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Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:12 am

I have a 71 Super Beetle that I gutted to paint, I even took out all the wiring, which was a rats nest!! I want a very simple wire solution, I just want legal lights (I dont even need hazards).. that's all I need for now..

I plan on running a full set of aftermarket gauges and hooking up my windshield wipers and vent fan blower at a later date, along with a cd player..

I just need it drivable with working lights...

Thats why I come to you guys, has anyone installed one of the Dune Buggy wire harnesses?? They are cheap and very simple looking, it seems like this would make me legal enough to drive on the street as well..

I am concerned how well the blinkers work to..

Then later I can add another fuse block for my windshield wipers, vent fan and cd player...

I just want to make sure this would work for me before I order it.

Thanks
Chris

Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:37 am

They are very easy. I have one in my baja, the instructions are very basic and easy to follow. Enough wire in there to do all the lights, turn signals, and motor stuff. Plus a little extra just in case. My suggestion would be to get yourself a better fuse box while your spending the time. Check out www.delcity.net they have some cool stuff. A fuse block like this will really make your life easier and ditch the stock one. They make them up to 12 terminals....

Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:41 pm

Basic lights....

Basic "run" system with Alternator..

Basic "run" system with generator..

And "yes" to large sized (many fuse) fuse panel that will accept blade type fuses.... You may want to consider maybe two even, one full time hot and one key controlled so "curcuits" turn off with key...

Dale

Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:42 pm

So get the kit and the better fuse box as listed..

I like the 12 panel one as it give me lots of options.

I guess the main thing I dont know on one of these panels, is there just a big fat power wire going into it then it branches off thought the fuses??

Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:48 pm

the empi dune buggy kits are great for wiring from scratch. i would use another fuse block as suggested though. you could even use the stock one if you wanted.

also get good connections. the ones the kit comes with are kind of ghetto.

Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:49 pm

Dale M. wrote: Basic lights....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2082491986_8eb057b4c5_o.jpg

There is no relay for the headlights?? Just working off the switch??

I want my system to all be working off toggle switches.. having them for
Headlights low/high (2 way switch) (unless I got HID's then I will just do low)
Parking Lights
Gauge Lighting
Windshield Wipers (2 way switch)
Fresh Air Vent Fan (2 way switch) (this is still a maybe)

I dont plan on using the factory speedo, so I dont even want the stock warning lights, I plan on having these gauges
Speedo (still need to figure out how use an aftermaket one with a cable)
Tach
Voltmeter
Oil Pres.
Oil Temp.
Voltmeter
Fuel Gauge

Then later I will add in a stereo...

Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:54 pm

cbzdel wrote: So get the kit and the better fuse box as listed..

I like the 12 panel one as it give me lots of options.

I guess the main thing I don't know on one of these panels, is there just a big fat power wire going into it then it branches off thought the fuses??

Yes these panels are "source" panels with one big power input terminal...

IF you need "pass through" fuses they are available also.....

They come in 4,6 & 8 fuse positions...

Explore places like Del City ot Waytek or others to "see" whats availabel out here... Better selection on I-net than local auto parts ever though of providing.... Also check local industrial suppliers for "bulk" packs of connectors and wire..

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=344781

Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:18 pm

cbzdel wrote: Dale M. wrote: Basic lights....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2082491986_8eb057b4c5_o.jpg

There is no relay for the headlights?? Just working off the switch??

I want my system to all be working off toggle switches.. having them for
Headlights low/high (2 way switch) (unless I got HID's then I will just do low)
Parking Lights
Gauge Lighting
Windshield Wipers (2 way switch)
Fresh Air Vent Fan (2 way switch) (this is still a maybe)

I dont plan on using the factory speedo, so I dont even want the stock warning lights, I plan on having these gauges
Speedo (still need to figure out how use an aftermaket one with a cable)
Tach
Voltmeter
Oil Pres.
Oil Temp.
Voltmeter
Fuel Gauge

Then later I will add in a stereo...

You don't have to wire it exactly as indicated....... You can add relays any where you want, just use switch to control relay to turn on "???".... It's no mystery... These sketches are the absolute simplest possible solution to get a "system" working....

Any gauges come with own wiring instructions, not need to duplicate them here .... Sites like one below can provide all the instrumentation wiring information you may need....

http://www.egauges.com/Inst_PDF.asp?Cart=

Each picture is "just " a "building block" you can add to any time ...

Best after market solution for VW speedo is "electric".... I know more expensive, but gives you a lot more "options" in size and "looks"...

Dale

Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:08 pm

I just ordered a wiring harness off eBay for $60 with a 8 place fuseblock, all color coded, with instructions and diagrams, mailed to the door for that price.

Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:14 pm

MagneMan wrote: I just ordered a wiring harness off eBay for $60 with a 8 place fuseblock, all color coded, with instructions and diagrams, mailed to the door for that price.

Link?? or Sellers name??

Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:25 pm

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/4wheelinjunky_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

If that link doesnt work, do a search for: 4wheelinjunky

I just studied his auctions and if you contact him, tell him what you need, he will put up an auction or BIN for you if its not currently running. If it is, he will give you the auction #.

Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:38 pm

I sent him a message telling him what I want and to point me in the right direction.. Lets see what he says..

His prices are great!

Mon Mar 23, 2009 5:40 pm

Ha! This is great! I'm in the same exact situation :D My wiring is a mess, and I was thinking if I can do it for under 100 to get the bug on the street, I would do it. Great advice, thanks! :lol:

Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:26 pm

I want to mention, I dont know the guy from Adam, but he was a straight shooter with me, and sold me a good product, and in this day and age, I will tell anyone thats interested when I come across a fair deal.

I am SO sick and tired of spending good money only to find out you got screwed, that when I come across a fair deal, it makes it all the nicer.

Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:15 am

dbl post

Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:16 am

Thanks for all the input guys.. I talked with the guy and ordered this on:

http://tinyurl.com/c4llyr

If the link does work its ebay # 180133497833

I paid about $82 shipped for it, I wanted some extra open ports so I got an 11 circuit one, plus I can upgrade to a electric fuel pump now if I ever feel the need. He seems like a good guy, he even offered to pay the sales tax for me because we are located in the same state.

Thanks for all the input guys!

Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:00 pm

I just bought the same harness. :)
We shall see how the install goes.

Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:03 pm

I promise you, a novice could install it in one day, its that well laid out. The biggest problem you will have is running the wires and cutting them to length. (in other words, no problems)

Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:04 pm

MagneMan wrote: I promise you, a novice could install it in one day, its that well laid out. The biggest problem you will have is running the wires and cutting them to length. (in other words, no problems)
Haha, sweet! I am definitely a novice @ wiring :wink:

Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:28 pm

I plan on keeping everyone posted once I do this install..