Page 12

Rebuild Dash And Install Wire Harness

On a 1946 Plymouth the dash is removeable so it made fixing rust and working behind the dash easy. While the dash is out and the inside of the car is empty it is a good time to install the wireing harness. Remember the 1978 Olds cutless that I took all the parts from,well I took the whole wireing harness,fuse box and all. I installed the harness just like it was in the olds fuse box to firewall and all. Believe it or not the rear harness was just the right length it had a couple of extra light sockets but fit fine. I did not have a speedo for the 46 but when I measured the cutless speedo it was only one half inch larger then the hole in the dash. So after a few brackets presto a new speedo with fuel guage and shift slector neddle. GM parts even had a new printed curcuit for it. Not bad for being 20 years old and it was only 22 dollars. The wireing harness made it easy to hook every thing up. I used a 1985 Olds steering column all the hook ups were the same as the 78 Olds. I used a Saturn wiper motor and it hooked up to the harness at the steering  column. I also hooked the after market cruise control to the column because I did not want the cruise switch on the dash. The harness also had connectors for radio, lighter, AC ,interior lights, radio speakers and just about anything you would want. I used 1939 Ford tail lights so they were easy to wire and the harness had trunk light, speaker wires, and trunk release wire. The under hood wire harness also had every thing I needed to wire the car and just think I got this harness for no money just a little work. I did not hook the steering column to the dash in any way. While the dash was out I welded brackets to the firewall and left side of the car and made brackets to hold steering. That way I could take the dash out even touching the steering column. This is a great time to install the AC unit that bolts to the firewall.I made the Plymouth so you can unhook the wires on the back of the dash and take the dash out and leave every thing in place no major parts hook to the dash. This also stops rattles which I hate.

All The Dash Parts Were Missing Other Parts Were Used

The dash was not quit finished in this picture.Note the olds speedo how well it fits.

Dash And Headliner After They Were Finished.

It is a good idea to build  a system to stop your hot rod from being stolden while you are building it.  Make sure it is where it cannot be found easily but make it easy for you to get to.