Melting Wires

[DirtDonk]

The ones I've seen simply pulled apart like you'd expect. But I wonder if they didn't have a through-screw from the inside that needs the fuse panel to be unscrewed from the floor/firewall to expose them?
Pretty easy to pull the fuse panel on the early style. The later ones in the glovebox were a little more finicky, but the floor mounted ones dismount pretty easily.
Just make sure to disconnect the battery if it's not already!

Removing the fuse panel is a great time to inspect the wiring and clean up the underside of the fuse panel anyway. So removing it is not a bad thing.
I helped a friend looking for a problem on his '70 model and when the panel was unscrewed and let to hang, we exposed an obviously severely pinched wire that was between the panel and the floor just behind the connectors. That wasn't the main problem, but it was one of them and needed to be fixed. Looked like it had been done at the factory, but the vehicle had been messed with so much by the PO it was hard to tell for sure.

Paul

Paul

 

[Blue1969]

Update: Got the harness un-taped and there is collateral damage. I've removed the engine harness and the rear harness. I still have the dash wiring to remove. I've found a local shop that can do the install and they wanted to use the American Wire harness because of the flexibility in routing and wire concealment. Thanks for everyone's help. I was hoping not to go this route, but full replacement is the best option.

 

[DirtDonk]

Well, expected or not, bummer!
As always it’s “prepare for the worst, hope for the best“ and deal with whatever you get.
The good news is that your new harness is a seriously important upgrade over the old original wiring. And in more ways than just having new wire.

Once it’s done hopefully you’ll never have to worry about wiring issues again.

 

[Blue1969]

Thanks for your help and advice. I’ve learned a lot in the past few weeks; stuff I’ve really never thought about. Now, that I’ve taken the old out, I would feel pretty good about doing it myself. It’ll be nice to have it professionally done though, and have peace of mind.

 

[m_m70]

I've found a local shop that can do the install and they wanted to use the American Wire harness because of the flexibility in routing and wire concealment.

good harness.......