Wire harness installation for classic cars is a plug and play operation, and is a quick task that can usually be completed within a couple of hours. Most classic cars have two wiring harnesses: one for the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and interior and dash lights, and one for the engine compartment and engine components. After some time, the wiring within the wiring harness can become brittle and will break, damaging connections and interrupting the signals sent to different components. Due to the location of the wiring harnesses, they are exposed to extreme temperatures, making them very susceptible to the elements and decay. Today, we are going to give some tips on wire harness installation for classic cars.
Auto Advice | Wire Harness Installation for Classic Cars
- Finding the New Wiring Harnesses – You can find the exact wiring harnesses needed for your particular make and model in multiple ways. You can order them online, or obtain the needed harness from most auto parts stores. By ordering the harness from the auto parts store, you have someone on site who can evaluate your particular vehicle and make specific recommendations for your needs. For the most part and for typical operation of your specific vehicle however, the wiring harnesses are universal, making the first step of wire harness installation for classic cars fairly simple.
- Spot the Existing Wiring Harness – The wiring harnesses will typically plug into receptacles on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, against the firewall. The wiring harness looks like a bundle of wires, usually wrapped in black plastic. The exact location may vary, but they are specific in that they plug into receptacles at both ends of the wiring.
- Remove Old Wiring Harness – This is usually a matter of pulling the plug. Many wiring harnesses snap into the receptacle, locking into place. You may need to squeeze on the connection that you are removing to disengage it from the locking mechanisms on the receptacle.
- Install New Harness – The wiring harness usually can only be plugged into the correct receptacle. The shaping of the connectors are specific to which harness you are working with. The wiring will most likely be color coded so that all you have to do is match the shape of the connections or the colors of the wiring. Many harnesses have a rubber boot at one or both ends. You will want to make sure that this is reinstalled to the position of the original harness, and if needed secured.
- Test All Connections – Once the wire harness installation for classic cars is complete, test all the electrical components that are dependent on them. Sometimes it’s helpful if you have an extra person to stand outside the vehicle and let you know when the blinkers, tail lights, or any other controls or components turn on and off. Start the car and turn on all the controls inside the vehicle. Make sure all components that are dependent on the electrical system are functioning.
AutoWorks offers wire harness installation for classic cars, window tinting, backup camera installation, detailing, and other auto services to towns in the Monmouth County area such as Middletown, Red Bank, Oceanport, Rumson, Little Silver, Marlboro, Freehold, Colts Neck, Aberdeen, Manalapan, Point Pleasant, Millstone Township, Long Branch, Keansburg, Eatontown, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls, Fair Haven, and many more. To learn more about our hot rod restoration and other services contact us today at 732-671-0225 or visit the website.
