Removal of the wiring for the Fader Rheostat

[rporzio]

Before I break something does anyone have any thoughts on how to remove the wire harness on the bottom of the fader rheostat switch so that I can completely remove it from the console. I no longer use it but would like to take it apart to clean and detail then reinstall. Thanks Ralph

[jpk]

If I remember correctly, the harness is pretty short - it only runs up behind the radio. There are two plugs at that end - one went into the original radio, the other went out to the speaker wiring in the car (the rheostat was in between the two)
I would bet if you pulled the radio out, you'd be able to find the other ends and feed it back through the console.
Once it's out, I'm sure you'll see a way to disconnect the harness from the back of the fader rheostat itself.

[rporzio]

ok, that's good because the original Monterey has been out of the car for years and I'm now in the process of changing out my current head unit so that will be a good opportunity to try your advice; thank you! Ralph

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by jpk

If I remember correctly, the harness is pretty short - it only runs up behind the radio. There are two plugs at that end - one went into the original radio, the other went out to the speaker wiring in the car (the rheostat was in between the two)
I would bet if you pulled the radio out, you'd be able to find the other ends and feed it back through the console.
Once it's out, I'm sure you'll see a way to disconnect the harness from the back of the fader rheostat itself.

Yep - this is correct! The early radios were a 2 channel set-uo. By eliminating the fader and some re-wiring of the rear speakers you can take advantage of current 4 channel set-ups.