1964 bug wiring loom for 12v& alt

[Red The Grey]

my bug is already been changed over to 12 volt but it is in need of a new wire loom I am also using an alt. instead of a gen. I'm sure this has been done before but not by me so am asking questions... Do I get a stock loom and modify it or get a later year,I just dont know which is best to use... I really dont want to do a buch of modifying /changing terminals,plugs etc ... Do any of you guys have the experience doing this sort of thing,if so please share...

[zerotofifty]

I converted my 61 to 12 volts, and did not change the wires. So I suggest you replace yours with the same year as your car. Stock Bugs went to12 volts in America for 1967. the 67 has differences in the wires from a 64.
So buy a 64 harness.

the 67 has different high/ low beam switch, i.e. turn signal arm switch and relay, rather than floor switch, and the 67 has a hazard lamp circuit, and perhaps other differences verses the 64.

[runamoc]

voltage on wires in a VW matter not. Current, amperage, is what matters.

_________________
Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 45 yrs - Plan B: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs- '80 Rabbit Diesel
VW Wiring = It's just wires

[Dusty1]

An internally regulated alternator hooks up pretty much like the stock 6V generator only with a few less wires. All you need is the big fat red B+ wire and a solid ground on the alternator body. The field coil connection is internal so you don't need the "DF" wire.

Later wiring harnesses have the regulator under the back seat. Also,
65 and later harnesses run along the floor. '64 and earlier run up through the roof.

Much as a like the old style Euro fuses I'm probably going to use an Ididit hot rod wiring kit on the next VW I re- wire. I'm at least going to re- wire the fuse block and use modern blade type fuses.

Or:

I might go all steam punk on it and use WWII bomber fuse holders and Type AG fuses. I've never had a bad connection at teh fuse block with that sort of setup.

.
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[Red The Grey]

thanks for the help its appreciated

[Bryan67]

Wiring Works can sell you one set up for an alternator
_________________
If you`re going to do something, do it right.

[ashman40]

I just looked up the wiring diagrams from '64 and compared the wire size with the '74 wiring diagram. The wire size are basically the same.
The stock thick red D+ wire in '64 is 6.0mm^2 and the smaller 61 wire is 0.5mm^2. This is the same wire size as the B+ and D+ wires used in '74-later. This means you can use the stock '64 wires with your 12v alternator.

No actual splices or mods are needed. In '64 the thick gauge wire from the generator-mounted VR runs all the way to the headlight switch. There is no junction below the rear seat. The 61 wire is similar. It runs from the VR in the engine compartment all the way to the speedometer.

Unless you are using a non-stock wiring harness you should be fine using the stock harness with an internally regulated alternator.
_________________
AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}

[zerotofifty]

Bottom line is the wires of an early harness are over sized for a 12 volt system. When you go from 6 to 12 volts, assuming the same watt lights and such, the current or amperage is cut in half. Thus a 12 volt car only needs half the cross sectional area of wire of a 6 volt car to carry the same amount of power.

Double the volts, halve the amps for same power. Amps X Volts = Watts.
So a 60 watt lamp at 6 volts draws 10 amps, but running at 12 volts a 60 watt lamp only draws 5 Amps. Both 60 watt lamps will be equal brightness as they draw the same 60 watt power

That is why there is no need for fatter wires when doing this conversion, fact is you can cut the wire area in half and still be o.k. when going for a 6 volt to a 12 volt system.
dont over think this, use a stock harness as it will fit perfect. the newer year harness wont fit the same, and thus will require a good deal of modification, and will gain you nothing but more work.

[Red The Grey]

thanks you all for the help