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Posted by: Gigamight Apr 11 2010, 07:59 PM

So I have the harness removed from the front without cutting anything, and that part is in the cabin now. I have the rear section pulled into the engine bay. The only part that is left is to get the rear section through the firewall into the cabin.

I don't want to cut any wires if I don't have to, and I would like to save the grommets. So is there a trick to getting the harness through the firewall safely without cutting metal? Am I supposed to do it as a bundle? Or should I do it wire by wire?

Once I get it out, how do I get it into the other car? I am looking at this firewall dilemma and thinking that putting a harness back in is going to be almost impossible to do in one piece.

Any tricks or suggestions?

Posted by: Rico Suave Apr 11 2010, 08:04 PM

Email or PM Jeff Bowlsby, he be the wiring guru....

Posted by: SirAndy Apr 11 2010, 10:05 PM

Yes. I did a extensive writeup on how to do just that. With pictures.
Do a search, i'm too lazy to find it right now.

It's not too bad, i've done it 5 times or so by now ... It's a lot easier with a set of helping hands as you fiddle the harness through the rear firewall.

Andy

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Apr 11 2010, 11:12 PM

Sir Andy would be the best one to describe the process he has been through it several times. All I can say is that the larger connector housings that may not go through the smaller holes...come apart. Covers snap off, wire terminals slip out of their housings after the locking tang is depressed. The chassis were built, then the harnesses installed...'removal is the reverse of installation.'

Posted by: McMark Apr 12 2010, 12:12 AM

How do you think they got it in there? Cutting metal is absolutely not necessary. It's a tight fit, but it goes.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 12 2010, 06:54 AM

Seconded the part about getting a second set of hands to help you. it will all go through, but it is VERY helpful to have someone pushing on the wire while you pull on it.

Zach

Posted by: RobW Apr 12 2010, 08:46 AM

I've done it twice and just take your time.. its easy to get frustrated and say.. "no way" but you can do it, and yes it does help to have a second person...

Posted by: PanelBilly Apr 12 2010, 08:55 AM

Not as hard as it looks. A little libe on the wires makes it slide easier. I heard that sex lotion works good because it cleans up with water, but I never had the nerve to go buy it

Posted by: SirAndy Apr 12 2010, 10:57 AM

Send your girlfriend and/or wife ...
Andy

Posted by: Gigamight Apr 12 2010, 08:44 PM

WOOHOO!

I got one out! Now to remove the bad harness from the project car, and put the good one I just removed in. Only took me a few hours to get the whole thing out. Not looking forward to the reverse procedure.

I think I found the thread you were talking about Andy. It was helpful. I am sure I will be starting another thread or 2 when I get to plugging everything back in... yes, I neglected to label everything.