So, installing a new wiring harness is as simple as unplugging the old one, then running the new one in and plugging it in, right?
Ha! Big stinking Ha! These old cars weren't always built according to the plans, with undocumented changes and substitutions taking place. The wiring diagrams didn't always follow the actual construction and the new harness may not reflect exactly what's in your car. I helped Joe troubleshoot his new harness a few years ago and now it's my turn. A point that became apparent is that the lights are disappointingly dim compared to modern cars. I noticed that the reflector was quite corroded and cleaned a small spot to see if it could be improved. A bit of elbow grease and polish made a significant difference so the light assembly was removed to allow easier access. Picture #3 shows the now bright & shiny reflector. It's not mirror-like but it's a whole bunch better than it was. While I had it out, I cleaned all the bullet connectors with steel wool and applied some Dow Corning DC-4 silicone dielectric paste. This will help prevent future corrosion in the connectors.
I'd noticed that the large bulb was difficult to install and found that the electrical tape insulation had unwound and was preventing the assembly from compressing when the bulb was inserted. The fix was to apply a couple layers of small heat shrink tubing to the end of the connector.
The black pen with the yellow sticker is a fiberglass eraser that works brilliantly for cleaning electrical contacts without leaving a conductive or corrosive residue.
And the leaves you ask? There's a large-ish opening into the front of the bonnet which allows access to the wiring. It also allows access to small insects. At some point, bees took up residence inside. Looking closely will reveal some dead ones, and the gooey stuff? Yup, you guessed it, it's honey.
Anyone needing this kind of repair is welcome to drop by (masked and vaccinated of course) with their light marker. I have lots of heat shrink in all sizes and a warm (sorta) place to work.
Rob E.
1 comment:
great work Bob. I have also done similar and also used a spritz of decades old, rattle can chrome paint on the inside of the fixture for even more shine. I also gave the plastic lenses a spritz of clear that really restored the original deep red, amber, and clear of the Jensen tail lights. I am going to convert the four side running lights to LED and try to incorporate a turn signal flasher at the same time.
Ralph
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