52 chevy wiring question

Hi Guys,

I have a 52 deluxe and the wiring is rotted away in the engine and trunk areas. my question is... Should I put in on original type cloth covered wire harness, or buy a new harness from rebel wire or the like?

thanks

Jim

 

the upholstery in my '52 Chevy is completely shot

should I replace it with original style material

or something more modern?

 

Yes.

 

What is the intention for your car. If you are restoring it to stock, then the stock style new cloth harnesses are fine. Unless money isn't an issue and you really like the looks of the old wiring design, then you could have a harness made to look old but have extra circuits.

For me, I would update it for the simple fact that I will add accessories and would need the extra circuits.

 

Like was already said, unless you are doing a bone stock restoration you are going to spend alot less money going with an aftermarket harness. Look at Chevs of the 40's or NCA for the prices on pepro wiring harness. BIG$$$$.
I went with a Rebel 9+3 in my 50 sedan and could not be happier. Tddd

 

Tug is right. The Chevys of the 40s cloth wiring harnesses look great but are mega money. Like $800 mega money! Rebel and the like are just as good in quality and are MUCH cheaper (way less than $200), they just don't look "old". That said, I cover all my wiring with that spiral wrap anyway.

If money was no object, I'd do the cloth wiring. It definately looks cooler.

 

Depending whether your building the car back stock or not i would say just upgrade the wiring. I myself have a 52 hardtop and when i redid the wiring i put a Keep it clean harness in it .It allowed me to have seperate wires for elec. fuelk pump ,windows, shaved doors extra not that i used any of these but if i every go to sell the car this may be something the next owner is wanting.All i can say no matter what you do new wiring is forsure the way to go whether its orignal or after market.I see so many hot rods and customs that nobody every do's anything to the wiring and how they don,t catch fire is beyond me .Good luck and cool ride

 

I am fighting the same battle on my 53. Last night, my right brake light was not working. So, put new grounds on both. Then the left went out. Gave it a new lead from the rear fender back. Went for a drive, both were out when I came back. I am going out there today and running a new lead from the switch back......new school wire though. I am tired of f**king with it.

 

I guess I was just looking to see what others do. I'm just going to update the suspension and engine and drive it. the rest is pretty good for my needs.
I like the Idea of an all new wiring harness, and thats probably what I'll do I've read several differant threads where Guys have praised the Rebel stuff. I'm sure there are others out there but the $ seems fair.

 

There really isnt too much to the wiring n this car (at least in the 53's). It looks like there is just wires to the rear lights running further than the front seats. Even under the dash, there rearlly isnt too much to it. I use mine (or am trying) as a daily driver. I'd rather have nice ugly reliable wiring than authentic stuff that gets me rear ended and tickets. Just my .02

 

Yea I agree, Thanks

 

but it sure would look out of place in a 59 chevy truck

(chevy gave up on cloth wiring in the early 50s, I believe)

 

I used an EZ wiring kit in mine. Converted to 12 volt at the same time and put built in blinkers in the side lights as well. It took a weekend to do. Cost $140. Which is not bad.

 

Jww...
It sounds like your '52 is a perfect candidate for one of our Rebel Wire harnesses. If you would like to discuss your project give me a call. 618-395-8216
Glenn

 

Thanks Glenn, You'll here from me soon.