Ok guys, getting ready to start the instrument panel and looking for pretty work to copy... using a 6 gauge panel with dolphin gauges and want some examples, hints, suggestions and such.. wondering if I want to add a connector to the main group of wiring to make it easy to remove and work on if I need to.(hopefully not) but show me them pitures.

john

 

Not sure if this helps but on my 56 I installed a Dakota Digital instrument cluster. I did not want the mounting screws to show from the front side of the bezel so I enclosed it all and mounted the control module on the back. I don't have a photo of the wires/cable leading to the control module but it was a fairly simple task to hook it up and enclose it in a wire loom.

 

That looks good. How does it stay in without screws?

 

You may have seen this before but moved my under dash gauges into the cluster. I used a connector and it makes it much easier to remove when needed. I also replaced all of the sockets and used LED bulbs.

 

Cluster sits on a mounting bracket and is held in place with 3 5/16ths bolts.

.

 

I use Ron Francis kits and use their DASH plug a must

 

I've got the same 6 gauge panel...sweet. I've got a nine pin molex set ordered... should be here tomorrow. I agree on the plug
john

 

I use un-insulated wire ends with shrink-wrap. Gives a cleaner look than clunky, insulated wire-ends. It is a little more work but worth the effort.

 

Lots of suppliers offer pre-cut shrink wrap pieces in nice segmented kits...makes the task a lot easier

 

I just learned about these new type butt splices. Self soldering and self sealing with waterproof sleeves. Very cool. Hopefully they will add wire ends to this product line. I'm in France at the 24 hour race in Le Mans, but will try these as soon as I get home.

Parts Bin: NTE Self-Solder Butt Splice Connectors - OnAllCylinders

 

In the early 70's I used those splices extensively when I worked at the Naval Air Rework Facility here in San Diego. We were upgrading the F-4B Phantoms to the F-4J configuration and there were a lot of splices needed per aircraft. We used specialized heat guns that had a slotted tip that focused the heat in one small area. Wire was jacketed with Teflon, not sure how this would work with other types of jacket material.