opening up dashboard

[Eric Johnson]

Hello Gardner,
I did a similar operation on our '84 FC awhile back. Not sure how different a
'78 is but
sure there are some similarities. Here are some things I learned in the
process:

1. Take the steering wheel off using the proper puller, you'll need the access.
2. The tach and speedo are driven electrically and you don't need to undo any
cable
drives.
3. I restored reliable dash lights by moving the wire to another connector on
the headlight
switch. This bypasses the reostat which is often the problem with lack of
light. Now,
when I pull on the headlight switch I get nice, bright gauge/panel lights.
4. You want to be especially careful with handling the electroluminescent
panels. The
electrical connections to them are very fragile. My understanding is these
panels can be
replaced if you damage them but they aren't cheap. You'll want to get some
knowledgeable advice from others if you want to drill holes and add items to the
panel.
Concern would again be with damaging the electrolumenescent lighting.
5. Screws around the border of the panel have to be removed. In addition, on
my coach,
one of the screws that held the CB mike bracket in place also had to be removed
to take
the top panel out.
6. I made all repairs and bulb changes with panels pulled back enough to get
access to
the back but didn't attempt to totally disconnect and remove them.

Good luck, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw" wrote:
>
> OK, I need to lift up the dash board in my 78FC33 to replace some
> switches. I am contemplating using indicator switches so I can see at a
> glance what is on and off. I also need to get the guage lights to work.
>
> That said, I realize that I can create new problems since the
> connections are pretty old and perhaps corroded and ready to break. I
> won't do it when I have a trip planned but will wait until the season
> ends and I am down for the winter. I suppose I need to reach under and
> disconnect the tach and spedometer cables. Are there any other common
> connections that need to be addressed prior to lifting? Also, should I
> lift from the front or rear?
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33
>