A Couple Of Questions Regarding Wiring

Hello all, I hope I am posting this in the appropriate forum, if not, please feel free to direct me to the proper place.

As stated in my introduction post, I acquired a 1964 CJ5 with a Buick V6. The previous owner had started some work but ran out of money part of the way through and had to sell. Uriah Jeep is running well, headlights work, brakes work, all that important stuff that CHP says it has to have to drive on roads, except the turn indicators and a few gauges are non-functional. After examining the wiring with the help of our handyman, I identified some issues with wire condition (and quality), I am slowly arriving at the conclusion that I really should replace the old harness with new.

Now I am a safety professional by trade and do at least have a firm grasp on the steps needed to make the swap but am unsure if I have the skill to be successful. So here are my questions:

1. If I decide to tackle this, I will purchase an aftermarket harness like the EZ wiring or similar and just completely upgrade. In your collective, non-binding opinion is this something an individual with minimal mechanical aptitude should attempt?

2. If I decide to go ahead and take it to a shop for the swap, how many hours labor would be appropriate for a professional to charge? (Trying to get a feel for the cost-benefit analysis)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

That is a very valid point. Thank you.

 

Do it yourself. Nothing crazy about it just don't get lost and don't let the metal strap between the guages touch ANYTHING.

Do one system at a time. Plan on a few things being different then expected, post up the issue as they raise.

Or get historic plates.

 

Do it, and soon you will be "The Wizard"

 

I think I'm starting to lean toward doing it myself. As fate would have it, I may have a couple weeks off in the very near future, so plenty of time to tinker.

 

Wiring usually doesn't get much simpler than on a stock or near stock old Jeep. Personally, I would wire it from scratch but that requires gathering all the materials and might be a hurtle. If you do need auto wiring supplies, I have yet to find any vendors better than Waytek Wire both for the quality available and the price.

 

Wiring from scratch gives you the option to use relays on circuits that draw higher current. Better circuit
protection and heavier wiring can be added along with new or future circuits.

 

X2, considering your experience with such things. Take your time and ask questions.

 

Pretty much every Jeep that I touch now gets completely rewired and every single component in the brake system gets replaced.

 

When you know what you're doing, you aren't learning anything.

 

If I was in the British House of Commons, after that I would be banging on my desk yelling “ here, here”. Great advice!

 

It’s not that difficult to do yourself. Make sure you have the wiring schematic and an understanding of it and some patience. When you run into something you don’t understand or that’s giving you trouble, post it up and there will be multiple people willing to help.

 

I did the same thing on my YJ. Wow could not believe how much brighter they were with relays