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11/16/2021 5:11 PM  #1


Replacing wiring harness

I discovered a serious short up under the dash this week (burning and smoking kind of serious) and as a result I have made the decision to just go through the car and replace the wiring. I HATE having electrical issues and potential fire hazards like that.
I am ordering under dash harness, engine bay harness and the harness out to the rear. Maybe I will get a new solenoid and starter cable too.
Can anyone think of anything else that I should purchase and do while this is underway?
 


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
 

11/16/2021 5:20 PM  #2


Re: Replacing wiring harness

Front headlight harness is separate from the gauge feed harness in '67.  Not sure about the earlier cars.  I'd just look at any wiring that can be replaced and do it.  Its all the same age.  I redid my whole car about 7-8 years ago now and its so nice not to worry about anything electrical in the car. 

 

11/17/2021 8:29 AM  #3


Re: Replacing wiring harness

This would be a good time to make a couple of very nice modifications.  I absolutely  believe in relay switched headlights and the addition of a horn relay and attendant horn wiring mod.  Also a good time to clean up any cobbled up accessory wiring and change out the glass fuse panel to an ATO type. 
I made up some diagrams for these and other mods which I'm happy to email.  Just PM me with your email addy if you are interested.  None of these mods are terribly difficult but make the car a lot nicer.


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

11/17/2021 4:22 PM  #4


Re: Replacing wiring harness

Bullet Bob wrote:

This would be a good time to make a couple of very nice modifications.  I absolutely  believe in relay switched headlights and the addition of a horn relay and attendant horn wiring mod.  Also a good time to clean up any cobbled up accessory wiring and change out the glass fuse panel to an ATO type. 
I made up some diagrams for these and other mods which I'm happy to email.  Just PM me with your email addy if you are interested.  None of these mods are terribly difficult but make the car a lot nicer.

Thanks BB! I private messaged you.
 


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/18/2021 5:33 AM  #5


Re: Replacing wiring harness

Definitely add the headlight relays.  Modern bulbs draw too much power and you'll trip the internal breaker in the headlight switch without them.  Its pretty unnerving to be driving at night and suddenly loose your headlights.

I did not change out my main fuse panel.  Instead I added a couple circuits fused where the relays for those circuits are located.  An auxiliary fuse panel is another option.  Not pushing any one of those three options, just saying there are options.  What you ultimately do may depend on how much non stock wiring you plan to add. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't already, now's a good time to upgrade to a better alternator.  Stock I think are only around 50 amps output.  You can get a basic 3G and get 90 amps for not much cash or hassle.  I did that about the same time I rewired my car.  It drives my stereo, etc. with no issues now and my headlights are brighter than the ones on my F250 with just regular halogen bulbs (Silverstar I think is the name, made by Sylvania I think).
 

 

11/18/2021 2:40 PM  #6


Re: Replacing wiring harness

Thanks guys.
I just fitted a new alternator to the car as the old one died (after about 17 years).
The one I fitted is a 70 amp and I think that's pretty good for me.
I'm definitely fitting a new fuse panel and will make it easier to get to.
I plan to keep things relatively stock, but relays for headlights is also a definite.

Last edited by Toploader (11/18/2021 2:42 PM)


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/18/2021 5:29 PM  #7


Re: Replacing wiring harness

Make sure  the new alternator’s  ancillary wiring is upgraded to its output.
On my car I tried to upgrade individual circuits but the deeper I got the more issues I found, so I stripped out all original harnesses and put all new wires in my 68 when I went to a 130 amp 3G.
The o/e wires were in sad hacked up and corroded condition from previous additions over the past 53 years.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

Board footera


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