WTB: wiring harness
I would only warn anybody looking to use an old harness to carefully check each wire. Old wire insulation dries and cracks with age/heat. Also, it is always very important to insure that the proper gauge wire is utilized for the intended circuits.
As long as your are using the correct gauge wire and the wire insulation/terminals are in good working order, there's not much else to it. Either way, it's either going to cost money or time. I guess it depends which is more valuable to you.
-Mike
I'm dealing in these parts for 35 years, and have yet to see any of the factory harnesses FROM THAT ERA have any issues with insulation breaking down under normal circumstances. Normal meaning, no acid, or excessive weather exposure, etc. Engine harnesses are an exception, as underhood heat and oil/dirt do take a toll.
Talking about dash harnesses...by their nature, they are buried in the car and not exposed to any elements beyond normal temperature variations. I have pulled them out of 45 year old cars that were completely trashed, dusted them off, and it would be impossible to tell they ever did anything but sit on a shelf.
Here's the warning to those willing to take a chance on Repro harnesses...and this is first hand experience. Keep in mind, that when I was in the regular repair business, I always specialized in automotive electronics.
Beginning in the early 80's, Ford started to source its wire from overseas suppliers. After about 5 or 6 years of nothing but normal use, the insulation on these wires would begin to self destruct. They dried out and became chalky...all you had to do was touch the wire, and the insulatiuon would crumble and flake off. It was a NIGHTMARE working with this stuff, and bad wires sent more of those cars to the crusher prematurely than you could imagine. I have no way to know whether or not the material used in the repro harnesses won't show the same type of issues after several years of use. I'll stick with the PROVEN materials!
I handle and work with this stuff every day of my life. If there was any doubt or any question as to the quality of the wiring in the cars of this era, I would know it and I would tell you.
