Dash Wire Guard Installation

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 8:39 pm

I just purchased a dash wire guard for my M38 from Midwest Military. The problem is I have no idea how to install it. I couldn't find much on this guard going through other posts. Does any one have photos or diagrams how to install it?

Thanks...

Post by **wesk** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 10:58 pm

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Thu Aug 04, 2016 5:21 am

There is also a strap from the center of the guard that extends forward to the firewall and attaches to the captive threaded hole there. I think it's 10-24 thread. John

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Aug 04, 2016 6:53 am

That's right John. Midwest sells both but you can look at his photo and see what that strap looks like. 16 gauge. That weld tab in the photo is threaded for a screw for the strap.

There is also a hole near the two dash bolt holes that I think is for attaching
that dummy Douglas connector.

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 2:53 am

Here is a quick shot of what I got from Midwest. I'll tear the dash out this weekend and try to see how it fits. Thanks for the help.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 7:34 am

Paul,

You do not need to "Tear the dash out" to install that shield. Unfasten the 4 quarter turn fasteners on the gauge cluster and move it aft and over to the right a bit and wire tie it there to the right upper fastener hole.

Holding your new panel just as it appears in your photo , slide it under the dash then upwards and then rest the edge with the two screw holes on top of the lower edge of the dash. Insert the two screws thru the two holes in the lower edge of the dash and then thread them into the two threaded holes in your new panel and tighten them

Now take the strap and hold it with one end aligned with the remaining screw hole in your shield and the other end aligned with the empty screw hole in the firewall. Try both ways with the strap to see which angled end fits best at the two locations and insert the screws.

That,s it. The only reason for moving the gauge cluster out of your way was to improve your vision of the work area.

What part numbers did John stock those two parts under?

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 8:18 am

Wes, thanks for the tip. I guess "tearing out the dash out" was a bit too aggressive sounding.

As for the part John only has it as "Dash Wire Guard" under the Home>M38>Electrical System on his new webpage. $25.00, Product Code: 8673981. He also notes " MWM reproduction part. As good as the OE part. Often missing. Protects the dash wires from the starter plunger area." Both parts are included in the kit. I'm priming and painting now, should be able to put it in sometime this weekend.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 8:49 am

Thanks. The screws used with those drilled nutplates are 10-24NC-2 x 7/16" with round / slotted head.

This should help the next guy!

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 6:21 am

Of course, the simple way to answer this question would have been to call John at Midwest - he would have been happy to give you directions over the phone in about 1 minute.

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 7:11 am

Yes of course it would have been easier to call John but I as a man, as a matter of pride or ignorance (neither one being a good thing for sure) do not initially ask for directions or help and just fiddle or ponder things until I become so frustrated I usually give up (for at least for an hour or two). Which I'm sure I'm not the only one here who does the same thing from time to time. Or possibly I just like the anonymity of posting a question on a forum. Anyway my hope it that my question here on this great forum only serves to help others in their future jeep endeavors (like installing a dash wire guard). Just like it helped me.