Complete Wiring Harness Installation

[goofyjoker87]

Hey Guys,

I have a 1968 VW Beetle and I bought a complete wiring loom which I have no idea how to install. Does anyone know any locations in Los Angeles that can do this for me? Any help here would be appreciated as the mechanic shop that I reached out to do no do anything like that.

[Tim Donahoe]

There is a Bug Me Video that covers how to install a complete wiring loom. Volume 9. They’re probably still something like $29.95. I have it, and it’s very thorough.

You might check that out before paying a mint to have someone else do the job.

Tim
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Richard O'Brien

[Tvättbjörn]

The video is a good start. Before you start disconnecting any wires. Take pictures + pictures + picture + ................... of routing of the wires , connections on fuse boxes and relays + + +...... Not a big deal on a Beetle. You have great access to all wires from under the hood. Type 3 and Bus is a different story. Good looms should have all the same colors.

[Michael Ambrozik]

JBUGS also has a series on harness install that is also good. It's also on the internet.

[goofyjoker87]

Thank you both. I will try the DVD, as I am not really familiar with these types of things. I have seen the JBUGs videos, and I do not think they were as in depth as I would like.

[71InvaderGT]

I just purchased the American Autowire kit and am currently rewiring the entire kit car; these are the best schematics I've ever seen.

I wouldn't tackle this job with lesser diagrams unless I had decent electrical knowledge or experience - definitely fried a few switches and made terrible crimps so far hahaha

[goofyjoker87]

Taking pictures is a great idea! Hopefully I take enough

[jeffrey8164]

It is a lot easier than you think. The wire loom is in quite a few pieces. Just take one piece at a time and as they say take pictures take notes if you take it one at a time there’s usually only maybe six wires in each piece so it’s not a big deal. The hardest part is fishing the front to back loom all the way through the body.
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[Michael Ambrozik]

For the wiring harness, take lots pictures of the fuse box and write everything down (to and from). Get a wiring diagram and have it blown up. This way it will be easier to follow. Just be aware that the wire harness kits do not come complete, certain circuits like ignition and turn signal do not come in the harness. When installing the grounds make sure you clean and polish the tabs for good ground and use dielectric grease to protect the connection.

[empi3]

[Michael Ambrozik]

The 2 harness kits I installed were for my 71 SB, and a 69 std. both kits are from Wolfsburg West and they were from Wiring Works.

[ashman40]

[NachoCar]

I got a reputable air-cooled shop to quote installing a harness recently. It's labor rate was only $75 an hour and labor alone was $3K.....

If you have the will to work I would certainly TRY to install it.

[empi3]