Disconnect dash/firewall/cowl from truck?

[woytovich]

What is the "best" way to disconnect a complete dash/firewall/cowl from truck? I have rust free one with all switches etc still connected and I have a bad condition one on the truck. Basically 77-78 era equipment. Both are cut at the floors for use with my aluminum tub.

I'd like to make this swap as trouble free as possible.

Any info would be appreciated.

Mark

 

[woytovich]

Anyone have any input here?

 

[KY Longhunter]

what year?

I would just take sawzall and cut through rockers on both sides, floor pans and then through tranny hump at the seam on my '81.

Are the front 2 body mounts in good shape?

These are located under the truck at the firewall/floor pan....

 

[fieldsken1]

you ask what is the best way to do it. well i think a case of bear and some tin snips

 

[shelfboy1]

there is no best way just disconnect every thing ,unbolt it and lift it off .you can leave gauges wiring harness and other stuff in it .master cylinder clutch and all that will come off with it but its heavier.but nothing 2 people cant manage good luck

 

[woytovich]

My question is about the WIRING, not the cowl itself....I mentioned that the steel on both is cut already.

Is there a single disconnect point (or just a couple) like some cars or do all the wires run from the cowl directly to their components under the hood (I THINK this is how it is)

 

[Degnol]

My junk is way older, but I have two connectors on the engine-side of the firewall, passenger side that if unplugged, would allow the cab wiring to stay with the cab. I'll bet you have something similar. This kinda shows what I'm talking about. Located close to #10 in the pic.
GL

 

[thecrazygreek]

If the wiring harnesses are complete in the new cowl, just swap it out intact. If they are the same (similar) years, your connections should all be ok. Two bolts hold it on, just cut those off and replace with new.

When it comes to clean and paint, just stuff the harness inside the cowl up under the dash, mask and prep / paint.

The cowls are light without the firewall side stuff or windshield. Should be an easy swap with 2 peeps or more.

 

[woytovich]

....I have two connectors on the engine-side of the firewall, passenger side that if unplugged, would allow the cab wiring to stay with the cab....

That's what I was hoping for/... I'll have to clear off the stuff piled on the hood in the shop and see what can see... THANKS

If anyone has this same knowledge for 78ish 40s let me know please... Pics would be ideal. (I'm a visual kinda guy)