DIY4X dash, Autometers and stock wiring delete ?s

[AaronJen]

So we moved to northwest Georgia from Florida a few months ago for my wife's job. My '90 K5 is now up here with me and since I'm in between jobs at the moment, I have a little time on my hands. After seeing all of the things folks on here are willing to tackle (Ryoken and Greg72 come to mind), I decided it was time to jump in with both feet and get my K5 like I want it. Only problem is, I don't have all the stuff at the opposite end of my feet that gives them and many others on here those seemingly supernatural capabilities, especially when it comes to electronics. I guess I'm just going to have to learn this as I go if it is ever going to get finished.

I have done the 14BFF/D60 swap, and converted to discs while I was at it thanks to the information I learned from you all. I want to lift it 6" and run 40" LTBs when $$$ permits. So, in preparation for that hopefully not-too-distant occurence, I got a wild hair last weekend and removed the hood, doors (to make room for tube doors) and driver side fender. The passenger side fender will also be coming off in the near future so I can measure everything out and trim the fenders an equal amount (I am bad OCD that way) and put a finished edge back on them.

Well, since I want to put one of Kert's dashes in and get rid of the A/C which I never use, I couldn't leave well enough alone, and went ahead and pulled the stock dash, radio, and A/C out too. I was careful to remove the wiring associated with these as complete harnesses where possible, but nothing is ever that easy. This is where I am completely stumped.

I have searched everything I could find, as well as reading my Haynes book, but I am at a point where I cannot pinpoint which of the remaining wires I can remove, and which ones I need to leave to keep everything else working and to be able to wire up the new Autometers when I get the new dash.

Can someone help me? I have a TBI 350, so I'm sure the ECM harness will probably complicate things somewhat. I want to leave all engine-related stuff alone, as well as things like the lights and windshield wipers. I mainly want to get rid of as much unnecessary wiring as possible and clean up under the dash.

Like I said, I pulled the A/C harness and it basically unplugged. Pretty much the same deal for the majority of the power door locks and windows. The radio stuff and some of the instrument panel wiring seems to be tied into other harnesses in some places as well as the headlight switch, and I'm afraid to just go cutting into everything. Does anyone know of any place I can find photos or detailed pictures or diagrams (for dummys like me) which show what can go and what has to stay?

Also, there were two red-and-white plugs under the dash that I haven't ever seen before. One was about an inch and a half wide, and the other was about 3.5 inches wide. The larger one was attached to back of the front side of the stock dash. Can someone tell me what these are and if they can go or need to stay?

I'm really stuck and could use some help. Thanks a lot for any direction you can give me.

 

[AaronJen]

Nobody? Maybe it's me, but I haven't had much luck from the few questions I've posted here. I was going to buy a full membership so I could share my pictures, etc. with everyone and give back to this site and its members, but it seems like I wouldn't be much further ahead if it'll be like this everytime. Anyone have any insight on how I might ask the question so that at least some responses are elicited?

 

[munepit]

You will get some responses here. The members her are the most knowledgeable anywhere on the net. Dont feel frustrated. Just get the membership. Pictures always help. Hope you get the info you need. Wish I could help! Good luck!

 

[kgblazerfive]

Well since you wrote a book for a question

I will try and answer a few of them

if the red and white plugs are near the steering column they may be the reverse lights, I think the neutral safety start switch has a purple wire in it.

As far a cutting and pulling I wouldn't recommend it unless its running. If its apart and you start cutting stuff how do you know with out a diagram what you may have cut and thats why it doesn't run now.

I don't really know of any full color pictures that show what you can cut and what you can't.
Your going to have a cig lighter power, radio power, wiper switch, your a/c controls are going to be intergrated a bit with the main harness.

might be a power back window switch ?

The ECM harness should be a totally seperate deal the ones I have pulled were even on the passenger side of the truck.

 

[AaronJen]

Thanks a lot. Just having someone respond at all gives me a little more assurance that I'm not asking stupid questions or not explaining them adequately. The folks on here definitely know their stuff. I went from knowing zero to making some pretty substantial (for me) mods in no time just from what I've been able to learn here. Maybe someone will stop in here soon with some more info.

Thanks again!

 

[AaronJen]

Well since you wrote a book for a question

Sorry about the book I annoy myself with that sometimes. I guess I feel like if I don't throw in every little detail, I don't get the point across. As for the advice, I appreciate it. Maybe since I've already got rid of a good bit of wiring, I'll just wrap it all back up and call it good before I screw something up.

Appreciate the feedback.

 

[blazinzuk]

I think you are probably about as far as you can go with a wiring diagram. I plan on doing a custom dash later this year, in the winter time.

I think once you put the custom dash in there and get all the instruments in you might be able to eliminate some or use some that are still there. I think you removed most of what you should though

 

[k5blayzer]

you need to buy yourself a power probe its an awsome tool.. there are very few things i haven't been able to conquer since i picked mine up..