Fuse panel and Ecm location

[streetrod don]

Was thinking of locating the fuse panel and Ecm behind the seats where the fuel tank was previously located. 53 five window, S10, LQ4, American auto wire chassis harness FIC engine harness

[HUSSEY]

Seen it done, no reason not too. The only problem you may have is the length of wiring to the ECM and if your harness will reach it. I mounted my fuse panel under the dash and the EMC and modules under the seat. This dude did his EMC and fuse panel behind the seat, clean looking set up. But, his was a COE.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596551

[mr48chev]

Makes a lot of sense to have it there out of the way but with easy access when you need it. That would still leave you room for a couple of speakers and a small storage area that is out of sight. In one of these trucks you really need that hidden place for things that get taken along like your camera bag and your lady's purse and the other small things so the don't clutter the cab and the wrong eyes don't see certain items.

[mongocanfly]

Agreed..I've done my first and last one behind the dash..from now on either under or behind the seat..I used psi harness and they say they can make the "tail" as long as I need to mount ecm wherever..

[roger55]

Here's what I did in my TF:

AAW Classic Update harness puts the fuse panel on the firewall. Works well there. Put the ECM for the TPI behind the seat. Interior guy made a zippered pocket for access to it.

[mongocanfly]

That's a sweet setup roger..any issues with it getting to hot when its closed up?

[roger55]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

That's a sweet setup roger..any issues with it getting to hot when its closed up?

Thanks.
Getting hot isn't something I ever thought about with TPI ECM. Is that ever an issue?

[mongocanfly]

It may not be a issue with a tpi.I see yours is basically a square box..I know the ecm for my ls has what appears to be cooling fins on it....I assume to wick away heat but I've never laid my hand on it to see if it gets hot either..might be a good question to ask over in engine and drivetrain section..

[Flysocal]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Agreed..I've done my first and last one behind the dash..from now on either under or behind the seat..I used psi harness and they say they can make the "tail" as long as I need to mount ecm wherever..

Too busy behind the dash huh? I just ordered my harness, ECM from PSI. Tried calling them a few times and they don't answer their phone so couldn't discuss the wire length and posssibility of mounting behind seat which might make things easier. Ultimately, I think I have a good spot for it. On top of my brake booster bracket. That's my plan anyway. Keep it out of sight and secure. Anything with a fuse will be mounted to inside of firewall so I can see and acces the fuses. Thoughts? I will need to change my mind quick if I want to mount behind seat. Order was placed yesterday.

[mongocanfly]

Hmmm ..I only talked to them (PSI) once and a 2nd time we solved a minor problem with email ..I've had no complaint with their service..i had one glitch that turned out to be a connector pulled loose from a wire..probably my fault when i was wrasslin it in behind the dash..that's been 3 yrs ago though..

[streetrod don]

Thanks for the input. Did some measuring this morning. Trunk (tail) of the harness is little short to mount the ecm on the back of the cab. It, along with related fuses and relays will have to go under the dash. However, I think I can relieve the clutter by locating the fuse panel and Dakota digital brain behind the seat. All of the electronics along with the AC is a bit much for under dash mounting. Don

[jweb]

I mounted my ecm under the seat, ran the harness down the transmission and through a grommet behind the stock seat frame. The fuse panel, obd port and check engine light are mounted high on the kick panel above the dash. This way my check engine light shines down on the floor if there's an issue. This made for a much smaller wiring bundle through the firewall.

[streetrod don]

The seats I am using are the removable seats from a minivan. set too close to the floor for under seat mounting. I think I will do cabinet work across the back of the cab. 8 inches deep at the bottom and 3 at the top will clear the seats. Harness too short to mount the ecm but can do the rest of the electrical, speakers, and a good storage compartment. Am also considering a small AGM battery here. Not too many battery placement options. some might object to having the battery in the cab but have had one under the seat in my 34 Plymouth for 25 years. Your thoughts? Don

[mongocanfly]

Personally I wont have the battery or the gas tank in the cab..my truck wouldn't crank one time and I was standing at the passenger door wiggling the cable and leaning over the battery and hit the starter switch and the battery blew up..it blew the whole top off right around my waist..i feel the same way about gas tanks in the cab (see jwebs post below about fumes)..my buddy had a 53 incab tank that nearly killed him once..moral... dont smoke in the truck if you smell gas fumes

[streetrod don]

Agree on the fuel tank but the chances of a sealed AGM battery blowing up are slim to none.