Re: New wiring harness?

Posted by John On 2008/7/7 9:49:20

JimG,
I have a 55 Clipper, and like BigKev, I am building a "driver" and plan to convert to 12V negative ground, add AC, power windows, and other creature comforts. For the "purists", I don't consider this as destroying a classic since when I bought the vehicle, it was a "basket case", and would probably have been on it's way to the crusher had I not bought it.
My original harness was brittle and corroded, and when I started to investigate sources for replacement wiring. I found that OEM style and repro harnesses were quite expensive, so I decided to hand build a new harness myself. When I started pricing the components (wire, connectors, tape, etc.), it became obvious that I could purchase a pre-made universal harness for less than I could buy the components. After deciding that any harness I purchased would have to be comprised of the new GLX Crosslinked wire, I began searching vendors and found that most universal harnesses were similar, but fell into one two categories:
1. Universal with fusible link
2. Universal with master fuse
Within these, there are a couple of different "levels", each equating to wire size and cost.
In the end, I decided that my needs would be met by one of the EZ Wiring products, and I settled on a 21 circuit harness that I purchased from a vendor on eBay, for right at $150 shipped. Although I have not yet begun to install it, the product does appear well made and it looks like a quality product.
The decision is yours to make, but I do recommend that you not base your decision on cost alone. Your own level of expertise regarding auto systems repair, and critical system requirements, and ultimate vehicle usage, should be the motivating factors.
Sorry to be so longwinded, but a wiring harness will be one of the most difficult things to service once you have the car complete, so take your time and make a choice that you can live with.
John