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There has been 57 years of different "mechanics" working on it.


I'm going to end up rewiring this whole car.

Do the next few owners a favor, get an exact replica wiring harness (you can add circuits for other options/ features when you order) and rewire it that way.
Then it will resemble the shop manual wiring diagram.
You can make an addendum if you add circuits and put it in the car.
Every shadetree mechanic that owns an assortment kit of blue/yellow crimp-on connectors and a crimp tool thinks they know better than degreed engineers and go in and hillbilly up wiring, the older the car, more hillbillies.
My own end of the Packard electrical business of late has illustrated to me why every auto parts store in the land has a sign over the counter that reads "no return on electrical parts".

The only way to go.
http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/our_products.htm

They may be one of the best out there.

I don't think you could go wrong with a Rhode Island Wire harness either.
http://www.riwire.com/

The 51-54 Packards have to be among the easiest cars to rewire ever produced. Go for it. I am personally a big fan of Potomac Packard for wiring harnesses.

I wish they would have used crimp connectors. Twisting the wires and wraping them loosely with electrical tape is not a long term solution

Does any know offhand if any of those harnesses are made for a 12v conversion with a GM alternator?

While good to stay with proper looms for the authenticity and good wiring diagram, I don't think you will find any of the repro harnesses made with a conversion in mind. Repros are made to stock spec for original components and priced accordingly. There have been many here who have done a conversion or even a rewire using less expensive universal harnesses. If staying with 6v, you can also use a universal harness--just be sure to get one for heavy duty or 6v systems.http://stores.ez2wire.com/StoreFront.bokhttp://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/searchrefined.php?SearchAll=Classic%20Cars&refinesearch=Chassis+Harnesses

If so inclined, a stock reproduction wiring harness can be used in a 12-volt conversion. Actually, a 12-volt system uses a smaller gauge of wire than a 6-volt system. Rewire the car with a proper harness and go 12-volts if that is what you want to do. Then, if the next owner wants to go back to 6-volts the wiring will be there to do it.

(o{I}o)

Quote:

Item # 1--crimp connectors have no place on a collector car. They are a temporary solution for modern cars that are on the march to the crusher or junkyard, and are OK for kids putting stereos in cars, that's about it.

Item #2--the method you describe is a recipe for breaking down on the side of the road. The only proper splice or joining of wires on a car is by stripping back the insulation, twisting the strands into a neat,tight manner, coating the wire with liquid solder flux then tinning the wire with electrical solder. Do the same on the mating wire, then solder both together. You may want to put shrink tube on before joining the two wires together. It is better than electrical tape for these type joints, electrical tape is OK, but shrink tube is better. All of these things can be purchased at you local radio shack.

I think Blackbeerd was kidding...But still good points