously!  Thank you.  One question though, what rubing on wiper arm are you referring to?  Is there something inside the dash from the wiper arms that I need to watch out for?  Apologies for the confussion.

[Dmichels]

Droping the steering column will be enough to take out the gauge cluster. The more you take out from under the dash the eaiser it is. I would take the extra 20 min and pull the column. It could save you hours of fighting the harness. After you pull the cluster have a look for yourself and deside waht you want to do.
It is your choice.

[tan top]

Droping the steering column will be enough to take out the gauge cluster. The more you take out from under the dash the eaiser it is. I would take the extra 20 min and pull the column. It could save you hours of fighting the harness. After you pull the cluster have a look for yourself and deside waht you want to do.
It is your choice.

yep    remove the steering column , completely  will save hours of agro 

[gsniegow]

Ok, looks like I will remove it.   Is there a writeup anywhere on how?

Thanks again for your ongoing help!

EDIT:  Now that I am at a computer and not trying to do this on my phone, I wass able to search and somewhat learn what needs to be done to remove the steering column.  It doesn't seem all that terrifying, provided I don't force / break anything.  Your help has been much appreciated!