Dash panel makeover project...
#12
#14
I'm finally tackling the main dash this weekend. Any of you guys that have done this already, do you have any tips / tricks / things to watch out for to offer to make this go more smoothly? I am using all of my existing gauges and switches, just swapping them out and moving to the new panel. I know there are a few master plugs and I've been told I should be able to remove the whole dash as a unit but there seems to be a number of things that have to stay in the boat. One thing I'm not sure of is the best way to disconnect the throttle / shifter cable assembly. All advice appreciated.
#16
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Islamorada Florida
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Looking good.......was there a harness connector so you could remove the dash with the wires connected to the gauges?..once your done do you want to come down to the Keys and do mine...LOL..free beer
#17
Overall, it's going pretty smoothly, I started Saturday morning, took me about 3 hours to get the dash out and most of that was spent labeling everything. I spent about 3 more hours on it Saturday afternoon removing the wiring and moving the gauges, and two hours yesterday moving the wiring to the new panel, and now the only thing I have left is reconnecting the LED's for the switches.
It's all pretty tedious work but rewarding watching it all come together. Can't wait until I get it back on the boat. I'd love to come to the Keys for the beer but not sure I'd be so enthusiastic about doing this for someone else... LOL... Here's a few tips on things that could trip you up.
1) Get yourself one of those P-Touch label makers with a few cartridges and label EVERYTHING before you remove a single wire. Take as many pictures as you can and for everything that you disconnect, write it down.
2) The FireBoy LED plaque is glued on the dash panel and behind it is where the screws are that hold the trim/drive indicators. I used a small 1" spackle knife and hammer to GENTLY break the seal of the glue to get it off without cracking it.
3) I needed a two-jaw puller for the steering wheel. My standard 3-point puller with bolts would not work.
4) I took the throttle/shifter assembly apart from the side screws rather than disconnect the cables. Make sure you make note of which way the neutral sensor wires are connected because they were different from port to starboard.
I'd be happy to offer pointers if you need it once you get started, so feel free to PM me.
#18
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Mines a bit older ...a 1990 Fever, in looking at the wiring under my dash it looks rather crammed in there, but I,m going to give it a try, and thanks for the tips