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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: Mr.Yuck]
#1529389
11/07/13 09:43 AM
11/07/13 09:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
roe
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
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Quote:
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Also, I dont have a manual but will look in the teck sections for the one someone said they printed off. For a 71 B body with A/C, how many harnessess am I looking at needing? What are they?
Thanks
roe
Not sure on a 71, but on 70-back you have the bulk head, up front you have the wiper harness, engine harness, light harness, starter relay and assoiated wires, under dash harness, steering column harness with fuze box, then you have the harness that runs things like dome light, console lights, and harness to the rear.
Why do you want to replace yours? Is it messing up?
I think mainly because I have added upgrades like a stereo system, alarm, electric fans, will be adding electric fuel pump, and want to put headlights on a relay. I also have the mid 80's IIRC alternator that is higher output than stock. I do have the amplifier and the electric fans running directly off the alternator though. I dont like the mess that I see under the dash.
I guess I'd be happy with redoing just the underdash portion, and then making the performance upgrades like running the solid wire thru the bulkhead for the main power wire.
1971 Plymouth Satellite
408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: roe]
#1529390
11/07/13 12:47 PM
11/07/13 12:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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Quote:
But I've tried looking at the circuit diagrams when I read other posts on the subject, and that crap confuses me.
Understandable. Think of electricity like water it flows along the wires in the diagram. it has to flow from one side of the battery to the other or it doesn't flow at all. For some people that helps make sense. The wires in the diagram are labeled with something like V3-18DBL* or BLK/W.
V3 is the number so you can trace it to the other end.
18DBL is 18 gauge, dark blue color
* is on wires with a stripe (Tracer) on them. No * means a solid color.
Those marked BLK/W are simply color codes and in this case is a black wire with white tracer stripe.
You get the idea, hope it helps.
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What I would be looking for is pretty much a full stock replacement with maybe a little larger wires than stock. (are the kits stock or larger than stock wire size?).
I am pretty sure the replacement kits are stock size wires to be correct for restoration purposes.
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Then I'd want a few upgrades like relays for: electric fans, A/C,. I have an alarm system and stereo system on it as well.
I would evaluate your stock harness first. Decide if your going to use existing wiring or replace then wire in the upgrades.
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Is it really as easy as ordering a couple of different harnesses and slowly going through everything?
In your case there will be engine, dash, front body, transmission, A/C, and rear body wiring harnesses. I believe I remember correctly.
In your case the front body and rear body (all your outside lights) may not be available because it's a 4 door and they may not make one if they are different than the popular to restore 2 doors.
The only hard part of replacing the stock harness is the dash. You can replace it in the car by removing the cluster but it is much easier to pull the dash.
I can pull the dash in about 1/2 an hour but I have done dozens of them. Take your time and it will be out in about an hour maybe two if you get a sandwich break and it saves lots of work in the long run.
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I would feel a lot more comfortable about doing it myself if I had someone who knows electrical to help me through it.
Too bad you don't live closer, I'd help. Maybe somebody close to you can lend a hand.
Can you post pick of the problem spots you are worried about in your harness?
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: roe]
#1529391
11/07/13 02:47 PM
11/07/13 02:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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RSNOMO
Moparts Torchbearer
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Moparts Torchbearer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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Quote:
Is it really as easy as ordering a couple of different harnesses and slowly going through everything? I would feel a lot more comfortable about doing it myself if I had someone who knows electrical to help me through it.
Tracing circuits through the diagrams in the FSM is good exercise fer yer eyeballs...
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: RSNOMO]
#1529392
11/07/13 03:02 PM
11/07/13 03:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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Roe, I was hesitant to do wiring myself. Thing is, I do as much of my own work as possible. I had bad luck with mechanics when I started driving. So I figured if they can do it, so can I, and went to the library. It's easier now as you couldn't take the books out of the library. I soon learned I could save a LOT of money by doing things myself. I have learned a bit from trial and error. Just do one thing at a time and pay attention to what you are doing. Take notes if it helps. The work you have done so far tells me you can do it. 
