AWilson

I have been thinking of at least replacing the engine wiring harness on my 68. The thinking is that I don't want to get stranded somewhere because of old hard wiring failing. I assume if I replace the engine harness it would alleviate most of these concerns. But maybe it is rare to break down over this and not worth worrying about.

Any thoughts either way?

Garys 68

Most of the failures in old wiring harnesses I've seen were from modifications, damage from "mechanics" or poor reinstallation. If your harness is trouble free, not damaged, or hacked up, it's probably OK. If it's had any problems, replace it.

69Vett

depends on the condition of your harness,
I thought about replacing mine, after examining the harness very well.
and determining my current wires were still long enough to use,
I decided to keep my harness, and reworked it, you can replace almost every connection pretty easy,
I also soldered every connection, no crimp on junk, I am very happy with the end result,
and they clean up real nice.

I prefer to keep the orginal when possible. 69VETT

TimAT

I've still got the original wiring in my 69. I've repaired the harness where it goes down to the starter- the combination of 35 years, a BB, and headers had pretty well cooked it. Other than that, no problems. Yes, the harness is not a flexible as it used to be, but it's not getting moved either. Unless you're having repeated problems that have proved to be in the harness(es) I wouldn't worry.

These C3's suffer from grounding problems more than harness faults from what I've seen. Maybe go back and track down all the body grounds and clean them.

7T1vette

The areas of 'concern' are around the starter area, the starter ground wire [to the frame], and the ignition wiring. Other than that, your wiring should be "safe" if it does not appear to be badly worn or damaged.

AWilson

Thanks guys. I guess I will keep it and see how it goes.

69Vett

make sure all your gnd. connections are good, and make sure you have a good gnd from frame to Birdcage. 69VETT

Budman68

I replaced my 68 engine harness in about an hour and a half. Go with the lectriclimited harness. It is an exact replacement.

TimAT

Engine and forward light harness are a snap. That (@*#*%_@ dash harness is a different animal. I just put new ones in the 74. The PO before the guy I got it from wired electric fans directly to the ignition switch and cooked all of them.

cardo0

I would replace the engine compartment harness only. The passenger compartment harness usually remains in good shape as it stays out of the heat, sunlight and weather.
The heat damage on my engine harness was bad enough let alone what all the PO's spliced into and out of and rewired. Fairly easy job even with the engine installed. Just replaced the firewall plug first then replaced only one connector at a time sorting the harness out as i went. I don't recommend unplugging all the connectors at once even if you mark them as my preference is to verify wire color code as i go.

Good luck,
cardo0

AWilson

Well now you guys are convincing me. I have my fair share of splices, etc. I am thinking of replacing the engine harness. Lectric Limited price is $200. But I have already disconnected everything. I believe I know where it all goes. Famous last words,,,I know.

AWilson

Thanks Budman68 that is good to know. I was thinking of using theirs.