Fuse panel relocation, thoughts?
#1550351
12/19/13 05:34 PM
12/19/13 05:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043 State of Confusion
hp383
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OK, I have been giving this some thought, and wonder how feasible my idea is.
I cannot access the fuse panel under the column on my 86 and 93 Ramchargers, so I have been thinking of ways to relocate the fuse block to a more accessible location.
I have given thought to behind the glovebox, which would require removal of the glovebox liner in the event of a fuse issue. Then last week I was driving down the road, and noticed the center speaker grille on the dash.
I recalled I used to hide stuff (no not that!) under this grille when I was younger. And am now wondering if there is enough room there to mount the fuse block?
IIRC there is quite a bit of room there with no speaker in place, but it may require some trimming, and fabrication of a mounting support for the block.
If I decide to proceed, my next endeavor would be to find a shop that would be able (read as competent enough) to take on the task. Where would I look for this, would it be a good idea to take it to a place that does vehicle electronic installations? My thoughts are that they should know the right way to solder, crimp, and shrink all needed wiring extensions.
I think the relatively quick and easy access under the speaker grille would be better than having to remove the contents of the glovebox, and its liner.
Any other locations with easy access from the upper part of the dash I could look at?
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Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts?
[Re: stumpy]
#1550353
12/19/13 06:27 PM
12/19/13 06:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043 State of Confusion
hp383
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I cant get down that low, or under the dash to see the, and manipulate the fuses as designed.
I used to could, but not anymore.
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Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts?
[Re: stumpy]
#1550357
12/19/13 07:07 PM
12/19/13 07:07 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,043 State of Confusion
hp383
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I know that typically the need to get to the fuse box is infrequent, but it always seems that when the occasion does arise it is never at a point and time where its convenient, or during good weather, or even close to an open shop.
Recently I lost the horn fuse, which for what ever reason seemed to power the radio, and glovebox light as well. Not a huge issue, but it took a couple weeks to get it replaced. Not to mention I dont like to ask for help doing something that should be so simple. It kind of gets to me.
Its more for peace of mind, knowing that if I lose the heater fan, or marker lights, windows, wipers, brake lights, etc. I can fix it on the side of the road, or in a parking lot.
Its one reason I really liked the dash format on the 72-79 trucks. That is one thing that I wish Dodge had left alone. I love the top access glovebox with the dinner tray, and fuse box right up top and center.
Last edited by hp383; 12/19/13 07:19 PM.
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Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts?
[Re: 76dodgeboy]
#1550362
12/19/13 10:45 PM
12/19/13 10:45 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 12,291 Kent, Wa
340SHORTY
Truck Nut
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Truck Nut
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 12,291
Kent, Wa
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The speaker grill could be modified to swing open and relocate the fuse box under it. There is plenty of clearance. My first RC was an X police vehicle and it had a fuse panel mounted to the area above the heater/AC box under the dash for all the extra police goodies..
I am truckless..
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Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts?
[Re: 340SHORTY]
#1550364
12/19/13 11:11 PM
12/19/13 11:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,563 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,563
Freeport IL USA
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There is a very large number of wires that will need to be lengthened. Moving the box up to the speaker location might be do-able, but the dash will definitely have to come out minimum. In today's world, I would hate to see how much that will cost. Finding someone competent enough to do the job would be the next nightmare. I'm thinking a street rod shop that does vehicle rewiring on a fairly regular occurrence would be your best bet.
I think you need to make friends with a repair shop near your home, so you will have someone close to you that you can trust to do the things you can no longer do. I suspect that list of "can't do anymore" will grow longer as you get older. Much as it sucks, that is how life works, might as well get used to it. At least you have an excuse, you didn't just grow old and turn into a feeble old man, like I am. Gene
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