Author Topic: Under dash wiring  (Read 1664 times)

Offline ptosborn1111

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Under dash wiring
« on: April 08, 2014, 09:00:08 PM »
Will be to this step before long. Want to rewire entire interior. Scared of brittle wire and fires. Has anyone experienced this and what's the best way to accomplish?
Pat
65' Fastback (42k mile car) VIN 5F09A718971
A code 289/4 speed
Body 63A
Color K
Trim 26
Date 07S
DSO 41

71' Boss 351 (Grabber yellow, 2nd owner, 32k miles)
71' Boss 351 (Bright red, 2nd owner, 56k miles)
67' RS/SS 350 Camaro (Butternut yellow project)

Offline kutzoh

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Re: Under dash wiring
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2014, 09:31:26 PM »
I rewired my entire car with Metal Alloy Products from Virginia Classic Mustang, very satisfied with the results BUT if I had to do it over again I would have Randy "Midlife" restore the original harnesses.

Greg
64.5 Dearborn coupe, D-Code, June 28, 1964   Skylight Blue


Offline midlife

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Re: Under dash wiring
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2014, 10:23:32 PM »
Thanks, Greg.

OK, a bit of wisdom for everyone.  Basically, wiring in the interior do not become brittle except in very rare circumstances (a convertible put outside in the weather with the top down for years is a good candidate).  Brittle insulation can be found under the hood, where heat and exposure to the elements is much more common.

The main problem with interior wiring is that previous owners hacked, murdered, and brutalized the wiring.  I've seen everything from wirenuts to Western Union splices.  The other main concern is that various pins need to be re-crimped due to age; this is especially problematic in molded connectors which are almost impossible to repair except by replacement.  The other less common issue typically seen is wire insulation that has melted due to excessive current flow.  Examine all of the wires closely to see this, and also examine the wrapping tape to see where it has deformed/melted.  Finally, fuse box clips and some connectors do get rusty, but standard methods of rust removal work well.
Midlife Harness Restorations - http://midlifeharness.com

Offline ptosborn1111

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Re: Under dash wiring
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2014, 07:55:41 AM »
Thanks Randy.
I remember getting my hands on some of the wiring in the car and finding the insulation is very hard and when you flex it it produced some cracking. Especially the wires away from the dash (interior rear panel lights and such). I did not monkey with to much of the wiring under dash. I was concerned of the age of the all of the wiring and didn't want to have disaster strike!
I seem to have a black cloud attached to my belt straps at times!
Pat
65' Fastback (42k mile car) VIN 5F09A718971
A code 289/4 speed
Body 63A
Color K
Trim 26
Date 07S
DSO 41

71' Boss 351 (Grabber yellow, 2nd owner, 32k miles)
71' Boss 351 (Bright red, 2nd owner, 56k miles)
67' RS/SS 350 Camaro (Butternut yellow project)

Offline midlife

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Re: Under dash wiring
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2014, 09:27:58 PM »
Thanks Randy.
I remember getting my hands on some of the wiring in the car and finding the insulation is very hard and when you flex it it produced some cracking. Especially the wires away from the dash (interior rear panel lights and such). I did not monkey with to much of the wiring under dash. I was concerned of the age of the all of the wiring and didn't want to have disaster strike!
I seem to have a black cloud attached to my belt straps at times!
Pat
If working the wires causes cracking, then discard the entire harness.  As I've said, I rarely see that anywhere other than the engine bay.  I feel for you.
Midlife Harness Restorations - http://midlifeharness.com