AlV 69 Dodge GTS project
I'm really happy with the way the steering column turned out. Big thanks to Kevin A.k.a 68hemiRT for the solid advice about replacing the cross pin and how to clean the signal indicator CAM switch.
With the steering column out of the car I decided to direct my attention to the dash and some items I had noted need attention. I want to inspect the instrument cluster. The speedo, temp and fuel gauge wasn't working. I'm pretty sure the temp gauge is broken but wasn't a big deal because an auxiliary gauge cluster w/ temp, and oil pressure was installed under the dash. Because of the damage I saw to the bulkhead connector and wiring harness I also want to run through and sort out the dash harness. I'm going to take advantage of having Steering wheel and column out of the car and get to work.
The first thing I did was remove all the dash bezels and set them aside for later. This is the AC/Heat and Radio bezel. It's not bad but could use some TLC. Not sure how to approach it and the others yet. Stay tuned.
Next I removed the cluster from the dash. It's in pretty good shape but like the other bezels it needs a bit of cleanup. Chrome, paint and detail. I also need to repair or replace the Temp guage.
You can see the printed circuit board on the back and how the connectors fit. These are the heavy lugs and leads from the Battery and Alternator. Black is "P" and Red is "J" on the bulkhead
My next step is to tear down the cluster and clean it up.
With the cluster out I confirmed that the temp guage is broken the needl is completely loose and not responsive. I tested the speedo using the old cable and a drill and it worked. I've replaced the gauge and clean up the cluster then set it on the shelf for later.
I had a clear path to look over the dash harness and as I meniton earlier the J (alt) port on the bulkhead was burned was burned. As a result the bulk head was by passed by the prevous owner using a short jumper wire cold spliced and taped on each end. To facilitate the connection the body plug on the firewall for the clutch lever was removed and the clutch lever opening was used as the pathway for the jumper (along with the choke cable for the carb and the axillary gauge cluster sending connections). As if that wasn't enough, the wires feeding the ignition plug were all cut. The were also cold spliced with tape and the dash around the ignition switch was beat up..maybe stolen at some point I don't know.
As a result of these discoveries I've decided to reassess my plan and change directions due to the increased scope. I am no longer trying to get the car on the road while I rebuild the engine and trans. Instead I'll go through each system and address them one by one.
Next stop, dash removal for repair and restore. I'll remove and repair or replace all of the dash Harness, switches/controls, and the radio.
I'm really happy with the way the steering column turned out. Big thanks to Kevin A.k.a 68hemiRT for the solid advice about replacing the cross pin and how to clean the signal indicator CAM switch.
With the steering column out of the car I decided to direct my attention to the dash and some items I had noted need attention. I want to inspect the instrument cluster. The speedo, temp and fuel gauge wasn't working. I'm pretty sure the temp gauge is broken but wasn't a big deal because an auxiliary gauge cluster w/ temp, and oil pressure was installed under the dash. Because of the damage I saw to the bulkhead connector and wiring harness I also want to run through and sort out the dash harness. I'm going to take advantage of having Steering wheel and column out of the car and get to work.
The first thing I did was remove all the dash bezels and set them aside for later. This is the AC/Heat and Radio bezel. It's not bad but could use some TLC. Not sure how to approach it and the others yet. Stay tuned.
Next I removed the cluster from the dash. It's in pretty good shape but like the other bezels it needs a bit of cleanup. Chrome, paint and detail. I also need to repair or replace the Temp guage.
You can see the printed circuit board on the back and how the connectors fit. These are the heavy lugs and leads from the Battery and Alternator. Black is "P" and Red is "J" on the bulkhead
My next step is to tear down the cluster and clean it up.
With the cluster out I confirmed that the temp guage is broken the needl is completely loose and not responsive. I tested the speedo using the old cable and a drill and it worked. I've replaced the gauge and clean up the cluster then set it on the shelf for later.
I had a clear path to look over the dash harness and as I meniton earlier the J (alt) port on the bulkhead was burned was burned. As a result the bulk head was by passed by the prevous owner using a short jumper wire cold spliced and taped on each end. To facilitate the connection the body plug on the firewall for the clutch lever was removed and the clutch lever opening was used as the pathway for the jumper (along with the choke cable for the carb and the axillary gauge cluster sending connections). As if that wasn't enough, the wires feeding the ignition plug were all cut. The were also cold spliced with tape and the dash around the ignition switch was beat up..maybe stolen at some point I don't know.
As a result of these discoveries I've decided to reassess my plan and change directions due to the increased scope. I am no longer trying to get the car on the road while I rebuild the engine and trans. Instead I'll go through each system and address them one by one.
Next stop, dash removal for repair and restore. I'll remove and repair or replace all of the dash Harness, switches/controls, and the radio.
