QuestionHi Dick, I recently aquired a 52 Dodge Wayfarer Club Coupe in very good condition. I'm a little leary of the wiring and since its 55 years old figured it would be a good idea to replace it. Its been spliced, taped and has seen better days. I've been looking around online with no luck. Can you make any recommendations? I also need other misc. stuff like weatherstripping and interior parts. If you could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerI agree, the wire used in cars built before about 1955 (for most brands) was the cloth covered type, sealed with varnish, which deteriorated such that even touching it causes the insulation to flake off, leaving bare wires in contact with whatever is in the neighborhood. Many, many old cars have been lost due to fires caused by this.
There are quite a few sources for replacement wiring harnesses - the one I use is Y and Z's Yesterdays, in Redlands/San Bernardino California. They are nice folks, and have patterns for most all US built cars. The replacement harness will come with all the right wire colors, and the right terminals on the ends located where they are needed. They use modern wire which will last essentially forever, but they have added an authentic looking coating so that it looks like new original wire. It comes with a connection diagram and instructions. For a simple car like yours, you can do the installation yourself quite easily.
Go to this site www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com
Give them a shout and see what they suggest.
Dick
