updating the dash
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
updating the dash
Well I finally found a good diesel dash out of an 88to put in my 85... Traveling to the other side of the state to get it this weekend.
1.First though I know the differences in the wiring 85 vs. 88.Since I am getting the wiring harness with it can I just swap it out to the 88 wiring harness?
2. I am also updating the steering column to the one out of an 88, I am almost positive everything will swap as long as I get the pedal assembly right?
3. How much different is the trim 85 vs. 88 the trim piece that runs along the front a pillar, and can I use my existing trim?
4. Are there any differences in the heater box under the dash? What about the heating ducts?
Thats all I can think of so far. Any opinions welcome, anyone think im crazy? anyone out there think its impossible? I know there is another member out there about to do this, just cant remember who...
Anything else that I should need?
1.First though I know the differences in the wiring 85 vs. 88.Since I am getting the wiring harness with it can I just swap it out to the 88 wiring harness?
2. I am also updating the steering column to the one out of an 88, I am almost positive everything will swap as long as I get the pedal assembly right?
3. How much different is the trim 85 vs. 88 the trim piece that runs along the front a pillar, and can I use my existing trim?
4. Are there any differences in the heater box under the dash? What about the heating ducts?
Thats all I can think of so far. Any opinions welcome, anyone think im crazy? anyone out there think its impossible? I know there is another member out there about to do this, just cant remember who...
Anything else that I should need?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
There are differences in the heater. The heating Ducts, etc... You will also need the trim pieces from the donor truck.
You will also have to drill new holes in the cab, especially the firewall areas, and weld up others. Would be wise to update the front clip while you are at it, otherwise you will have to splice connectors and wires. Having a full donor vehicle is a wise idea for this swap. Lots of little things that you could need.
As for my opinion,...
I personally wouldn't bother with a project like this. I'd go and get a 1987-1991 truck if that's the look you want. They are abundant, and it won't devalue the truck like the potential for this project could. For instance if you were asking $1500 for the truck after the project, I'd take one look and offer $500 or $750. Just because the parts don't match the year. I'd automaticly assume wreck, or hack job. Even if it wasn't, and was the best job ever done.
Just my two cents.
You will also have to drill new holes in the cab, especially the firewall areas, and weld up others. Would be wise to update the front clip while you are at it, otherwise you will have to splice connectors and wires. Having a full donor vehicle is a wise idea for this swap. Lots of little things that you could need.
As for my opinion,...
I personally wouldn't bother with a project like this. I'd go and get a 1987-1991 truck if that's the look you want. They are abundant, and it won't devalue the truck like the potential for this project could. For instance if you were asking $1500 for the truck after the project, I'd take one look and offer $500 or $750. Just because the parts don't match the year. I'd automaticly assume wreck, or hack job. Even if it wasn't, and was the best job ever done.
Just my two cents.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Well thanks for your opinions, I really doubt I will be selling this truck anyways I plan to keep it till its time for the junkers. I have already updated the front clip to the 92-96 style. I'm pretty much calling this a custom built truck, to MY specifications. Well I figured there were differences in the heating ducts, I will add that to my list of what to get. As for having to drill and weld, what do you mean? I been told by many that the mounting holes would be in the same spots and its only just a updated design. I'm sure even if I get the newer wire harness a few cuts and splices will need to be made.
I have a few close junkyards so finding the little parts shouldn't be to hard to find, I'm sure the diesel vs. gas dash is the same except for the WTS light, and instrument cluster.
I have a few close junkyards so finding the little parts shouldn't be to hard to find, I'm sure the diesel vs. gas dash is the same except for the WTS light, and instrument cluster.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 263
Likes: 6
From: Blue Ball, PA
Well I finally found a good diesel dash out of an 88to put in my 85... Traveling to the other side of the state to get it this weekend.
1.First though I know the differences in the wiring 85 vs. 88.Since I am getting the wiring harness with it can I just swap it out to the 88 wiring harness?
2. I am also updating the steering column to the one out of an 88, I am almost positive everything will swap as long as I get the pedal assembly right?
3. How much different is the trim 85 vs. 88 the trim piece that runs along the front a pillar, and can I use my existing trim?
4. Are there any differences in the heater box under the dash? What about the heating ducts?
Thats all I can think of so far. Any opinions welcome, anyone think im crazy? anyone out there think its impossible? I know there is another member out there about to do this, just cant remember who...
Anything else that I should need?
1.First though I know the differences in the wiring 85 vs. 88.Since I am getting the wiring harness with it can I just swap it out to the 88 wiring harness?
2. I am also updating the steering column to the one out of an 88, I am almost positive everything will swap as long as I get the pedal assembly right?
3. How much different is the trim 85 vs. 88 the trim piece that runs along the front a pillar, and can I use my existing trim?
4. Are there any differences in the heater box under the dash? What about the heating ducts?
Thats all I can think of so far. Any opinions welcome, anyone think im crazy? anyone out there think its impossible? I know there is another member out there about to do this, just cant remember who...
Anything else that I should need?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The holes in the firewall where the wire harness and other openings go through are different. Holes will have to be closed and new ones added etc. Unless you cut and splice under the dash, which I don't recomend.
There is also the issue that baldboyford mentions, etc...
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,808
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Well since your all saying its a doable swap I still think im up for the challenge! I will keep everyone updated, and probably a lot more questions to ask. Thanks for input...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Oh yeah, it's doable. The cabs haven't changed much from 1980-1996. It's just the little stuff changed to make the newer stuff work, that'll irritate and make you scratch your head.
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