Dash wiring harness electrical fire

[nsanow]

I have a 1971 240Z and earlier this summer I had a major electrical fire. Something happened and the main wiring harness in the dash melted. I have had this car for 6 years and plan to have it another 30 years so I am more interested in fixing it once and correctly. Are there any companies that will remake a wiring harness? I am also thinking if I am going to upgrade the wiring harness I might as well upgrade the gauges since this is more modified than original.

Anyone have any ideas? There is an auto electrician here in Portland, Oregon but it is a minimum of $1,500 up to $3,000 depending on what he finds and I am thinking if I can get all new parts and then have someone install it even better.

Lastly, there are harnesses for sale on ebay but I don't know if a 72 or 73 240z harness will work.

[Carl Beck]

You would need to publish the Date Of Mfg. - someone may have a good harness - that could simply use to replace the original.

If you want rewire - and install new gauges - I'd suggest taking a look at HybridZ.org lots of guys have done that.

good luck,

Carl B.

[SteveJ]

Zspecialties may have a used harness. By the way, could you tell the source of the problem? Did you have a fusible link at the alternator, or did someone replace it with normal wire?

[nsanow]

My VIN is HS30 18116 so that is a 12/70 build date from what is can tell. I haven't dug into it yet as I am just getting ready to tear in to it to see what I find. I upgraded the alternator a few years ago with the kit from Dave Irwin as well as it has his headlight relay and parking light relay. I had a local car stereo place install a new radio that I wonder if that did something. I also pulled the gauges, cleaned them and installed led light bulbs this winter. Since I am planning on keeping the car for a long time I want it done right. I can fix many things but the electrical is not one of them.

[SteveJ]

Hmm, do you think the wire may have come off your ammeter? That should have shorted to ground.

[JLPurcell]

I have one for your car. Let me know if you are still needing it.

[nsanow]

Yes I still need it. But I am curious everyone's thought of the longevity of replacing the harness than a new rewire.

[nsanow]

Ammeter is the guess of the local auto electric specialist as the most common cause. He must be amazing because when I called him he said he was nearly a year out before he could look at my car! I can't imagine waiting a year for a rewire but if you good I guess.

[JLPurcell]

I just pulled this dash harness out of storage. Let me know what you think. Maybe Carl can help us on this; what is a fair price for this if needed? I also have the complete harness and gauges if any other parts are needed for the repair.

[nsanow]

Looks Good. I just PM'd. I always want to take care of my fellow Z car friends so I am happy to pay a fair price.

[nsanow]

So I started pulling the dash apart. I didn't need to get far to find the issue. I had a new stereo installed a couple weeks before the fire. I pulled the heater control panel and what did I see. I complete mess of wires that the installer just left, many uncapped and that is right where my spark and meltdown occurred is my guess.

If it was the Ammeter wouldn't I find the meltdown right at that gauge? So now I get to see what the process for Car Toys is.

[Mark Maras]

Let me know if you need some help. We almost lost a 1st Gen. RX7 the same way. We rewired most of the burned harness. Everything works great. I also have an early 71 Z that has everything intact should you need anything. Have you thought about the possibility of replacing the burned wires yourself? It always looks like an impossible job, but just like eating an elephant, it's one bite at a time. I recommend soldered connections and shrink tubing. Break it down into single wire repairs and reference a good wiring diagram. You can do it. Mark in Portland