I have mechanical Aptitude.
I can screw up anything.
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: IMGTX]
#1529393
11/07/13 03:25 PM
11/07/13 03:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
roe
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
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Quote:
Quote:
But I've tried looking at the circuit diagrams when I read other posts on the subject, and that crap confuses me.
Understandable. Think of electricity like water it flows along the wires in the diagram. it has to flow from one side of the battery to the other or it doesn't flow at all. For some people that helps make sense. The wires in the diagram are labeled with something like V3-18DBL* or BLK/W.
V3 is the number so you can trace it to the other end.
18DBL is 18 gauge, dark blue color
* is on wires with a stripe (Tracer) on them. No * means a solid color.
Those marked BLK/W are simply color codes and in this case is a black wire with white tracer stripe.
You get the idea, hope it helps.
That does help. Thanks. Also, if it will help you guys point me in the right direction, I will tell you guys everything I have done, and plan on doing.
Im not really concered with the rear harness or the headlights/side marker lights, dome light, fender mounted turn signals. With the exception of faulty headlight switch that just went on the fritz, it all works fine, even the floor mounted toggle for bright/dim. I'll be changeing the headlight switch out.
Have done:
-2 OEM electric fans from the j/y that run off of a relay and battery power
-heavy guage wire from alt to battery
-Alternator upgrade to 65amp version
-Stereo system with flip out screen/1000watt kenwood amp and 2 12" subs in the trunk, 2 6x9's, 2 6.5"
-Amplifier hooked up to positive side of battery
-installed voltmeter
-Car alarm
-guages(oil pressure, water temp, rpm, voltmeter) set wired into the dimmer switch
-clean di-elect grease all bulkhead connections
Plan to do
-new roller magnum based 408 stroker (currently being built)
-keep pertronix ignition in parts house dizzy
-install electric fuelpump
-install relay for headlights (do I need to since they arent dim after the wire from alternator to battery)
-replace main power wire at bulkhead connection with solid wire straight through.
-get A/C and heat functional
-maybe install power locks on front doors
I think a lot of the wiring under hood is needing replaced. Its old and brittle after years of heat cycling. But most of the rest of the car is still going strong. No issues to speak of. What would you guys recommend?
1971 Plymouth Satellite
408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: roe]
#1529395
11/07/13 04:37 PM
11/07/13 04:37 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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RSNOMO
Moparts Torchbearer
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Moparts Torchbearer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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Quote:
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Roe,
While the dash is out would be a good time to replace the heater core and blower motor...
Rad shop can check-out yer heater core...Might be OK...
Pulled both my heater blower motor, and wiper-motor down and inspected...
Both were OK...And 20+ years later, they both still live...
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: roadrunner69s]
#1529401
11/09/13 07:55 PM
11/09/13 07:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,270
Morrow, OH
markz528
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,270
Morrow, OH
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Whatever you do, make sure you have quality wire installed. Under no circumstances do you want PVC insulation in your car. Puts off deadly poisonous gases when burns. You want a true automotive wire with at minimum XLPE insulation. You can get better aircraft wire, but I don't believe it is necessary. This is what I recommend. Its affordable and a reasonable choice...... http://www.waytekwire.com/item/WX16-9/16GA-SXL-WHITE-AUTOMOTIVE/
67 Coronet 500 9.610 @ 139.20 mph
67 Coronet 500 (street car) 14.82 @ 94 mph
69 GTX (clone) - build in progress......
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Re: How much $$$ to rewire a car?
[Re: VS29H0B]
#1529402
11/09/13 08:50 PM
11/09/13 08:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,001
Coram, NY
Pool Fixer
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,001
Coram, NY
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that'd sure be a labor intensive deal. I'd see if you could find a local Mopar head that you trust & are comfortable with & work a deal with him to take care of it
I agree with this recommendation. This may not be that convenient, but ChallengerGary on this board is south of you and does excellent work at about $25/30 hour. He may be able to do this at a reasonable price. PM him, and even if he declines, ask if he can recommend someone.
if you can find someone for double that it would still be a smokin deal.
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