C2 - While at it, replace Harnesses?

[Joe S.]

Looking for opinions.

Everything electrical works (I should say worked) perfectly when I just took my 63 apart. The harnesses all seem to be in good shape. Even some of the masking tape and labeling was still on the ends behind the cluster. They do not appear to be brittle and all ends are still attached correctly.

Would it be the prudent thing to do while apart though to invest the time and money to replace them being it's all apart? I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. But they are 40 years old and I don't want to be tearing it apart for quite a while after I get this back together.

Comments / Suggestions?

Thanks




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2 - While at it, replace Harnesses?

Joe, I tend to leave well enough alone if it all works. In my case the harness on my 63 looked like a wire splicers delight.

Anyway, triple check every wire, especially around the wiper transmission arms. Sometimes the harness near the wiper arms is worn on the side near the arms and becomes a fire waiting to start. Also, since you have it apart I assume you will be replacing the cowl/firewall insulation. Depending when the 63 was built, the insulation may or may not go completely arount the fuse box. If it goes completely around, then, as best I recall, you need to take the fuse box off the wall to install the new insulation. The plastic on the box tends to crack easily. If it does, then replace the harness.

Good Luck

Harry

[Chuck S.]

Re: C2 - While at it, replace Harnesses?

Joe, in almost ALL cases, restoring original parts will be better than replacement with repro parts. The car will remain original and you will save $$$$. In the condition you describe, I would absolutely NOT replace the harnesses. When you begin your re-assembly, gently clean the harnesses using the least aggressive means necessary to remove the dust, grease, etc,...they'll look like new again.

Before original harnesses are replaced, every effort should be made to restore the originals. I have been successful at unwrapping the harness, cutting wires, swapping ends to expose fresh wire, splicing the wires, re-attaching terminals, and re-wrapping with fresh harness tape to hide the splices.

A little investment in harness tape, along with some patient craftsmanship, and you can turn an butchered harness into a pristine, virgin appearing original harness with a couple of hundred in your pocket. Sometimes, there isn't enough left to figure out how the original harness was configured...then replacement is the only option.

There are two reasons for restoring the originals: (1) A reproduction of ANY part can be identified by someone that pays attention to details (with harnesses, terminals and wire colors can be ever-so-slightly different), and (2) wiring harnesses are expensive enough to add up to real money. Don't worry, there will be plenty of ways to spend your restoration money.

[Gary Cederman]

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - While at it, replace Harnesses?

If you do replace your harness, save the plastic ties. The ones that come with the kits now are slightly different, (harder and less flexible) and the ones that fit into the holes in the fenders don't fit as tightly as the originals.

[Gene M.]

Re: original Harness is the only correct one

Joe,
If you are going to flight judge the car the repro harness will yield you deductions. They are very noticable as the wire colors do not match originals. The blue and green colored wires are dead give-a-ways.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 - While at it, replace Harnesses?

One other point to give close inspection to is the junction block on the cowl. A lot of electrical problems come from there, burnt connections, corrison, etc. Clean or replace the terminals. Coat all the terminals generously with hi dielectric silicone grease before reassembly. Works on any plug on connection. Shields out moisture.

[Dave K.]

Re: original Harness is the only correct one

Gene,

I just replaced all three harnesses on my 66 roadster (engine/main/rear) with Lectric Limited and Eagle harnesses. Before replacement I had the original harness and the replacement side by side and was amazed at the close comparisons between the original and the repro's. My original harnesses were in bad shape, being splice repaired by the previous owner and dirty. Considering that I'm doing a body off, I didn't even consider using the original harnesses. Granted, I did not study the color differences and I'll take the point deductions for the minor color variations, but understanding that wire insulation ages from heat, dirt, humidity, I wasn't chancing a short or electrical malfunction. I'd be skeptical of a complete restoration using 35 year old wiring harnesses.

Regards,
Dave Kitch
Pgh Tri State Chapter