install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I have the body off for painting and it is almost ready to be re-mounted onto the chassis. Is it necessary or helpful to install the rear wiring harness with the body off? With the car at the shop I can't look at it to see what having the body on the chassis does for the rear access to run the wiring harness. I want to do that myself when I get the car back but if its necessary to have the shop do it I can give them the rear harness and have them install it. What do you think?

Mike

[Keith B.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

Yes install and wire up the all the lights in the back.

[Jim D.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

Absolutely, install the harness, tail lights, license light, rear emblem and antenna before you drop the body.

[Michael J.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

Just did my harnesses, body drop soon too. I also installed the radiator and shroud, easier to work around before body drop, and have enough clearance when body goes on.

[Michael L.]

[Joe R.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

Mike,

The tail lights and reverse lights from Trim Parts are from the ORIGINAL molds and you can't get more correct than that. Yes, there are some out there that are cheap but you get what you pay for from Trim Parts.

As far as restoration service you will pay more than buying them from Trim Parts.

JR

[Richard G.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

"Absolutely, install the harness, tail lights, license light, rear emblem and antenna before you drop the body."

Excellent advice; You can't get to the top rearmost screws on the license light with the body on.
Don't forget the antenna and associated ground hardware. Its a pain reaching up inside the fender afterwards. And you can't get to it at all, after the drop, if the exhaust is installed on the chassis. Don't forget to test fit your spare tire tub. Way easier to fix any issues like stripped threads with the body off.
I didn't have any issues installing the radiator afterwards but I would like to try installing it first.
The biggest mistake I made was not putting the splash shields on the front inner fenders before the drop.
This is a major job after the body in installed and a 20 min walk in the park with it off.
Rick

[Georges C.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

Dont forget the brake lines!

[Mark P.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

I have my body off my 65 because I had to replace the chassis. Do most recommend changing all the wiring while I am at it ? The wiring is over 50 years old now so isn't this a lot longer than it was designed to last ? Is this about a full day job or more ?

[Leif A.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

I have my body off my 65 because I had to replace the chassis. Do most recommend changing all the wiring while I am at it ? The wiring is over 50 years old now so isn't this a lot longer than it was designed to last ? Is this about a full day job or more ?

Absolutely!!! Wiring had about a 10 year life expectancy. Today's wires are much better. Rear harness with body off chassis is a no brainer, easy job. One day...no problem. The dash harness, engine harness, and headlight harness will take a bit more time but now is the time with the body off. Lectric Limited or M&H Electric for your harnesses.

[Jim D.]

Re: install new rear wiring harness before body drop?

I have my body off my 65 because I had to replace the chassis. Do most recommend changing all the wiring while I am at it ? The wiring is over 50 years old now so isn't this a lot longer than it was designed to last ? Is this about a full day job or more ?

I always replace every harness in every car I restore. The originals have plastic insulation and were only designed to last about 10 years. The new ones are made with modern GPT/GXL/SXL insulation. I can't help you on the length of time as I start with a completely dis-assembled car.