1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

[Richard M.]

A quick photo session of what I had to do to correct the incorrect VR ground wire length. A good friend mentioned this to me a while ago and I had a old '67 harness available for comparison.

We talked about this in this Post. and this Post. Leif, I don't recall if I ever got a measurement of that wire then, but here it is now.

Repros are 1 inch too short. At least the one I have here, manufacturer unknown. It is 5" from the wrap. This makes it too tight at the Voltage Regulator, noticeably. I checked the other end at the Horn Relay Ground junction and that wire is the same as the original I have here.
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The corrective action....
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Ready to go back in....
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[Joe R.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Another wiring harness presented by Lectric Limited???? Correct?????

JR

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Another wiring harness presented by Lectric Limited???? Correct?????

JR

I think so JR.The M & H I had here a few years ago was longer. But I'm not sure when this "wrong" one was made.

.......if anyone bought one recently, please measure the ground wire.

Rich

[Leif A.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Rich,
From where the ground wire exits the wrapping to the end of the terminal is approximately 4 3/4". Lectric Limited harness bought and installed 18 months ago.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

I suggest one to restore the original harness rather than buying a repop that is never totally correct anyway. Be it wrong wire insulation colors or incorrect stripes all the way to wrong terminals and plastic terminal housings. The salvage yards in my area will give you old 50's & 60's cars wire harness free (at most a couple bucks) for parts to repair your originals. Even swap meets are a good source for cheap harnesses or harness pieces. Most any 50's & 60's GM car uses the same stuff. Black wraping is cheap a big roll lasts for 10 cars or more. Every one of my cars has it's original harnesses restored and I never got any deductions. Yes it is a lot more work than just pulling a reproduction out of a box that cost you over 800 dollars. But isn't NC"R"S all about "R"estoration rather than just "R"eplacement?

PS Always solder all the terminals to the wires after crimp. Resistance is greatly reduced as well as accidental disassembly of wires from terminals.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Rich,
From where the ground wire exits the wrapping to the end of the terminal is approximately 4 3/4". Lectric Limited harness bought and installed 18 months ago.

Leif, that's why you had a hard time getting it to fit. Now we know. Needs 6". If you're going to add the 1 1/4" extension, I suggest removal from the car.

I suggest one to restore the original harness rather than buying a repop that is never totally correct anyway. Be it wrong wire insulation colors or incorrect stripes all the way to wrong terminals and plastic terminal housings. The salvage yards in my area will give you old 50's & 60's cars wire harness free (at most a couple bucks) for parts to repair your originals. Even swap meets are a good source for cheap harnesses or harness pieces. Most any 50's & 60's GM car uses the same stuff. Black wraping is cheap a big roll lasts for 10 cars or more. Every one of my cars has it's original harnesses restored and I never got any deductions. Yes it is a lot more work than just pulling a reproduction out of a box that cost you over 800 dollars. But isn't NC"R"S all about "R"estoration rather than just "R"eplacement?

PS Always solder all the terminals to the wires after crimp. Resistance is greatly reduced as well as accidental disassembly of wires from terminals.

This car had this reproduction harness installed already. I agree that originals are a better choice on most occasions. However the engine harnesses in my experience can get pretty nasty over time from heat, oils, and the infamous "inexperienced ones", aka "Bubba". That original in my photos had many corroded terminals, from another car. I have repaired many, but sometimes based on the circumstance one has to replace. Yes it could be replaced with original, but the effort is sometimes too excessive.

That extension I made did not get crimped. I soldered all 4 joints. I tinned the 4 leads, then inserted into the couplers, then wicked the solder at each end until filled. I didn't photograph that process. Not enough hands. When I get time I was planning to add that to this thread.

Also, I have the original TI harness removed from the car. It has frayed insulation on one wire, but otherwise is in very good to excellent electrical condition. I will be repairing it and reinstalling it.

Rich

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Rich,
There is a product called Tarnex. Cleans up corroded terminals like new. Soak in this stuff and rub with somebody else's tooth brush and good as new. Good picture coverage of your work. I enjoy your sharing the experience on your car.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Reproduction Forward Harness Voltage Regulator Ground Wire

Rich,
There is a product called Tarnex. Cleans up corroded terminals like new. Soak in this stuff and rub with somebody else's tooth brush and good as new. Good picture coverage of your work. I enjoy your sharing the experience on your car.

Thanks Gene, Yes I've used something like that. We have 2 Jaguar V12's in the family, one is 44 years old, the other just a babe at 25. and I use a similar product for the Lucas "POD" electrics. Well, actually they're the wife's cars. I'd never own one. I just like to drive 'em. She owned a '63 Corvette Powerglide coupe a few years ago, but she said it wasn't electrically complicated enough for me so she decided to sell it so I'd keep busy with my troubleshooting skills on her other cars.