Install wiring harness into dash first or after dash?

[Jfryjfry]

I am putting together our bronco after stripping it down for paint. I pulled the dash out first and then the remainder of the harness.

I was planning on installing it the same but was thinking that installing the harness and gauges and knobs into the dash first and installing the completely assembled dash might be easier.

Currently the heater box, pedals, and drivers air box are all installed. I am using the original wiring harness.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Smedley]

I did the wiring harness while dash was out. Seemed like the best way.

 

[onpier55]

I recommend doing it with the dash out.

 

[BroncoJAK]

Sounds like the perfect time to replace the original harness. That being said I have different ways I like to do it depending on which harness I'm using.

 

[Jfryjfry]

I wouldn’t mind doing a new harness but we are so far over budget and the original harness is in surprisingly good shape so for now we will run it.

So definitely not doing dash then harness.

But should I fit the harness to the dash first and then install it? Or would it be easier to lay the harness in the truck, install the dash, and then make all the connections and fit the gauges??

 

[RVB]

Dash

Out is best

 

[Blue Bastard]

Another vote for putting the harness together with the dash off the truck. Your back and neck will thank you.


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[wookie650]

I did the wiring harness while the dash was out. I highly recommend to do it this way.
Much easier to terminate and do a clean installation from a nice work bench standing upright with good lighting. There are a few wires you will need to connect once you put the dash back in.

 

[JWMcCrary]

The first one did was a painless after I reinstalled the dash, was tough crawling around under there but I'm like an elephant in a broom closet. I did a Centech a couple years ago with the dash out in the pic.

 

[Smedley]

I made a stand out of the saw horse and some scrap pieces of wood.

 

[Wyflyer]

Install it in the back of the dash then install the dash.

 

[Jfryjfry]

Awesome. Thanks for the confirmations. It is definitely waaaaay nicer and easier than doing it in the truck. I’m sure I could do it but his is nice

 

[rydog1130]

I wouldn’t mind doing a new harness but we are so far over budget and the original harness is in surprisingly good shape so for now we will run it.

So definitely not doing dash then harness.

But should I fit the harness to the dash first and then install it? Or would it be easier to lay the harness in the truck, install the dash, and then make all the connections and fit the gauges??

I'd hate to see your investment go up in flames...a new harness seems $$$ but its a drop in the bucket and adds a level of confidence that your bronco will not give you any trouble down the road...... at least buy a couple of fire extinguishers if you don't replace the harness....oh and assemble your dash and hook it up before installing it...way easier

 

[LSUpete]

I cannot imagine removing the dash for paint.....but installing the old wiring harness. But, I'm the idiot who installed all my new wiring AFTER I had reinstalled the newly painted dash.

 

[rguest3]

Ideally, before the steering column is re-installed, install Wire Harness, Glove Box, Defrost Vents/Air Tubes, Gauges/Switches and Dash Pad Prior to installing the dash itself back in truck.

Personally I would never install 40-50 Year Old Original Wire Harness back into a Restored Bronco no matter how great it looked. Why Risk it? For all the upgrades done to a bronco, wire harness should be on the list.