I have been looking to change the dash in my 1980 f250. I found a perfect dash out of an '85 diesel. What will I need to do to make it work in my truck? It is everything I wanted to find in a dash. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Depends on exactly which parts you are reffering to. The main dash structure should be the same. The instrument cluster, is not.

 

I want the whole dash. I want the wiring and all. I know something's wont work. What I really want to know, will the wiring harness work? I know the under hood harness will be different. But what about the main, In the cab harness?

 

Dash structure will work(same)
cluster will NOT(can you case diesel)
harness will NOT(1980 has a harness all to its own) Unless you want to change out the ENTIRE truck harness, but then again, ITS A DIESEL

 

I do want to Change the whole harness. I am planning on replacing cluster. What will it take to make the diesel harness work with my gas?

 

Alot of headaches, since the diesel has ZERO provisions for a ignition system. Find a 81-86 GAS truck

 

Whats wrong with the cluster? i have a ton of cluster parts laying around if your just needing a couple parts for it.

 

I wouldn't think it would be as big a deal as you're making it out to be.

On a gasser, the ignition switch probably has a wire going to the coil +12V connection.

On an IDI diesel, you could just hook that same wire to the fuel shutoff solenoid on the injection pump.

Either way it will accomplish the same function -- allow the engine to run or stop the engine when you want to shut it down.

The only other thing I can think of that might cause issues is the heater ducts. The pre-85 (?) trucks did not have vents in the dash, only the defroster vents and floor vents. If you put an 85 dash in, you might have space issues (probably nothing a dremel can't fix, though).

 

Diesel harness is very different from gasser, and as pointed out, there's a lot unique things in the 80 harness, and the same goes for a diesel.

Oddly enough, I can explain the process of using an 81-86 gasser cluster, in an 80 truck, and make it look/function exactly as it should, assuming both clusters are originally oil/alt guage equipped.
But trying to use an entire dash harness from a newer model, could have many side effects.
If your original harness is cut/hacked, it might be worth the effort to swap in a different one. Might be easier to just repair the current one though.

 

Way to complex to try and use a diesel harness in a gas truck. Just get a GAS harness.

As for the dash vents, really?!?!? Are you serious? Before you type, you should find out some FACTS. The vents in the dash are for A/C equipped trucks. EVERY 1980-86 that has factory A/C had those vents

 

I sure am glad you're here to set me straight, Diesel_Brad.

 

The main differences between 1980 and 1981-1986.

The 1980 headlamp switch is different than 1981-1986, as well as the wiring to it.

The 1980-1983 Turn signal switch is different to 1984 and 1985-1986 turn signal switches.

The main dash harness and engine Alternator harness is different between trucks equipped with Instrument gauges (Oil and Ammeter), than trucks equipped with idiot lights (Oil and Charge Lights) throughout the 1980-1986 range. There are major differences between 1980 and 1981-1986, with the main underdash harness, and minor differences between the years (1981/1982) - (1983) - (1984/1986), that can cause wiring issues. Connectors for accessories won't plug in etc...

The instrument cluster bezel is different 1980, than 1981-1986. Specifically the lights in the bezel are rearranged, the turn signal and brake and fasten belt lights are inverted compared to 1981-1986.

As was stated, the Instrument Cluster out of a 1980 is different than 1981-1986.


All these are potential issues doing a main underdash harness swap.

Then Diesel harnesses are different yet to above.


What I would do, since this is a 1980, is look for a dash and main wiring that is the most compatible. This would be finding a 1980 gas powered truck that matched your instrument cluster. Either gauge or idiot light equipped. If you are wanting to change idiot lights, with gauges, then get the apropriate harness, both the alternator harness and main dash harness must MATCH, for the option you want. This will assure you all your accessories will plug in proper, without any wire modification.

If it's not possible finding a 1980, then a 1981-1982 would be the second choice, as it's the second most compatible. You would have to use a instrument cluster and headlamp switch for a 1981-1986 truck, and the main harness needs to match either gauges or idiot lamps. The alternator harness also needs to match idiot lights or gauges as well. The headlamp switch will need to be replaced as the horn goes through the headlamp switch of the 1980, and does not for the 1981-1986. Then a insturument cluster bezel for a 1981-1986 needs to be used. This would be the best match as most accessories will still be plug and play, except for the factory radio using a 1982 harness. The factory radio plugs changed in 1982.

If you use a 1983 harness, it has several differences that are year specific like the 1980, but they are not as drastically different. Specifically the clock, Underdash courtesy lights, and headlamp warning buzzer are wired differently. Get those harnesses along with the main harness with those. the above differences 1981-1982 still apply. The clock is also different between 1980-1982 / 1983-1986, so a year correct clock should also be used.

1984-1986 harnesses are different yet again, the turn signal switch incorporates a key in ignition buzzer, a clutch start cancel switch on the clutch pedal, (if equipped with a manual transmission), and the warning buzzers, underdash courtesy and clock wiring is different yet again. this is in addition to the differences above.

To save yourself from some headache, and to make the job a lot easier, get a main harness that best matches the year of your truck, and the options you want. As I said, best match is 1980, and matching the instrument cluster style you have. 1981-1982 would be second choice, as it takes the least amount of work, and very little splicing or cutting of wires except for possible radio connectors on a 1982. Mostly component replacement, (Instrument Cluster and bezel and Headlamp switch etc). Otherwise you are going to have to cut and splice wires, and reroute wires to different areas to make everything work satisfactory. Rewiring the alternator harness, and instrument cluster wrongly can also cause your truck to burn to the ground. (People trying to install gauges into a truck wired for idiot lights is the most comon problem encountered) Do a search on the forums for more information on these problems.