Wiring Harness / Fuse Pannel

[Monkeywrench]

Since I have the dash /seats /steering column/ pb booster/ pedals etc... all out

http://www.sdotson.com/photos/vettepics/interiorout.jpg

I figured I'd change out the fuse pannel to one that takes the newer blade fuses. Now I'm wondering if I should just buy a complete harness kit and do the whole thing considering the car (and hence wiring) is 31+ years old and I am NOT pulling this dash out again..

What would your decision be based on? Who would you buy it all from? (Painless is one I have heard good things about)

 

[JohnZ]

I'd avoid Painless - they don't make exact replacement Corvette harnesses - they make "hot-rod" harnesses you have to cobble to fit different applications, and a C3 Corvette is far too complex to even think about "cobbling" a harness for. The best choices for exact replacement harnesses (that will install properly and work) are Lectric Limited and M&H Fabricators.

 

[69MyWay]

I mean no disrespect to you John, but I would have to say the Painless 18 circuit harness is pretty cool and a huge bang for the buck. It is not a plug and play, as you have to re-use your stock end points (pig tail connectors for headlights, tail lights, engine sensors).

I have installed and or been directly involved in four of them on different cars including my buddies rides. Two of those on C3 vettes. If you knock off the horn relay the panel will drop in the same location as your stock C3 unit. You get fresh new wires that have labels on them and it will plug right into the steering column, brakes, and high beam.

For less tha $300 and a couple of weekends of fussing around with it you can have a new modern harness.

 

[Monkeywrench]

Thanks for the vendor names guys. Now my other question, woudl you do it at this point. As I said before I am NOT pulling all this stuff again at a future date. How prone is 30+ year old wiring to failure? If it were a mechanical part I'd replace it in a heartbeat but am I going overboard by pulling all the wiring?

 

[69MyWay]

Thanks for the vendor names guys. Now my other question, woudl you do it at this point. As I said before I am NOT pulling all this stuff again at a future date. How prone is 30+ year old wiring to failure? If it were a mechanical part I'd replace it in a heartbeat but am I going overboard by pulling all the wiring?

Wiring will last a long time. There are 50 year old cars still running and gunning with original wires.

As long as your grounds are good and you don't have excessive corrosion you should be fine.

 

[Monkeywrench]

Thanks Chris

 

[68Roadster]

Harness

MW
A few years back I put an M & H engine harness in my 68 (mine was burnt) and I was very pleased. When I had questions, all I had to do was call...they know their stuff. The harness looked just like factory stuff.

The number is 310 926 9552

Good luck!

Cee

 

[paintdaddy]

i would reccomend a factory type harness too.I am doing a insurance job for someone right now that has had a nasty dash fire.Ive got some pics but Im having trouble posting them.It gives me a sickening feeling in my gut and its not even mine.:cry