1959 Wiring Harness (replace or use original)?

[Mark C.]

Which company makes the best original style wiring harness for a 1959 Corvette that will pass NCRS judging? My original that was in the car is not that bad (just needs cleaning) and it is still flexible and the connectors are still good. Is the preferred method to replace it or check out the original and use it if possible. I have been debating this for awhile and was just curious as to what others have done with theirs. Thanks.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1959 Wiring Harness (replace or use original)?

Which company makes the best original style wiring harness for a 1959 Corvette that will pass NCRS judging? My original that was in the car is not that bad (just needs cleaning) and it is still flexible and the connectors are still good. Is the preferred method to replace it or check out the original and use it if possible. I have been debating this for awhile and was just curious as to what others have done with theirs. Thanks.

I don't know that a 59 should be any different than a 70, but for a 70, if the harness is in good condition except for a problem here and there, I would save my money and re-use the original. Regardless of how good a repro harness fits and looks, there will never be another harness that fits your car and judges like the original.

Clean it up and repair any wiring cuts; use the wire reversal technique if necessary to hide splices (it's like that surgery they do when they take the artery (vein?) out of your leg and reverse ends...or something like that). Rewrap the harness if simple cleaning isn't enough. You'll be glad you "restored" your old harness, and your wallet will be much happier too.