Under hood wiring harness
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Under hood wiring harness
I need to replace all of the underhood wiring harnesses on my 68 coupe (engine, AC, and forward lamp harness). Has anyone done this and could someone offer some pointers, or maybe a good reference book? I have the assembly manual, but it does not really provide all of the info I am afraid I might need to accomplish this. It runs now, and I would hate to be left with a non-running car due to some error on my part.
-Richardttu
-Richardttu
Last edited by richardttu; Jan 5, 2007 at 09:55 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Personally, the AIM has the best diagrams of how to route the harnesses, plus where the various end connections are and where they go. The wiring diagram in the '68 AIM is pretty good for tracing wire colors and sizes. Stick with the AIM and you can't go wrong.
How are your fiber optics? The OEM fiber optics are part of the forward lamp harness. If your FO are otherwise okay, you can purchase a replacement forward lamp harness without the fiber optics and reuse your existing outfit. It's a bit tedious to separate the FO from the forward lamp harness, but it can save you a little money.
How are your fiber optics? The OEM fiber optics are part of the forward lamp harness. If your FO are otherwise okay, you can purchase a replacement forward lamp harness without the fiber optics and reuse your existing outfit. It's a bit tedious to separate the FO from the forward lamp harness, but it can save you a little money.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
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From: Wildwood IL
Take notes, draw pics, and take pics of everything before you remove the old.
Eddie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Also, label the connectors as you take them out so you know where the new ones plug in. Use a camera too. The 3 harnesses you refer to are not complex and are easy to change. Also, we are here to help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I would suggest taking a lot of photos of the harness (with all the dashs removed). Also. Dr Rebuild is now selling photo representations of the harness and their connectors. His photo representatinos of the connectors are very helpful. Also Don Olson, a forum member, sells color wiring diagrams that are very nice. When you're doing wiring work, you just can't get too much help!!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Brentwood TN
I just replaced all 3 harness's (forward lamp, engine and AC). I used LectricLimited and it worked out great. I replaced one harness at a time ( I made sure the car started after each harness) and left the AC harness for last since if was a challenge getting to it behind the dashboard. I used the AIM and it was great... a bit challenging but good. I also used a Corvette Fever article that walked thru it step by step - they had a few good pointers
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
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From: Midland TX
I just replaced all 3 harness's (forward lamp, engine and AC). I used LectricLimited and it worked out great. I replaced one harness at a time ( I made sure the car started after each harness) and left the AC harness for last since if was a challenge getting to it behind the dashboard. I used the AIM and it was great... a bit challenging but good.
Lectric Limited has great harnesses. I also got the laminated wiring diagram and put in on the wall next to my car. Between it and the AIM I had no problems replacing the engine compartment harnesses.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 2
From: Clovis CA
[QUOTE=richardttu;1558168180]I need to replace the all of the underhood wiring harnesses on my 68 coupe (engine, AC, and forward lamp harness). Has anyone done this and could someone offer some pointers, or maybe a good reference book? I have the assembly manual, but it does not really provide all of the info I am afraid I might need to accomplish this. It runs now, and I would hate to be left with a non-running car due to some error on my part.
Richard,
I was a bit mortified also, I took good pictures,used masking tape to label the ends and routing points. After I got the engine harness out, I laid it on the floor spread out sort of like in the engine compartment. It's not hard, go slow and try not to be interupted by the phone.
Richard,
I was a bit mortified also, I took good pictures,used masking tape to label the ends and routing points. After I got the engine harness out, I laid it on the floor spread out sort of like in the engine compartment. It's not hard, go slow and try not to be interupted by the phone.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Thanks everyone. I have the CF article, and ordered the harness from Lectric Limited. I have also just ordered the two 1969 wiring diagrams from Doc rebuild. Hopefully these, and the AIM and a CD full of pictures will be enough to get me by. But looking at the current harness will be little help, as it has been completely hacked up (at least 6 wires to the alternator, AC wiring cut at the compressor, several cut wires that go nowhere, missing fusable links etc). Bubba has struck again.
I hope to start with it in a couple of weeks, will let you know how it goes. I just hope i do not wind up with a car that does not run
I hope to start with it in a couple of weeks, will let you know how it goes. I just hope i do not wind up with a car that does not run
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
I plan to do it body on, engine in, fingers crossed, and hoping for the best. I currently have a couple of projects at work consuming even my spare time, but they should be wrapped up in a month or so. So, I will be delayed a little. I will keep everyne posted (unless it goes horribly wrong, then I will hide my shame and sulk quietly)
What is really sad is that I am an electrical engineer, with a graduate degree in physics, yet looking at the rats nest under the hood seems so intimidating for some reason. Maybe its because it is all hacked up.
Richard
What is really sad is that I am an electrical engineer, with a graduate degree in physics, yet looking at the rats nest under the hood seems so intimidating for some reason. Maybe its because it is all hacked up.
Richard
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 576
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From: Kernersville North Carolina
Sounds like our cars are in the same boat
Lets keep in touch as we go through it. Mine is also hacked-up beyond recognition.
I'm thinkin of tryin' to post a follow-along thread with all my photos and issues. I just need to find a place to host photos.
I'll send you a PM too.
Lets keep in touch as we go through it. Mine is also hacked-up beyond recognition.
I'm thinkin of tryin' to post a follow-along thread with all my photos and issues. I just need to find a place to host photos.
I'll send you a PM too.
Melting Slicks
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From: North NJ
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