PatL

1971 Cutlass Conv:

Assuming I got this right, the dash grounds to the firewall through the 4 mounting studs? Is there any other ground source for the dash?

Thanks!

matt69olds

Since the dash is plastic, it’s not going to ground thru the dash.

There are metal brackets the connect each gauge to each other that get sandwiched between the mounting stud and the dash. When the dash is bolted to the car, the metal studs provide the ground.

If I had my service manuals handy I’d post a pic

PatL

Thanks,
Yes I know that there are 4 grounding straps, one attached to each mounting stud, what I was trying to understand: Are those the only grounding points for the dash or is there more?

Olds64

To improve bonding make sure you burnish the paint off of the metal brackets in the dash. Also, you can use star washers between the metal brackets/firewall and fastening hardware.

joe_padavano

As Matt points out. there are metal ground straps on the backside of the plastic dash. These ground through contact with the metal tabs at the stud locations.

cjsdad

Sounds like he is asking if there is another grounding source for the dashboard electrics besides those ground straps on the back of the plastics. Like maybe a ground wire in the wiring harness. I don't know, but I bet Joe has a picture of a wiring diagram that will tell you.

PatL

yes, that was what I was asking. Is there additional grounding points or straps/wires connecting the dash assembly to the firewall besides the 4 mounting studs. That was all I could find in the CSM, but I could of missed something.