I suppose I should have researched this a bit or even compared wiring harnesses but I did find yesterday, after the dash was in and wired up, that the dash harness is different between 70, 71 and 72. Besides the main power wire to the fuse box being in a different slot after comparing harnesses (I have a few from past years and Chevelles) there are also other subtle differences. The AC and non-AC dash in regard to lighting also have one subtle difference I haven't quite figured out yet. Back to google and youtube.
My goal was to start her up this weekend. It has been two long years since I have heard her roar.
4-door Chevelle said
Sep 16, 2018
A little more detail...
4-door Chevelle said
Sep 16, 2018
I installed a 72 non-AC dash with wiring intact and unknown origin forward harnesses but I do not have 12 volts at the fuse box and thus started my research.
I swapped out the dash wiring harness with a harness I pulled out of my old 72 AC dash years ago as the big red wire matched the bulk-head. Now the fusebox is hot and my driving lights come on when I connect the battery but the headlight switch has no effect on those lights. If I pull the headlight switch I do get dash lights and if I twist it all the way I get a dome light though it is making some strange noise, almost like an arching or static noise.
The steering column was destroyed during the theft and fire so I got one out of a 71 Chevelle. When I turn the key I get a GEN light but the starter does not engage.
I think the harnesses just have to match years? I do have other forward harnesses which I suppose I will try next but not feeling too good about this all right now so wanted to reach out for help.
Enganeer said
Sep 17, 2018
Check the neutral switch if your not getting any juice to the starter.
dashboard said
Sep 17, 2018
Check to be sure the floor dimmer button is plugged in.
4-door Chevelle said
Sep 17, 2018
I did move the shift lever around thinking of the neutral safety switch but will play around a little more with that. I ma find the steering column is the same 69-72.
Hmmm...I have not plugged the dimmer switch in yet but will now. I just plugged in the basics so maybe I will now go plug everything in.
4-door Chevelle said
Sep 19, 2018
Funny how that little dimmer switch on the floor makes such a big difference. I now have full lighting inside and out. I am still working on the starting issue but have two NSS with different spades and neither engages the starter in any position.
Bobs_Place said
Sep 19, 2018
Do you have 12v at one of the wires that connect to the NSS when you try to crank the engine? If not ether there is no power to the ignition switch or bad switch, poor connections at the switch. If there is power at one of the NSS wires with the key in the crank position, then jump the NSS and see if the engine cranks, if the engine does not crank, check for voltage at the starter, if there is power at the solenoid than check bat to engine ground, or starter problems. If there is no power at the starter solenoid when trying to crank then there is a bulkhead connector or wiring problem.
I suppose I should have researched this a bit or even compared wiring harnesses but I did find yesterday, after the dash was in and wired up, that the dash harness is different between 70, 71 and 72. Besides the main power wire to the fuse box being in a different slot after comparing harnesses (I have a few from past years and Chevelles) there are also other subtle differences. The AC and non-AC dash in regard to lighting also have one subtle difference I haven't quite figured out yet. Back to google and youtube.
My goal was to start her up this weekend. It has been two long years since I have heard her roar.
I swapped out the dash wiring harness with a harness I pulled out of my old 72 AC dash years ago as the big red wire matched the bulk-head. Now the fusebox is hot and my driving lights come on when I connect the battery but the headlight switch has no effect on those lights. If I pull the headlight switch I do get dash lights and if I twist it all the way I get a dome light though it is making some strange noise, almost like an arching or static noise.
The steering column was destroyed during the theft and fire so I got one out of a 71 Chevelle. When I turn the key I get a GEN light but the starter does not engage.
I think the harnesses just have to match years? I do have other forward harnesses which I suppose I will try next but not feeling too good about this all right now so wanted to reach out for help.
Hmmm...I have not plugged the dimmer switch in yet but will now. I just plugged in the basics so maybe I will now go plug everything in.
Do you have 12v at one of the wires that connect to the NSS when you try to crank the engine? If not ether there is no power to the ignition switch or bad switch, poor connections at the switch. If there is power at one of the NSS wires with the key in the crank position, then jump the NSS and see if the engine cranks, if the engine does not crank, check for voltage at the starter, if there is power at the solenoid than check bat to engine ground, or starter problems. If there is no power at the starter solenoid when trying to crank then there is a bulkhead connector or wiring problem.