<VV> Wiring harnesses

[Joe West]

Hi Dave,

Sound logic... Don't replace the harness if there isn't a good reason to do
so.

Unsound logic... Take a harness out of a Corvair and use it on another
vehicle.

I don't think anyone would argue your position... There is no reason to
replace a harness if it isn't bad.

My experience on my Spyder was as follows:

Engine harness was modified to accept an alternator AND it was completely
trashed from splices and broken insulation on existing wires.  I replaced
it.

Dash harness was replaced when I discovered that my fuse box was damaged
from overheating on a shorted connection causing the fuse holder terminals
to fall out.  I replaced it.

Body harness... I replaced it just because I couldn't STAND the thought of
having a brand new engine harness and dash harness connected to the original
body harness.

Trunk Harness... I'm getting ready to replace it 10 years or so after the
dash harness.

Joe


On 1/20/05 7:47 AM, "Dave Keillor" <dkeillor@ultrex.com> wrote:

> If we all took the dire warnings about old harnesses at face value, we'd all
> go out and replace all the harnesses in all our cars.  The truth is that not
> all old harnesses are equal.  There are more factors involved in the aging
> of a harness that years.  The rate at which plastic ages depends on the
> quality of the plastic itself and the environment to which it is subjected.
> Likewise, correctly made, air tight crimps will last a long time without
> corrosion and, here also, environment plays a significant role.
> 
> I have a low mileage '66 convert and '69 coupe.  Both have wiring harnesses
> that are pliable with no evidence of cracking even when sharply flexed.
> Because of their condition, I have no plans to rip them out and replace them
> with new.  New ones can have defects (the ones in my cars have long since
> passed the "infant mortality" stage) and "stuff" can happen in the
> removal/installation process.
> 
> Since mine are in good shape, I'm not going to fix what isn't broken.  On
> the other hand, if I were completely gutting the car for a restoration, I
> might consider new harnsses if originality didn't matter.
> 
> Dave
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