New Wire Harness or keep the old one?

[Bruce_B]

I've got the dash out of my 59 BE, Gauges reattached to their wires, the motor and trans are out and all wires all disconnected with lots of ilttle numbered tags hanging all over.

Now That I've done this work I'm wondering if I should replace the wire harness. I'm only talking about the one for the bonnet (directionals headlights, etc, and the one that goes under the dash.

Now all my wiring was working when I disconnected it, so maybe if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But I also want to clean up the wires.

For those people that have done it, how hard is it to put in a new harness?

Thanks....

 

[kcbugeye1275]

Just did it this winter. Go with the nicer one that is wrapped with the cloth, there is one wrapped in plastic. They just look nicer. Two warnings. 1) Tie all the black wires that are loose, and take one end to a ground. 2) Tie all red w/ a white tracer together. Also, be aware that there was a panel light switch under the dash, if you don't have, simply connect the two wires. I really don't think you will regret the upgrade of the new wiring harness, but I would make it a winter project. It does make things look a lot nicer. Hint, when replacing, simply cut all wire ends off at the point of connection to any device. When you go to reinstall, it is a nice history to have.

 

[drooartz]

I replaced my entire harness, and no regrets. Those new wires should last longer than I will!

https://www.drooartz.com/index.php?page=32\

I went with the cloth wrapping around modern wires. Keeps the original look, but less chance of melting.

 

[jlaird]

Shucks, good job for next sat.

Should not take long at all.

 

[Sarastro]

My feeling is that there are two questions here: do you NEED to do it, and do you WANT to do it?

If the insulation is in good condition, you don't need to do it. Find wiring where it is subject to heat, like under the hood, bend it tightly and see if it cracks. If it doesn't, you don't need to replace it. Another problem is connectors corroding, but with a 25-watt soldering iron, you can replace anything.

On the other hand, if you want to do it, to improve appearance or just feel more confident in its reliability, that's a reasonable thing to do. I've never done it myself, and doubt that I ever will, but I have no doubt that the other guys, who say it isn't a huge job, are correct.