Wiring Harness (to replace or not)

[David W.]

Hello All,

After much reading on wiring harness replacement/repair, I am still undecided. I have the body off my C3 (1980) and a couple of the wiring harnesses need replacing. Specifically the engine and starter.
So, my question is how much truth is there in the statements from some harness suppliers that the wiring was originally designed to last 10 years only? I am considering replacing my dash harness (several wires have been cut or spliced and the wire is a little stiff) but at a cost of over $900.00, is this something I really need to do? I can get replacement individual wires and connectors for a lot less. But, I would rather fix the problems now (if there are any with old wire) rather than having to take the dash out again in the future.

Thanks for any advice, David

[Peter J.]

Re: Wiring Harness (to replace or not)

David,
I replaced my entire wiring harness some years ago, because of the condition of the engine harness. Some of the starter leads were brittle and I opened up the end terminals and cut off an inch and carefully reused the originals. After doing this I kept thinking of a mid year that burnt to the ground on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on one of our local scenic roads.
That was a sight and it was determined to be an electrical source.
So, I went back and changed all my harnesses and never worried about it again.

[William C.]

Re: Wiring Harness (to replace or not)

Having worked in the GM wiring business for about 35+ years, I can tell you that there was no magic "design life" for wiring other than the life of the car, in the 60's about 100,000 miles, but longer as the automobile Designs became more robust, also emissions controls raised engine temperature and thus changes in materials and the like were implemented along with greater use of sealed connection systems when electronic engine management came into use in the early 80's. Without a close examination of what you have it's impossible to make a definate statement, but I will add that particularly in the engine compartment, many of the materials used for wire coatings are not readily available in the aftermarket. I would proceed with GREAT CAUTION about attempting a repair in the engine compartment of a car produced after Catalytic converters were introduced.

[David W.]

Re: Wiring Harness (to replace or not)

Peter,

Ah, that would be reason enough to replace all wiring. A mid-year burning to the ground would be very painful to watch.
Thanks for the input. I am very much considering replacing ALL wiring.

Regards, David

[David W.]

Re: Wiring Harness (to replace or not)

Thanks Bill. I am considering replacing ALL the wiring. The car is 30 years old now and even the dash harness is very stiff and has been spliced into several times. I had planned on all along replacing the engine, starter and headlight harness. Now I believe the best policy would be just to start from scratch with all new wiring.

Regards, David