3800 swap harnesses (Page 6/20) chrisgtp NOV 29, 05:40 AM sorry i didnt see that this was ready to go. I was looking for a pm dsnover NOV 29, 09:09 AM OK, getting geared up to do a swap on my 88 (and probably the 87), to a 96 3.4 DOHC. I realize that the harness will obviously be different, but nonetheless, I _really_ apprecate this thread. One question, though for the master: What method do you use to lengthen a wire? Most of the 'splice' connectors that I've seen aren't something I'd like to depend on, and since you have experience in the aviation industry (where this stuff is critical), what is the BEST method to ensure a long term, durable splice? Thanks, Darryl Fierostarvin NOV 29, 09:36 AM Dan, I would like to buy the 84 auto harness send me instructions Jeff FIEROFLYER NOV 29, 10:09 AM PM sent. For lengthening wires I have left over wires from harnesses and a few cut up 3100 harnesses I use so I can keep the coulour and wire gauge the same when working on harnesses. For soldering I twist the wires tightly, solder being carefull not to use too much solder then use heat shrink to seal up the connection and for doing large bundles it is a good idea to stagger the connections. Also use proper 63/37 flux core solder that has non acidic flux, take your time running the wires and tape the harness up very well before applying the loom. I go through many rolls of electrical tape on each harness making sure the harness is well sealed and protected. Unfortunatly on air craft you will quite often find butt splices being used for quick repairs as well as many other things that should not be done. In the Air Force when a harnes is damaged the usual practice is or atleast was to replace the entire harness by making up a new one and properly labeling all the wires in the harness. We had large sheets of plywood with harness routings drawn on them and posts to wrap wires around where each connector would be to make it easier to build new harnesses because you really couldn't build the harness inside the air plane or on the engine like you can with a car engine. Dan Formula88 NOV 29, 11:10 AM (+) for the great writeup! You're right, Dan, your method isn't the quickest or easiest, but I think it's the best way to do it. If I were going to buy a harness, yours is what I'd buy - not one that's been hacked and patched. Fierostarvin NOV 29, 11:28 AM Dan if the PM was to me I don't see it darkhorizon NOV 29, 11:54 AM quote Originally posted by Formula88: (+) for the great writeup! You're right, Dan, your method isn't the quickest or easiest, but I think it's the best way to do it. If I were going to buy a harness, yours is what I'd buy - not one that's been hacked and patched. Just so you know, this wiring harness is "hacked then patched", just like anyone else's.... FIEROFLYER NOV 29, 03:56 PM Not sure if I would called it hacked or not seeing as I am not just cutting wires I am stripping the harness down completely then building it back up from scratch. But if it makes your feel better about your self then we can just call it a hack job, there feel better now. Like I mentioned before I am not saying the way I do things is the right way or the only way, I am just showing how I prefer to do things to give people who want to build their own harness a different way that in the end gives them a nice clean job and to show that any one can do a good job if they just take their time. Dan Fierostarvin NOV 29, 05:43 PM PM sent Misery NOV 29, 08:55 PM quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: Just so you know, this wiring harness is "hacked then patched", just like anyone else's.... Scott, thanks for hijacking a very professional and informative thread and showing the folks here that you were unable to retain the the manners and respect that I am sure your parents taught you as child.. It is best to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are mentally challenged than to open it and remove all doubt..