84 944 dash resinstall - how bad of a job?
 

I have been considering purchasing a 1984 944 that is close by and very inexpensive. He has been having problems with the fuel pump he thinks, but price is very right. The other thing is the interior has been pretty much gutted. He has it all there, but not installed... this includes the dash and all components thereof. How bad of a job is this to reinstall, assuming someone did not caveman it coming out?

Here is a pic of what I may be up against...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193460140.jpg

Assuming the wiring is all intact, its not a horrible job.. but expect to spend alot of time on your back underneath the dash. I rewired my friends early '85 and ended up replacing two of the main wire harnesses. It was a hellish experience. Putting the dash back in was cake compared to the wiring work.

Just my $0.02...
 

If you do decide to tackle that re-installation, I have one critical suggestion. There are a couple of ground points above and behind the fuse/relay box. There is another ground point behind and to the right of the glovebox. NOW would be a good time to clean/replace those ground wire connectors (read: solder) without that pesky dashboard in the way.

BTW, that picture makes it look much worse of a job than it actually is. I have been 5 dashboard mounting bolts away from having the dash completely out on several occasions. It will make things easier if you first know exactly what each connector and wire bundle does so you can route them properly during re-installation. Oh, and don't forget to disconnect the battery! :rolleyes:

wow! all that for a bad fuel pump?! jk ;)

it'd have to be nearly free for me to tackle that. then again, i'm a pansy...

Don't Be Silly !!
 

Of course not. You only have to do that when you change the oil filter...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/suppo...ys/explode.gif

Techno is right. Putting the dash in is the easy part; the wiring is difficult.

From your pic it looks like the main cluster, light switch rear defogger connections look intact. Most of these connections have unique pin connectors. Should be fairly easy to trace. Your picture doesn't show enough detail for the center luster gages, heat/ventilation/ radio controls. Looks like the radio wires have been cut.

I have taken my dash apart and reassembled it. Once you have identified where things go; take pictures and get some wire markers to mark the male/female leeds. Make yourself a copy of the dash removal procedure from Clark's garage to locate the bolts/ nuts to assemble the dash. This job requires patience and will be very challenging especially if the wires have been cut. I would also recommend getting a wiring diagram from a Porsche manual to help you.

Good luck

One more thing before you go down this path. What is the condition of the dash itself. Is it cracked? Do you have the switches, glove box? What condition are the gages in? What does the center cluster console look like?

Got to make a list of what you have, what is the condition and what you may need. If the dash is garbage, will you be satisfied after all for the work you put into making this work.

This could get expensive..........

looks like a race car project! set it up that way and amaze everyone who rides in it that they are ridding in a race car on the street....lol
looks like a very long project.

Getting the center console properly fitted is the real time consuming part of assembly. I found that getting all the associated screws started first, before final tightening, is the trick. Leaves you some wiggle room for final fitting.

Thanks all for the comments. I am still on the fence a bit. Someone had mentioned the car would have to be just about free - it is... just about...

There is a possibilty we may be moving soon. We have been in the air a bit on that too, and that is why I am dragging my feet abit on this. I defintely do not want a project like this just to have to sell it or move it in a few months or less.

I have not seen the actual interior pieces yet, so not sure omn their condition, other than being told "everything" is "there".

I will keep you posted, once I decide what I am going to do... Until then, here is a pic of the exterior...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193767309.jpg