Installing a wiring harness

[JayChicago]

Originally Posted by Kens 36

You would be much better off installing a correct harness from a reputable supplier.
Sorry.
Ken

I agree. I'm not familiar with the product you bought, but a "universal" harness may just give you lots of wires, and maybe a generic "universal" fuse panel. You will have lots of head-scratching. A correct harness made for your specific car will have everything cut to fit, will go right in exactly as the old wires came out. Worth the extra expense. Will maintain the resale value of your car.

And it will have the start button wire your car needs.

[52flthed]

I would estimate $4,000 in labor to replace all wiring harnesses in the car.

[tomkc1]

Babyboomerboy could be me. I'm a baby boomer, too. I purchased a wire harness from Tyree Harris for my 1934 Ford almost 10 years ago. The harness sat in my garage for 5 years. During that time I looked at it and debated "should I tackle it?" Finally I talked to my local mechanic who told me he'd be willing to change the harness. He's a competent mechanic, extremely reasonable and "loves" working on my car.
I had to be patient and wait until he had the time but he got it done. That was 4 years ago. He did a great job and if I told you what he charged me you wouldn't believe it.
I've had my grandfather's car for over 50 years now. I'm not mechanical and know my limits. Between a dear friend/mechanic now deceased from Massachusetts, the Ford Barn members and others I've met along the way I have a 90 year old vehicle that I can drive anytime I want. Today I'm taking it to our local library's annual fundraiser.
Babyboomerboy I understand your dilemma. Good luck.
Tom

[Shoebox]

"Will I have to remove any more of the interior to get the wires to the back of the car for the taillights?"


I recently rewired my '51 Tudor and the back wires went up the A pillar, above the headliner and down into the trunk. I believe one could run under door scuff plate and along floor into trunk, would have to tap into existing wire perhaps for the pillar light.


As others have strongly recommended, use a proper (not universal) harness from a reputable supplier.


I removed my dash because I was painting and detailing the dash and all the gauges, but with the seat removed and some good light under dash you would be fine.

[farmertom]

tomkc1, your '34 looks like Bonnie and Clyde ambush car.nice!! the before ambush pic.Tom.

[baceves]

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I would suggest paying a professional to install the wiring. Well worth every penny. Folks pay a few thousand easily for chrome trim and pay a ton for paint and body in regard to the exterior of their car but go cheap on the electrical.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

"Will I have to remove any more of the interior to get the wires to the back of the car for the taillights?"


I recently rewired my '51 Tudor and the back wires went up the A pillar, above the headliner and down into the trunk. I believe one could run under door scuff plate and along floor into trunk, would have to tap into existing wire perhaps for the pillar light.


As others have strongly recommended, use a proper (not universal) harness from a reputable supplier.


I removed my dash because I was painting and detailing the dash and all the gauges, but with the seat removed and some good light under dash you would be fine.

[Scott52]

With the dash out and a car specific harness the job is much easier. You can see much of what you are doing under the dash out in the open.