I'm gonna have my dash apart anyway so what all should I mod and fix... (1 Viewer)

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May 1, 2012
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Cartersville
I'm going to install a new double din head unit and will have the dash apart so I was thinking I'd go ahead and do some bulb replacements and a fix or two.

Of course my "D" light does't work so I'll replace that. Is that an autoparts store item or dealer only? Should I replace them all?

I also saw the temp guage fix get proper temperature readings. Smart mod and great write up, especially considering I overheated my 4Runner and blew the head gaskets.

And maybe the "auto up" window switch mod. It's not in the dash but close enough. It's really a pain having to hold that switch for 5 extra seconds. 10 in cold weather. :crybaby:

And I sure could use a CDL switch.

Is there anything else?





 
You're talking about your 97 right? I have not read the temp gauge mod in a while so I can't remember what's involved but I would recommend you pick up an ultragauge instead of modifying the gauge. I'm paranoid about overheating as well and the UG has an alarm for the temp and a load of other handy features. Money well spent in my book for the piece of mind.
As far as in dash work, the only other thing I can think of is slapping in some white gauges. I'm not sure if I love em or hate em but they're on web...
 
If you have the entire dash apart...I would take the time to clean up things, especially the heater core. It can get a good coating of crap on the fins and will decrease heating/cooling efficiency. Also inspect the associated fittings.

Good luck.
 
Install sound dampening along the firewall
 
radoe, cb, good time make sure its clean in there, does the 80 have any cabin filters???? Change out everything to leds.
 
Winch? I would add a in dash winch control :)
 
You're talking about your 97 right? I have not read the temp gauge mod in a while so I can't remember what's involved but I would recommend you pick up an ultragauge instead of modifying the gauge. I'm paranoid about overheating as well and the UG has an alarm for the temp and a load of other handy features. Money well spent in my book for the piece of mind.
As far as in dash work, the only other thing I can think of is slapping in some white gauges. I'm not sure if I love em or hate em but they're on web...

My oil pressure gauge died sometime ago but I never changed it. Now that I completely rebuilt my motor I replaced the gauge which of course eliminated my temp gauge mod. I got to say, I do not miss it one little bit. In fact I prefer not having it there because I looked at that gauge more then I looked at my speed and fuel gauge combined. The Ultra Gauge or Scan Gauge II, in my opinion, is the better way to go.

PIN-7 mod should be up there even though its close to the dash. If you are thinking about a CB, now is the time. If you have dual batteries then now is the time to add in the battery monitors that Tricky worked on or the one that Slee has. If you are going to add any buttons to the dash, now is definitely the time.

For the lighting, either replace all with new lights. only a few are available from an auto parts store, the rest seem to be dealer only. On the other hand this would be the ideal time to switch over to LED.
 
I would put in the scion radio mod its good! I like it not the best picture and as you can see i still need some finsh work.
WP_000691.jpg
 
Clean and dielectric grease the connectors in there. Product examples:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/LOCTITE-Electrical-Contact-Cleaner-3EPR3
http://www.all-spec.com/products/22058.html?gclid=CNyJ7oecqrMCFYN_QgodrToAPw

Much more important to do the electrical connectors outside the cabin first, but now out of habit I at least use dielectric grease whenever I am working on a connector, ground, contact, etc.

Better contact cleaner - http://www.amazon.com/DeOxit-Cleani...qid=1351651985&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=deoxit

Spray on connectors and work them back and forth a few times before applying dielectric.

Do not use to clean scratchy knobs on your stereo. It may silence them forever. That's why they sell a "fader lube" product as well.
 
just a side note, do not use Dielectric grease on low voltage connections and gold plated pins.
 
If you use an aftermarket GPS route the power cable up through the dash vents so it isn't running up and over the front of the dash anymore.
 
just a side note, do not use Dielectric grease on low voltage connections and gold plated pins.

Interesting... what is the threshold for low voltage? Does it apply for low current as well? What does it do to the gold plating?
 
Interesting... what is the threshold for low voltage? Does it apply for low current as well? What does it do to the gold plating?

I would like to hear more about this too. Thanks, J

This is what I found that seemed relatively credible:

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?66666UuZjcFSLXTt4XMVoXM_EVuQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666--
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dielectric-grease.htm
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61oevGGtMdS.pdf
http://www.novagard.com/compounds/Dielectric-Silicone-Grease.html
 
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