37 year old wiring
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
37 year old wiring
I remember reading some where that the wiring in cars was not meant to last for a long time. This seem to be true now that I started to do a restoration on my 75. The wires are very brittle especially by anything that gets hot which is the whole engine bay. I think it would be wise to replace them for fear of a fire. Has anybody else found their wires to be in kind of shape and what is the path that you took?
Thanks,
Danny
Thanks,
Danny
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
My car is 32 years old and I have no intention of reusing any of the original wiring. Not so much for fear of a fire, but once the car is back together I won't have to worry about broken wires or weak connections after I replace everything with new. My only concern will be - did I hook it all back up to the right places. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,328
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi h,
I feel that the engine harness is the one that has the roughest life of the 4, because of the heat and the gas/oil atmosphere.
I replaced it in my 71, but for the others I just inspected, cleaned, and re-wrapped them.
You may find that you'll be able to reuse the others after looking at them carefully.
Regards,
Alan
I feel that the engine harness is the one that has the roughest life of the 4, because of the heat and the gas/oil atmosphere.
I replaced it in my 71, but for the others I just inspected, cleaned, and re-wrapped them.
You may find that you'll be able to reuse the others after looking at them carefully.
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Like Alan has said, engine harness will be the worse. Be sure to check all your harnesses carefully for any problems. If the others are OK, it would be fine to reuse. Or go new everywhere and then you know for sure. It would all come down to your budget, but reusing some of the wiring, would be a good place to save a few bucks.
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I found some hack jobs on mine under hood and under dash. For that reason, I am replacing everything (69 resto). The other thing is that I had the entire interior out so I felt it would be an opportune time to replace because of ease of access as well as getting rid of 40+ year old wiring.
Terry
Terry
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
If the original harness hasn't been "modified", the insulation isn't cracked/hardened, and/or the joints at connectors aren't frayed or badly corroded, there should be no need to replace a C3 harness. Otherwise, have at it. {Not a job I would want to do, if I didn't have to....}
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
If the original harness hasn't been "modified", the insulation isn't cracked/hardened, and/or the joints at connectors aren't frayed or badly corroded, there should be no need to replace a C3 harness. Otherwise, have at it. {Not a job I would want to do, if I didn't have to....}
Thank,
Danny
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I just picked up an '81 about a month ago. The first thing I noticed was the deteriorated rubber bushings under the car. The second thing was the condition of the wiring. Poor at best. I'm not going to do any total restoration any time soon but if this baby burns you will all know why.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
All C3's (and most other cars, too) that have any miles on them also have hardened/brittle/cracked wires at the starter. That area sees a lot of heat/oil/vibration. In fact, in less than 5 years, that new wiring harness will be in exactly the same condition in that area.
The wires in that area really need to be 'high-heat' capable wires with heat shielding on them. You could make that 'fix' on the wiring you presently have....or you can wait a bit before you make that change on the new harness.
The wires in that area really need to be 'high-heat' capable wires with heat shielding on them. You could make that 'fix' on the wiring you presently have....or you can wait a bit before you make that change on the new harness.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Any of the ones under the hood are not bad to replace. If you have to do the dash harness with the fuse box, find someone small and agile (and under 40).
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Mascoutah IL
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
Rogman
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 465
Likes: 18
From: NorthEast
I have a 78 and after reading this I gave an inspection of the wires. They are actually in good shape. I have only been able to see in the engine compartment. It is my belief that all the wiring is original too, seeing everything on my car is original. It will be interesting to see the condition of the behind the dash wiring.
What I have noticed about the car is the condition of hoses. Most of my smaller diameter hoses are in fair condition and should receive attention. Again, I would venture to say that these are the original hoses too. I guess not bad for 34 years old. I live in the Northeast so the car experiences wicked cold in the winter and the hot & humid during the summer. Anybody else experience this? (especially in the NE)
What I have noticed about the car is the condition of hoses. Most of my smaller diameter hoses are in fair condition and should receive attention. Again, I would venture to say that these are the original hoses too. I guess not bad for 34 years old. I live in the Northeast so the car experiences wicked cold in the winter and the hot & humid during the summer. Anybody else experience this? (especially in the NE)