Driving with the dash off?

[CJbyALEX]

I need to remove my dash to begin removing all of the emissions peripherals, cpu, et. all...and redressing all of the electrical and whatever other problems I find. Still, it's a daily driver and I wonder how it will respond to having everything there removed. Can it be driven with all the gauges and dash off?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I wouldn't--
Exposed, live circuits that if gnd'd, will leave you stranded.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

I would and have. Be careful to tape off exposed wires and it is nice to rig up a way to see your speedometer. IT's also a quick way to see if you've wired up something wrong.

 

[DHugg]

I need to remove my dash to begin removing all of the emissions peripherals, cpu, et. all...and redressing all of the electrical and whatever other problems I find. Still, it's a daily driver and I wonder how it will respond to having everything there removed. Can it be driven with all the gauges and dash off?

Unhook the speedo cable (you'll have to do without it);

Get a pair of long bolts (standoff bolts) that fit the windshield lockdown screws and run a bolt into each hole. Then unscrew the rest of the dash screws and slide the dash out, blocking each side with a piece of wood. You can get holding tension by screwing in the standoff bolts.

I'm replacing all the OEM gauges with something else, and I have to test each replacement while running the machine; watching the temp gauge at idle doesn't get me where I need to be. I've had the dash panel off for about a month with no issues.

Leave all your electric gauges hooked up and, if you intend to rewire or replace them, do so one at the time. Life gets too complicated with a whole bunch of loose wires, some powered, some not.

 

[jdcaples]

I don't have a smart phone, but there many choices for cell phone mounts and quite a few speedometer apps for smart phones.

-Jon

 

[CJbyALEX]

Leave all your electric gauges hooked up and, if you intend to rewire or replace them, do so one at the time. Life gets too complicated with a whole bunch of loose wires, some powered, some not.

That's fantastic advice for anyone who can bear it. However, NONE...repeat NONE of the gauges work except for the Speedo with a needle that more closely resembles a battle-of-the-bands applause-o-meter (with the pretty lady) than a scientific gauge..."You're going a certain speed somewhere within this 15-20mph range. Stay Safe!"

:-)

 

[DHugg]

That's fantastic advice for anyone who can bear it. However, NONE...repeat NONE of the gauges work except for the Speedo with a needle that more closely resembles a battle-of-the-bands applause-o-meter (with the pretty lady) than a scientific gauge..."You're going a certain speed somewhere within this 15-20mph range. Stay Safe!"

:-)

I dig it.... you'd be as well-served looking at a bunch of empty holes.

If I had a heavy sack of cash I'd replace all my INOP gauges with Autometer. Instead, I'm trying to do something much more work but maybe good in the long run............

Not for folks who have Real Jobs and little spare time, but here's the link:
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f98/build-new-set-gauges-scratch-22266/

 

[CJbyALEX]

I dig it.... you'd be as well-served looking at a bunch of empty holes.

If I had a heavy sack of cash I'd replace all my INOP gauges with Autometer. Instead, I'm trying to do something much more work but maybe good in the long run............

Not for folks who have Real Jobs and little spare time, but here's the link:
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f98/build-new-set-gauges-scratch-22266/

The Autometer lcd dash is coming out later this year and looks really sweet. However, I like the arduino solution and it's been paired with iPads for dashes in the past. I think I might save up my dollars and go that route. It'll be pretty unique, and kind of ironic after I strip all the unnecessaries off the engine. Hah. Engine with no CPU, but the gauges and cockpit electronics are 30 years more modern than the original components.