To rewire or not to rewire...?

jpashley · Post by **jpashley** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 11:22 pm

Okay more questions about my little project. How complicated is it to reinstall a new wire harness on a 74 thing? I've got the BugMe Video on rewiring but they only work on bugs (they do cover wiring up to '79 though) and it doesn't seem to complex- so here's my questions:
1. Is the Thing much different wiring wise then the Bug?
2. Can I use a wiring harness for a 74 Bug or must a thing have a thing harness? If so who would you recommend I buy one from?
3. My Thing's wiring currently works, I'm only thinking of removing it because I'm getting the whole thing sandblasted and the wiring harness was run through the cockpit along the tunnel- would be cleaner to have it out to get a better blasting- but that means fixing something that ain't broken- would you do it?
4. Any tricks, tips, hints, advice, recommendations etc about taking the rewiring on? I'm not restoring this to some show quality Thing- just want a solid little ride- so if you've made mods to wiring that make it easier to use- please let me know.
Thanks, any advice or wisdom is appreciated. PS: this restore project has taken on a life of its own- I'm at it practically everyday... superfun. If you know of any sites where folks have logged their step by step restore of a thing let me know.
Thanks! jp

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 5:12 pm

Jp this post has been unanswered so long I`m going to address it myself though I`m the worlds most non-electrical guy.
The Thing is very close to the bug where wiring is concerned. Almost all the electronics were borrowed from the bug. Headlights,parking lights, tail lights, dash lights ,speedo etc. The Thing has a map light but the same wire may also be used on the bug to activate a button light. The primary difference would be the 73 thing w/gas heater. Being a 74 you do`nt have to worry about that.
Personally I would just mark everything very well and remove the harness. Although you`ll find that the harness passing through the body is a very minimal obstacle. You know what they say about not fixing when not broken. Good luck. Bob Ingman

jpashley · Post by **jpashley** » Mon Sep 15, 2003 9:48 pm

Thanks- Bob- the harness will stay- I'd rather put the approx. 300$ or so into something fun- say, dual carbs. I'm going to push the whole thing through the hole under the back seat and bag it next to the dash for the sandblaster- replacing backs of pans tomm. Thanks for the reply- jp