Any tricks to working under ‘71 Duster dashboard?

-
Ken71Twister

Ken71Twister

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
290
Reaction score
79
Location
Valparaiso, FL
I spent a couple of hours under the dash yesterday reconnecting my speedometer cable (not sure why it popped loose). I’ve always found working under the dash painful - yet when I read threads about this I’ve not heard anyone say if it is worth the trouble to remove the front seat. I’d appreciate any tips because I have more under-dash issues and would love to know how to make this a bit easier.
 
While I've never removed a bench or buckets to work under the dash I think that'd be an excellent idea if there's a lot of work to do.

Even at my age i'm still pretty limber but it does take a contortionist to work up under the dash, i'll typically have my *** on the seat and legs up over the back and rest assured once you finally get situated that you'll have to get back out to get something. Try to have everything you need and I also like working with a cordless light so you don't have a cord in the damn way.

Love my rechargeable Streamlight Stinger Switchblade.

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...t=&hvlocphy=9027290&hvtargid=pla-567707465666
 
I've done under dash work with a seat out, I upholstered the seat so it needed to come out.
So much easier without a seat.
Have someone help to avoid damage to paint, the seat, etc.
At the least, remove the steering wheel, if you are looking for more room and easier access.
I guess you could also unbolt the seat and slide it back to gain space.
 
Besides being a contortionist, or having a really tiny friend, not really. Taking the seat out is a good idea, simple enough. Never fails that you will have to get out multiple times for a different tool, or to find something you've dropped.
 
Removing the seat does help. But the OLD makes up the difference.
 
I have never taken the seat out. How I access depends on what job I'm doing. I generally pull inst' panel, or glove box liner to work through the dash while sitting in the seat(s).
For speedometer cable, If I remove one screw from fuse box and move it a little, remove headlight stem and bezel nut to move that switch a little, I can kneel at the door opening a to put left arm up in there.
 
Many years ago I had the front and rear seats out and needed to move the car. I used a lawn chair and almost had an accident when the chair slid back when I was pushing against clutch and brake pedals. I won’t do that again.
 
Seat out to lay on your back under the dash, but watch your back when twisting the wrench. Pulled something in my side. Also watch the studs while removing the seats, they are rippers. Wish there were quick-release seats.
 
I would not / can not get under a dash anymore, without the seat out. I'm lucky, I have buckets so that is easier. "Some of us" have also been known to "block up" a piece of plywood/ etc to form a "cot" out of the driver's door, with a mattress etc thrown over.
 
The easiest on your back is to pull the glass and then the dash can go on a workbench.

Let me know if you dont do this, then I can buy stock in Advil.

:poke:
 
Some kind of a bench or tote bin that is the same height as the rocker panel, then a piece of foam pad over that. Then a helper to scoot you back out. And long sleeves.
 
Ken71Twister said:
I’d appreciate any tips because I have more under-dash issues and would love to know how to make this a bit easier.
Click to expand...

Just pull the seat, if it's a bench 4 nuts from the bottom and out she comes.

Just be careful around the slides especially if you have the seat pushed back. If you hit the release and that slide slams forward while you are handling it, it can be very painful. Don't ask me how I know. :(
 
I have a bunch of movers blankets I pad the floor with and sometimes remove the seat. It is a struggle no matter what you do. Cordless work lights are a big help. I've done aircraft and automotive panel work my whole life and right now the tool I find most helpful is 800 mg Ibuprofin.
 
After all these years and different owners and the duct tape electrical tape home fuse connections LOL and all the craziness that goes on under there with people upside down and a little flashlight sticking out of their mouth trying to get something connected... I finally removed the dash put it out on a bench and redid all the wires that needed redoing shrink wrap nice and neat took my time and I'll never have to go under there for a long period fo time and again..
IMG_20180302_165209.jpg
 
Anytime I work under the dash the seat comes out.. along with a nice cozy pillow to put my head on...
 
J par’s picture of wiring reminds me of what it looks like under my hood. The squirrels have destroyed my engine wiring at least twice. My days of being young and flexible while working upside down are not easy as they used to be..... I bought this ‘71 new when I was 19. Me and the Duster are showing our years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top