Replacing wood dash in a BJ8

[sjgcpa]

Does anyone know of any tricks when replacing the wood dash in a BJ8? I also need to remove the black dash pad.

Thanks.

 

[sjgcpa]

I figured out the black dash panel. The wood dash is a nightmare. The passenger side is out. Getting it back in will be another story. Now the driver side.

 

[Keoke]

I figured out the black dash panel. The wood dash is a nightmare Now the driver side.

Have you drained the cooling system or made a plug to go in the hole where the temperature bulb in the block is fitted. The bulb must be removed to liberate the gauge in the dash??--Keoke

 

[dphilippo]

We just finished this project and I can tell you a couple of things that we learned. First, listen to Keoke. There are some good threads on a removal tool for the temperature sensor, and I would start spraying it with PB blaster now. We were lucky and it came out with a regular wrench after two weeks of spray. If you have already gotten the passenger side and the center heater control out then remove the rest of the gauges after marking all of your wiring. I used electricians wire numbers that you can buy in a book and run from 1-42 many times over. Remove the temperature gauge last after disconnecting the oil pressure line. The gauge, the wire, and the sensor come out through the dash in one peice, and it will need to thread through the hole in the fire wall, so you will need some extra hands. Don't break it. Once the gauges are out the rest of the dash is easy to remove. Also, try to pull a string through when you remove the choke cable and the choke assemby can be removed with an allen wrench from the front while the cable is out.

When reinstalling we put it back as one peice, securing the three together with the glove box in place and then putting it in with the two end bolts through the brackets and the top screws. This is not too difficult with the steering wheel off, I can't say about when it is on.

Good luck,

Drew,
65 BJ8

 

[sjgcpa]

Thanks for the tips. I am still working on the passenger side. I thought I would get it ready to go back in before I started the driver side. I was starting to think the driver side would be easier but now I am not so sure.

Thanks again.

Steve

 

[GregW]

Hi Steve,
I also replaced the dash as one piece (instrument cluster, console and glove box). I think the hardest part of installing it in sections is getting those tiny screws installed while lying on your back.

 

[sjgcpa]

I have learned it helps to bend like Gumby.

Thnaks for the help.

Steve