BJ8 wiring harness install

[Marvin Gruber]

I planned to wait on installing the wiring harness in the BJ8 until I had the outside body painted but after seeing several cars where the harness was installed before the front shroud was on, I am rethinking this. Comments?
Marv

 

[Keoke]

I planned to wait on installing the wiring harness in the BJ8 until I had the outside body painted but after seeing several cars where the harness was installed before the front shroud was on, I am rethinking this. Comments?
Marv

The more room you have to navigate during harness installation the easier it is going to be Marv.

 

[BJ8Healeys]

I agree with Keoke. I installed my new wiring harness with the car completely assembled. I didn't find it particularly difficult (I made sketches of the old harness routing before removing it), but if your shroud is off it certainly would make the routing easier.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Thanks guys. My thought process was leave in harness out until body work and paint finished to keep any dust and paint off the harness. I haved painted the tub and underneath all panels, then do any body work after body is reassembled.
Marv

 

[blueskies]

I agree with those who would install the harness first. You likely will have better access to the entire area behind the dash front. And you won't have to do as much work over the new paint, risking damage to that.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Installed the air ducting today. What a pain! Glad I don't have to do that with the shroud on. Heater tomorrow and then wiring harness next I guess?
Marv

 

[Rob Glasgow]

One thing I would do differently if I was to do another complete restoration would be to mount the dash and wire all the gauges/switches before installing the front shroud. That would include the heater hoses and speedo/tack cables. Access from above is priceless. Getting the things routed correctly working under the dash is a pain.