Classic/Antique Car Repair: rewire 1949 desoto s13 custom coupe, hemmings motor news, asking the right question

Question
what guage wire and type would i use to rewire this old desoto. it has nothing fancy just radio, heater etc. i hope i'm asking the right question-- i've never done this before. if you can help or point me in the right direction i would sure appreciate it. thanks alot-- cap

Answer
There are three sizes of wires used in your car. Heavy current flow wires such as the wire between the generator and the regulator and to the ammeter are usually 12 gage. The headlight wiring is usually 12 gage as well and the tail light, stop light, radio are most likely 14 gage. The size of the wire for a circuit depends on the anticipated current flow. When I rewire a car I usually purchase a loom from one the the advertisers in Hemmings Motor News www.hemmings.com. Rhode Island Wiring, www.riwire.com, lists an engine and dash harness for $215.00. These harnesses are well done and have the proper sized wires and are wrapped in a loom that look like a factory loom.