Dash Removal

[007]

I did do some searching and found some relevant posts, but not "exactly" what I was looking for. In any case, I'm considering replacing my gauges with the Speedhut's and adding an OEM-style radio. Then the more I thought about it I figured "well, while I'm there I better do this and this and that."

SO...the questions...

1. - I have the leather wrapped steering wheel with the black horn button and AMC logo in the middle - how do I remove that to pull the wheel off, so I can slid the dash off the column?

2. - Any pitfalls to removing the dash?

3. - Heater box needs replaced while I'm there, mine is a 77 and I believe they're different than others? How so? Can I just as easily put any other year in there?

 

[HackFabrication]

1. - I have the leather wrapped steering wheel with the black horn button and AMC logo in the middle - how do I remove that to pull the wheel off, so I can slid the dash off the column?

2. - Any pitfalls to removing the dash?

3. - Heater box needs replaced while I'm there, mine is a 77 and I believe they're different than others? How so? Can I just as easily put any other year in there?

1) Horn button should just pop off, that'll get you to the inside.

2) Torks head screws, lots of wiring behind it, lots of PO surprises to be had.

3) 1976-1977 shared the same heater box. It was similar to the 72-75 boxes. Not similar to the 78-86 boxes. One basic difference is the blower motor is inside the body tub on the pre-78 boxes. Heater control cables are different. The actual cowl vent is a different size. Looks the same as the 78-up, but it isn't. What's wrong with the box?

 

[007]

What's wrong with the box?

Well I'm not completely sure there is anything wrong with it, so I need to do a thorough inspection first, but it sounds like if I do need a box, I need to get the correct one - so thank you for that info.

I suppose that this would be a good time to do a Chevy blower motor upgrade as well?

 

[HackFabrication]

I suppose that this would be a good time to do a Chevy blower motor upgrade as well?

Different animal. The popular Blazer motor upgrade is for the 78-86 heaters. You can upgrade to a 3 speed motor. I did:



I restored my 76 heater box (a long time ago). Not that difficult, if your box isn't all cracked. The plastic AMC used wasn't the best to begin with, and age hasn't been good to it. So be very careful handling it. I would suggest removing the battery beforehand. Here is the only aftermarket supplier of parts for that year I know of: MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Air boxes

 

[Hedgehog]

Be careful removing the air box. They used some kind of black fiberglass material that is very brittle. It is likely that your air box can be repaired. The various flaps and doors are simple to work with. It is possible that it is just full of junk like leaves, sticks, pebbles, and dead squirrels. The blower motor sounds like a great upgrade to the stock system.

You will likely need to get a wheel puller to remove your steering wheel. Wheel pullers are fairly easy to use. Most wheels come equipped with threaded holes made for a puller.

 

[elwood blues]

Rent a steering wheel puller from AutoZone, Advance, wherever, they charge you for the tool, but get your money refunded 100% when you return it. It's soo much easier to get the wheel off with a puller

 

[HackFabrication]

You will likely need to get a wheel puller to remove your steering wheel. Wheel pullers are fairly easy to use. Most wheels come equipped with threaded holes made for a puller.

Rent a steering wheel puller from AutoZone, Advance, wherever, they charge you for the tool, but get your money refunded 100% when you return it. It's soo much easier to get the wheel off with a puller

What they said^^^^^^^

 

[007]

Okay - thank you to all... I had NO idea I couldn't use the Chevy blower upgrade? Why is that anyway?

Back to the dash, so pop off horn button, use puller to remove wheel, work out the dash bolts (pad and panel), disconnect wires / controls / etc, work panel over column and have at it?

 

[hdgapeach]

Okay - thank you to all... I had NO idea I couldn't use the Chevy blower upgrade? Why is that anyway?

Back to the dash, so pop off horn button, use puller to remove wheel, work out the dash bolts (pad and panel), disconnect wires / controls / etc, work panel over column and have at it?

The Chevy blower motor upgrade is for the Jeep models that have the electric motor poking through the firewall (under the battery tray). Look through some of the members later Jeep model pics, you'll see what they're talking 'bout. Your and my Jeep blower motors are inside the passenger cabin with the motor pointing the opposite direction. Totally different animal. As mentioned, the three speed fan motor upgrade would make you proud (and you ain't gotta whittle out the firewall hole to accommodate the Chevy motor).

For the dash pullin'; Use some masking tape to label what you unplug so you get them all put back in the same location. That is unless a PO (previous owner) customised it with a rats nest that's gonna need tending to. Higher tech folks take color snap shots as reference. A sharpie and masking tape works good enough for me. Once you start turning screws and exposing stuff, it'll pretty much be self explanatory how it all comes apart.

Have fun with the project!

 

[007]

Thank you very much I appreciate that. That's a good explanation. I've been very fortunate with this Jeep, it only has 48,000 miles, and I have yet to find any PO tricks. … Knock on wood.


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[Lumpy Grits]

Just be sure to DISCONNECT the battery before you do anydangthing.
LG

 

[73CJ]

With the windshield down I didnt need to pull the wheel off

If the hardtop was on I would drop the wheel down from the dash. No need to pull the wheel. They can be a bugger.

 

[007]

Just be sure to DISCONNECT the battery before you do anydangthing.

LG

Absolutely.

With the windshield down I didnt need to pull the wheel off



If the hardtop was on I would drop the wheel down from the dash. No need to pull the wheel. They can be a bugger.

Can it flip it up with the top off and have enough room to do what I need to do (change gauges)? I'm a little reluctant to fold the windshield forward. Assume the worst with regard to rust.


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[73CJ]

Absolutely.




Can it flip it up with the top off and have enough room to do what I need to do (change gauges)? I'm a little reluctant to fold the windshield forward. Assume the worst with regard to rust.


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The wires aren't long enough to flip the dash up but rather out (toward the rear) and down.

 

[HackFabrication]

Pull the steering wheel and lay the dash down on the floor using a couple blocks of wood to keep it level:



Label the wires if you want, but a good wiring diagram will get it all back together assuming it hasn't been improvised.