Help with Cab reassembly.

[jumpsoffrock]

I dragged my feet for three years and recently I have had to abandon the "gentle reconditioning" of my truck and disassembled cab.
I need to slap it together and make it driveable--simple as that.

The cab is repainted poorly and all the parts that came off of it are ready in boxes.
Where should I start as far as reassembly order?

Thank you very much.
Edit: The truck is NOT being sold, I need it as a work truck ASAP.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

I dragged my feet for three years and recently I have had to abandon the "gentle reconditioning" of my truck and disassembled cab.
I need to slap it together and make it driveable--simple as that.

The cab is repainted poorly and all the parts that came off of it are ready in boxes.
Where should I start as far as reassembly order?

Thank you very much.
Edit: The truck is NOT being sold, I need it as a work truck ASAP.

A good paint job dude.


Kidding aside, square up your cab. My 71 is nearly a can't miss, very little play. Some considerations, such as the cushions u use, I've only used rubber. Snug up cushions to lowest torque setting at most, imo, you'll finish torque when satisfied with the assembly. Compare cab to bed....doors, core support snug only, finish that after cab and fenders r good. Slow and methodical, back and forth to happy. I'm no expert however, done it once. Approx. 3 16th even gaps, doors top front will b less.

Lots to a full cab assembly. But perhaps there is a start.

[jumpsoffrock]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

A good paint job dude.


Kidding aside, square up your cab. My 71 is nearly a can't miss, very little play. Some considerations, such as the cushions u use, I've only used rubber. Snug up cushions to lowest torque setting at most, imo, you'll finish torque when satisfied with the assembly. Compare cab to bed....doors, core support snug only, finish that after cab and fenders r good. Slow and methodical, back and forth to happy. I'm no expert however, done it once. Approx. 3 16th even gaps, doors top front will b less.

Lots to a full cab assembly. But perhaps there is a start.

So I meant, do I install the wiring in the cab, or the brake pedals, or the AC stuff? Which goes first?

[pjmoreland]

The A/C ducting makes it very difficult to access anything under the dash. Install the dash pad first before anything else. I would install the wiper motor, pedals, radio, A/C housing and control panel, then the wiring. I would leave the A/C and defrost ducting and glove box liner out until you have the truck back together and running.

[jumpsoffrock]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

The A/C ducting makes it very difficult to access anything under the dash. Install the dash pad first before anything else. I would install the wiper motor, pedals, radio, A/C housing and control panel, then the wiring. I would leave the A/C and defrost ducting and glove box liner out until you have the truck back together and running.

Thank you very much, I will follow that advice.

[A1971Blazer]

I did everything under the dash first. since I was rewiring mine I did that first, installed the dash pad, brake pedal bracket, steering column, then the AC(Vintage Air), leave the glove box and instrument panel out until last, that makes it much easier to work behind it. The more stuff you get under there, the tighter it gets!

[Orange Crate]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

The A/C ducting makes it very difficult to access anything under the dash. Install the dash pad first before anything else. I would install the wiper motor, pedals, radio, A/C housing and control panel, then the wiring. I would leave the A/C and defrost ducting and glove box liner out until you have the truck back together and running.

I'm pretty sure you can't get the glove box liner in after the AC/heater box.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by Orange Crate

I'm pretty sure you can't get the glove box liner in after the AC/heater box.

I've done it before on a factory A/C truck to replace the radio.

[PbFut]

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

So I meant, do I install the wiring in the cab, or the brake pedals, or the AC stuff? Which goes first?

I just did this this past week.

Use washers and nuts to temporarily hold inner ac box on firewall. Leave plenum boxes off AC box at this time.
Insulation pad next. Cut holes you need for options.
Install Parking Brake Assembly
Dash pad is next. Some of the studs get buried very soon so yes this is the time to install dash pad.
Speaker
Now wiring harnesses. Main harness to the light switch then in the clips behind the pad over to the wiper and down to the ignition.
Install AC harness cig lighter wire(s) and radio takes a path over the brake assembly installed later. Clip in the radio wire to the speaker connector so you don’t forget later.
Install wiper motor and tubes out the FW and let hang.
Connect small AC tubes to center vent and install center vent. Tubes are hard to get on and better on before you put in place. Let tubes hang.
Install radio.
Connect center vent tube's, already connected to the center vent, to plenum T and let hang.
Plug in Blower resister and relay.
Install Ash Tray.
Now things are getting tight. Reminder, connect the Relay and Blower resister plugs if not done yet.
Next is the Air mixing plenum. Careful, the two screws can strip out the holes in old fiberglass AC box and you are doing a few things all at same time. You need to place the AC controller on the floor with cables and vacuum lines attached. Move the hold down clips of the cables to the end of the cable before you attach to controller. The controller cable is a ***** to connect AC mixing section if in place. Connect the short cable to this mixing box first. Then connect the compressor switch to harness. Then place the mixing box on the AC housing. The T section of the tubes from the upper vent go on top this mixing box. The two big tubs go on the large duct ports but not at this time. Mount AC control panel and plug in two light bulbs and switch connector. The medium length cable out the FW. The longer cable will go on the third plenum section. Now place the middle plastic section on the third section of the plenum. The longer medium tube on drivers defroster vent. Place tubes on dash registers first and drop down through holes. They are hard to get on and this was easier this way. Install third plenum section. The work the tubes from the defrost registers onto the 3rd plenum. You will have a very tight stack of ducting behind ash tray. The big tubes go on later and you squeeze them some in areas to made fit. The squeeze keeps them in place.
Install Gas Pedal and cable
Now place the brake assembly. AC, Tach cig, and radio harness already in place lay on top of this assembly to hold out of the way.
Now big ducts and finally
Install the Cluster
Glove box last as you need access.
I am sure I missed a few things. This took me almost a week on and off as I had no guide and probably installed everything at least twice getting the right combo. Good luck.
Things not to do. Rush. If you start rushing or get frustrated walk away. Don’t leave an ice pick on the floor. They hurt when it gets shoved into your arm as you contort to reach and set the tubes. Your seat is likely out, if not pull it. You need the room to work. Advil and Morten are your friend.