VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Installing wiring harness

I have finally reached the stage where I (think) I am done with the mechanical repairs on my car. All that remains is replacing the differential and I hope to have that done today.

The next project in line would be replacing the wiring harness, body work, painting, and the interior. My question is should I replace the harness before I paint the car or after? It may be a year or so before the car gets painted.

My concern is scratching the new paint if I wait til it's painted.

Normally, the body is painted first and then the accessories, ie. wiring harness, upholstery and etc. are installed after.

In my case, I wanted to drive the car before paint and interior was done so I strung together just enough wiring to make it run and saved the nice clean new harness until the major work was done.

If you are not concerned with getting it running, I would do as JYD suggests.

The wiring that's in my car now is just fine. What few bad wires I could find I replaced with the yucky plastic coated stuff they use today. None of it is visible.

I do need to replace the headlight switch though. I have a real nice one I got from Gary Wallace. I guess I can put it in and quit there until everything else is finished. Meanwhile I'll be able to drive my car without any problems.

I think.

I hope.

Maybe.

My advice is to replace it completely, I've seen an old Chev burn to the ground because of faulty wiring
Chris

I intend to. Just not sure when and as you implied, sooner might be better.

I can remember seeing a 53 Plymouth in remarkably good shape, about 1966, short out and catch fire. Fortunately the fire was extinguished before much harm was done.

If you are going to replace it eventually, then I suggest adding a few in-line fuses as a good investment or insurance policy. And always carry a fire extinguisher just in case.
Coach