1978 Wire Harness issues
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton California
1978 Wire Harness issues
Im having issues with the electrical wiring in the vette like everything but my head lights dont turn on...radio, blinkers, ac...everything. I took it to a shop and they told me my wire harness throughout the whole car is bad and a fire hazard( scare tactic bologna). They gave me an estimate of 1200$ which I thought was real high. I was curious if anyone has history with this installation and tell me if im getting ripped off or there on the money. Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
I would not think that is not too high if they are using factory replacement wiring harness. Just the dash harness is $500 and then there is the labor to install it. In the engine compartment you have two harness at around $450 and then you have the rear harness at another $300, That is your $1200 rite there. Now he may be trying to use a aftermarket harness which I would not let him do. I would think that we have a member close to you that could take a look at the car and let you know the condition of the wiring. There is another $600 in misc harness that I have not put a price on that you may need if all of the wiring is bad. In other word that price is realy to cheap for all the wiring being replaced with new harness. Take some pictures of the engine compartment wiring and put them on this site for members to look at and give you input. Good Luck and Thanks you for your service, Jerry, USN retired
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
I would have to say that the chances of your wiring harness being bad is pretty slim that would cause that problem. If all your "bad" items had one harness in common, maybe but the way you describe it it involves more than one harness. On these cars the ground is a beotch (I am dealing with one now). Take one light circuit at a time and trace the wires and ground. Keep it simple at first and then throw some money at it.
Ocala is correct that harness are expensive and that would be a good price to get them all replaced. My wiring is is 32 years old and is still good.....
Ocala is correct that harness are expensive and that would be a good price to get them all replaced. My wiring is is 32 years old and is still good.....
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton California
Yea I talked to the shop it all has to go. There was a fire in one of the harness lines and it damaged all of the harnesses so I guess the whole fire hazard wasnt a load of crap. I forget sometimes the cars 30+ years old thanks for the help again.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 10
Bringing up an old thread here but I'm in the same boat here. I'm about to order a dash harness for my 78 and I have the "luxury" of opting for the earlier style glass tube or blade fuses.
My car is an earlier 78 and has the glass tubes but I'd really like to switch to the blades if I can. Has anyone done this or knows if it's a simple "plug and play" or should I just stick with the tubes and be done with it.
Cheers.
My car is an earlier 78 and has the glass tubes but I'd really like to switch to the blades if I can. Has anyone done this or knows if it's a simple "plug and play" or should I just stick with the tubes and be done with it.
Cheers.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Bringing up an old thread here but I'm in the same boat here. I'm about to order a dash harness for my 78 and I have the "luxury" of opting for the earlier style glass tube or blade fuses.
My car is an earlier 78 and has the glass tubes but I'd really like to switch to the blades if I can. Has anyone done this or knows if it's a simple "plug and play" or should I just stick with the tubes and be done with it.
Cheers.
My car is an earlier 78 and has the glass tubes but I'd really like to switch to the blades if I can. Has anyone done this or knows if it's a simple "plug and play" or should I just stick with the tubes and be done with it.
Cheers.
On the 1978 early and late the difference was the location of the delay timer, early behind the drivers side dash and late was behind the glove box door.
We have the wiring on sale until the end of this week if you use the code Will20 you'll save 20 percent off the dash harness price below.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...r=28&q=harness
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; May 16, 2016 at 04:26 PM.
