I have the opportunity to purchase a 1956 Ford NOS Dash Wire Harness (B6A-14401-F) for less than $200. New reproduction harnesses are about $500. According to the seller, these were sealed in a box and properly stored. It appears to be in very good condition. I would like your opinion on whether NOS wiring is reliable if properly stored. What would you do?

Thanks,

Danny

Even plastic covered wires go bad. They get hard. If the wires are pliable they should be ok. I would inspect before purchasing or purchase using a credit card so you have some recourse if they are not ok.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

6 or 7 years ago, I rewired my '55 bird, and last winter a friend's '56 scrub. Even in areas under the carpet, and away from heat, the insulation was very brittle, and cracked when you bent the wire. Under the hood and even the dash/firewall was pretty bad on both cars. I've never handled wire stored in heat/humidity controlled space, but I'll bet even that wouldn't be much better after 50+ years. I've used both Centech and American Autowire kits (if you're interested in not being stock), and been very happy with both, especially the American Autowire. Not to mention the advances in insulation in 50 years.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I guess if you are going for a very pure "Concourse" restoration, the NOS harness would be a good find if it hasn't gotten brittle or otherwise deteriorated over time. I went with an EZ Wiring Harness which was well under $500 and is all pre-wired to a nice fuse block with extra circuts for AC, electric fan, etc.

rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Danny, CHECK to make sure its not brittle and won't fall apart after a few hundred miles of heat and wear. I had my "56 rewired with ron francis basic wiring and now...no worries..any of the currrent wiring harrnesses on the market have new insulation and are NEW, don't "short-cut" on your wiring...could cost more in the long run. For what its worth

Jim

Location:Washington,Ia