Guys, I have a 1980 F100 and the dash is completely apart, so I could replace a few parts. I have a Haynes manual, but I'm asking if there is a GOOD document or site that might help me put the dash back together correctly? I appreciate any help you can give... Jeff

 

Are you completely gutted down to the firewall?

I don't know of any start to finish 'assembly line a dash' type document but I know myself and a lot of others on here will have disassembly videos and photos (I gutted my 86 in Feb and am about ready to start putting her back together) so we can definitely help.

Hopefully someone will have a reference for you but if not, let us know where you are in the process and we can go from there.

 

I don't have many (2 or 3) pictures of my 81's F100's dash a part or going back in but as Scott said post up what has you stuck and we can help
This dash & wiring was pulled from this truck and installed in another my project flare side.


Dave ----

 

Scott, I'm not down to the firewall but close. I have the whole front front, plastic, gauges, radio etc. See the picture for my progress. And thank you!!!

Jeff

 

You're in good shape. Full disclosure - the two trucks I have gutted have been 86 lariats so they are a bit different.

I am assuming not but do you have dealer a/c to install?

If not, are there any harnesses or wiring not in the truck(I ask because the 86's had a fair amount more)?

If not, then it looks like you are really ready to install the plastic dash front.

The front should have some conduit attached that you will pop the wiring into and there may be a screw that attaches the harness to the plastic dash to the left of the radio. There will also be a ground wire to screw to the dash support frame near the radio.

Really once you get that installed it's smooth sailing to install the heater control (may take some finagling to get it in the hole so you might have a helper hold it up at the same time you install the dash front), glove box, cluster, radio, and top dash piece.

To me it was the a/c filling up the nooks and crannies that added to the complexity of the dash. Looks like you should have pretty good room to work your hands around even after the front dash is on.

Edit: I zoomed in some more and see that the front dash (there has to be an official name for that?) framework is still installed. I guess you got it uninstalled that way but that may make it just a little more complicated to get the screws back in there on the sides but the lack of upper vents may make it not a big deal. I would definitely have someone help since without the framework the front dash will have more flex and chance of cracking in the middle.
I do have a video of all the screws attaching the framework to the front dash and can take more of my dash as is (laying in my shop with framework attached) if needed.

 

I saw that also and I think this will make it a little harder.
After messing with mine I think I would remove that metal frame work noting any place the harness is bolted to and bolt it back to the plastic dash part to make it a solid part to re-install.

I can not tell is the HVAC box in place? if not then even more reason why to pull that metal frame to give you room to work.

I might also go as far as to pull the harness and lay it on the dash unit so you can attach the harness to the metal frame work, gauges, etc. so it ends up like mine in the picture.
Then all I had to do was lay the dash on the seat feed the harness thru the fire wall on either side to get it started then flip the dash up into place and finish pulling the harness thru.
I found it was not that hard doing it that way as I marked all the connections that I pulled apart, some where already apart before I got the truck.
Also the harness will kind of fall into place where it should connect both inside and engine side so even if not marked would not be that hard.

As for the HVAC controls & radio they can be installed after the dash is bolted into place. The PO cut wires to remove the radio & HVAC controls so I did not have them or the plugs so when I did et them I had to install after dash was bolted in and was not hard at all.
Here you can see part of the harness hanging on the right side.

Even if you don't pull the harness I would pull the metal frame and bolt it back to the plastic dash part before going to move it around.

BTW you may not have that ground Scott posted about. There is a lot posted about a ground on the fire wall by the radio, is that what you meant Scott?, that is not there on the early trucks like my 81's so thinking yours don't either.
Dave ----

 

Thanks Dave - I wasn't sure what all the differences would be between the first and last year so glad you have experience with close to his year. That was also before I noticed the framework was still in place so if there was a ground I figure it's still hooked up.
My inclination would also be to remove and install the framework to the dash outside the truck but that's really only because that's the only way I've ever pulled a whole dash out before and also due to my fear of developing flex cracks. Since the dash won't have the vents on the outer extremes to make getting to the side screws tough, maybe the way it is will be easier?