Posted By: hp383
Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 09:34 PM
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?
Posted By: stumpy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 10:23 PM
Why can't you get to the fuse box? It isn't all that hard. 4 screws to remove a panel.
Posted By: hp383
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 10:27 PM
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.
Posted By: stumpy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 10:30 PM
Then how are you going to do all the rewiring and modification it will take to move the fuse box? A mirror and a fuse puller would be a whole lot easier than moving all the wiring.
Posted By: stumpy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 10:53 PM
OOPS! I missed that. But still it is going to cost a bunch of money as in hundreds of dollars. Electrical work isn't cheap. How often do you have to get to the fuse box? I don't think I have had to check anything on mine for a long time.
Posted By: hp383
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/19/13 11:07 PM
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.
Posted By: redraptor
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 12:38 AM
I don't know how much this will help. I made a custom dash insert for my mud truck and wanted to move my fuse block for reasons related to mud and water. You can't see from the pic but I untangled the box while I had the dash and steering column out and mounted it just to the left of the steering wheel and made a cover. There was enough wire to do this. There should be enough wire to possibly mount it lower on the bottom part of the dash left of the column if you or someone could fabricate a bracket. Maybe you can access it from outside the truck at that point.
From reading your posts over the years I thought you had some kind of disability and I apologize for not knowing what that is.
Posted By: stumpy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 12:48 AM
I also liked it better when it was in the glove box.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 12:49 AM
I honestly would leave it where it is. I understand your problem but the cost of rewiring would negate the benifits IMO unless you presently have electrical problems If you encounter the infrequient popped fuse Id take it somewhere to have it looked at for a fraction of the rewiring cost or have a neighbors kid give you a hand.
Posted By: 76dodgeboy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 02:27 AM
Jamie pretty much lives 75+ miles from any Real Help from friends. I don't think it would be too difficult to relocate by just lengthening the wires. I wonder how much dead space tjerw is next to the glove box
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 02:45 AM
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..
Posted By: old_goat
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 02:54 AM
On my 83 D150 I had, the fuse box had been moved to the left side of the column, just below the dash in easy view. No wires appeard to have been cut or lenthened. There was a home made bracket holding it, so I know that can be done.
Posted By: poorboy
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 03:11 AM
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
Posted By: BulletBob
Re: Fuse panel relocation, thoughts? - 12/20/13 03:22 AM
Jamie, what do you have that I need.
I can wire one up from a harness that I already have & move it to inside the console
I can ride up & hook it up in a day most likely
I've got a RC or two I can use to do the prefab with
