The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Easy access to under the dash tip

I recently saw a post where someone used a short saw horse (24") with a piece of plywood stretching from there to the cab floor for under the dash access. I suppose for skinny folks. I don't see how this works as the door does not open wide enough. Anyone ever try this? Steve

yep regularly,but I use a couple of 2x8's or 2x6's, whatever fits and some foam padding

Years ago I started using a 2x12 that's about 4' long for underdash work. One end sits on a work bench stool, the other lays in the truck floor. Every thing sits at an angle to the truck. I HIGHLY recommend it. A possible disclaimer; I'm 6' at about 165-170 depending on the week, so not a big guy at all.

Ron

Yes, works like a charm.

What width did you use, Steve?

The right plank allows you to hold the swear words in reserve.

I have a 1 X 12 for this job and my air compressor is the perfect height to support the end of it. An added bonus is that it becomes a massage table when the compressor comes on.

Take the seat out and use a piece of 3/4" plywood two feet wide as an under-dash access point, propped up by something the height of the door sill.

Set an alarm clock- - - -it's comfortable enough you might end up taking an unplanned nap.
Jerry

I did this little trick when I rewired the truck Jerry. You're right I almost dozed off a couple times. I like the out the door idea too so I don't have to remove the seat all the time.

Tim I found a scrap piece of ply and ripped it to about 14" and set the outside on two stacked milk crates. Perfect height. It's only 1/2", but I'm not too heavy. This is starting to sound like the Greasy Spoon.

You have the best idea Carl.

Carl is a very creative thinker.

I'm thinking about steel plate 1/2" thick cut to 14" wide. I'm 6-4 and 270 pounds.

Anyone have a picture of their ideas?

A foot length of that stuff would weigh nearly 24 lb. Way too heavy to avoid slipping when putting it in place and dinging the truck.

A 2x10 will hold an amazing amount of weight on the flat. I've used an 8 foot length as a bridge for a wheelbarrow full of dirt. Me and the wheelbarrow probably weigh 500 lb. A foot length of 2x10 weighs just under 3 lb, and a 2x12 is still under 4 lb/foot. That and wood is a lot softer when you bang it against the paint.

I believe that Tom is a self-deprecating leg puller. (At least I hope so, because he is very large and I am very small.)

I guess I'll consider my leg pulled, then.

I may be trying out this idea myself. I need to change out the wiper motor in my other truck, and not looking forward to getting under that dash. I don't bend as well as I used to either.

Yep - humor and self deprecation. No worries! I'm away from home again on another assignment. Typically I gain weight during these assignments. I may be up to 300 pounds by tomorrow and now thinking about a steel I beam to lay on. Have a great weekend. Tom