Fuse panel harness removal/paint prep

[kroberts]

Yes I searched...I promise.

I'm going to have my M3 painted. I am considering a color change. To do it right, I will need to remove the front body harness (lights, horns, ABS, fuse/relay box, etc). Engine and its harness are already out. Initially I had hoped that the body harness would unplug from a central connector or two under the dash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I seem to have two options. Remove the harness completely or create enough slack in it to hold it up out of the way a little, mask it, and paint around it. Has anyone ever done either? I would really appreciate any input, ideas, alternative methods.

TIA,

kroberts

[Rocla]

I, ve done both ways. Taking the complete harness out from car is a realy big job.

If the painting is the only reason, dont take the harness out of the car, mask it really well, paint the area beneath the fuse box first, then lower the masked harness and fuse box to place where they won't touch the fresh paint.

There is a big rubber grommet on firewall, pull it to engine bay and the harness will have enough slack, so you can place it aside.