Wiring harness....change or not?

[Michael G.]

In most cases "if it ain't broke don't fix it"....but does this apply to electrical harnesses. During the course of refurbing my '66 bb am replacing the engine/forward lamp, H/L extension, TI harness and TI amp extension as these have seen their best days. The dash harness and rear harnesses appeared to work perfectly (we've heard this before) except.....when opening either door would "pop" the fuse when lamp circut was engaged. Seems the left courtesy lamp (under dash) is the culprit as I experimented with bulb in either outlet with left side popping the fuse. Issue at bulb outlet?? Should a fix on a 40 + year harness be attempted or cover one's and replace the harness with new?

Most I know use Lectric Limited but have heard many good things about M & H Electric harness. Am taking hard look at using their stuff. Thanks in advance.

[Paul J.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

Michael:

I've been struggling with the same question, although I haven't had any issues with my old harness. But when I realize that I've got the car apart now, and it won't be apart again for maybe another 30 to 40 years, I'm leaning toward replacing the harnesses. I know that the insulation on the wires will not last another 40 years, and it would be difficult to replace the harness on an assembled car. The newer harnesses also have a different, more durable polymer coating on them.

I always try to re-use my original parts, but when it comes to something as important as the wiring, original is not the way to go.

Paul

[Michael G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

For lack of better wording have/am struggling with the same view point. Original parts aren't always the way to go.

Any others out there? Experiences/opinions of M & H Electric harnesses?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

I replaced the dash harness on my 63 a few years ago. The condition of mine was much worse than what you state. I have to be honest, if the harness did not have any cuts and repairs and the wire insulation was not terribly hard I would leave it IF everything works.

The harness I purchased is from Lectric Limited and never had any problems, not difficult to install either.

[Steven N.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

In my opinion, common sense would tell you to replace a wiring harness. I have restored toooooooo many cars that have caught fire because of wiring.But that is just my opinion......what do I know? Steven J.......

[Michael G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

I'm thinking along the same lines.

Haven't heard anyone chime in regarding M & H Electric harnesses.

[Steven N.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

why try and re-invent the wheel ? I've had great success with Lectric Limited wire harnesses. thanks, Steven J............

[Michael G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

What does reinventing the wheel got do with it Steven. I'm/we're all aware of Lectric Limited and their quality products.

Just looking at the path less traveled regarding M & H Electric..
.

[John H.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

I haven't heard any complaints about M&H Corvette harnesses; they are clearly the top of the heap in 1st-generation ('67-'69) Camaro harnesses. Their Corvette instrument panel harnesses have the correct metal bulb sockets (LL's sockets are plastic).

[Jaime G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

I have restored two cars with M&H harnesses and have nothing but praise for them. Their work is as close to original as you will get and ZERO point deductions on both cars thru Duntov and BG. Best of all the harnesses work and the cars run good. JG

[Michael G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

Jamie....either of the cars have TI ignition and if so how did TI harness work out regarding fitment?

[Jaime G.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

The 396 has TI and the harness worked just fine.

[Anthony S.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

My 68 was completely re-wired with harnesses from M&H; side-by side with the original harnesses everything was the correct length and they had the correct connections and sockets including all the firber optics.

[Jamie F.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

I have M&H harnesses on my car. They've been around long before Lectric Limited. I actually recall that LL bought their harness from M&H before they started making them in house. I've had no issues and they have been exactly like the originals.
Just keep your original harnes so you have it if there are any small bracket or ends you may want to swap over. For example all the 69 repro harnesses don't use exactly the same alternator bracket as original, so I swapped mine over.

[Jack H.]

Re: Wiring harness....change or not?

Probably no reply(s) about M&H because those of us who know them, know they're the BIGGEST supplier of classic American Muscle Car wiring harness components in the world! Like LL, they ARE a GM licensee.

But, unlike LL, they don't do 'buy around' deals on their warehouse distributors (e.g. club functional discounts), so you tend to hear more about LL in the Corvette community because they DO pursue qty 1, end user sales...

Every mfgr has his good products and his 'dog' products, but the after the sale support from M&H is SUPERB, presuming you'll ever need it... Plus, do a Google search find their web site and see what they have to say about the core wire they use. GXL insulation is FAR superior to PVC in terms of flame retardancy characteristics...