Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: mechanized on December 14, 2006, 08:27:17 PM

Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: mechanized on December 14, 2006, 08:27:17 PM
Hey,

  I have read alot in MM&FF and other ford mags where people hide the wiring harnesses under the fenders to "clean up" the engine bay. I'm wondering if these guys are drilling holes behind the strut towers and running the wires and then drilling holes into the inside fenders to get the plugs to the right areas. Does this sound right?
Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: Chuck W on December 14, 2006, 09:27:09 PM
Like there aren't enough existing holes in the inner fenders?

It can be done a multitude of ways really.
Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: EricCoolCats on December 14, 2006, 10:15:42 PM
I ran the main dash-to-engine harness through the inner fender on the driver's side of the convertible. As Chuck said, plenty of holes to run it through. Only had to lengthen a few...IIRC it was for the brake light switch on the prop valve. The ignition coil wires are VERY tight but I put a strain reliever on the harness and tied that up well. I think that was it. I also installed a 3G alternator so that required all-new wiring anyhow. For me it was almost a necessity to hide the wiring because of all the extra wiring that was run for the convertible top motor, windows, etc. That added-on bundle was nearly as thick as the OE harness on that side of the engine bay. Pretty fugly. So now, when I drop the inner fender it's all colored spaghetti and whatnot. ;)

Now my mechanic likes to run everything behind the firewall, underneath the dash. He does that on all his race cars though. I don't know if I'd try that for a street car.
Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: 84 Fila on December 14, 2006, 10:20:26 PM
I thought about doing it on mine to clean it up. Not that I still have stray wires running around. If I persue this I'll post pics up.
Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: mechanized on December 15, 2006, 04:15:55 PM
Do you guys think that everything will be okay under the fender liner? No problems with road spray, water etc.
Title: Hidden wiring harness
Post by: Chuck W on December 15, 2006, 06:32:21 PM
No different than under the hood.  It's not like it's hanging out there swinging in the breeze.  Wrap it and secure it like you would under the hood.
Title: wireing
Post by: catt88 on December 16, 2006, 09:54:17 PM
Do you start under the dash to move all the wires or just on the outside of the firewall and tuck them under the brake booster.
Also want to put the battery into the trunk, should i put the coil and seliniod back there too?
thanks