[Chuck]

Wiring, Part II

We opted to use a Painless wiring harness. Painless makes a wiring harness kit that has a mini fuse box with 14 circuits well matched to the GT-40’s needs, Micro Fuse Harness, #10130. They also make assorted accessories, like auxiliary fan and fuel pump relay kits. The quality of their products is good. When soldering connections with the Painless wiring there was never a problem with the insulation melting, a problem often seen with ‘standard’ wire if a bit too much heat is applied.

An aluminum half inch angle bracket, about twelve inches long was secured to the lower portion of the dash about three inches from the back edge. This served several functions. First, it lended some structural strength to the lower portion of the fiberglass dash. Second, it provided a backing support for the AC panel mounted below the dash. Third, eight holes were drilled along the vertical surface and three small bolts were placed to use as common ground points. Fourth, it provided a good point to tie off the completed wiring harness making it secure and free from movement.

We divided the dashboard wiring into four phases. First the switch assemblies were wired on a temporary basis. Each circuit was tested as it was wired. Second the switch assemblies were permanently wired into the car, both to the fuse box and to the wires going to the various remote locations. Third, the gauge lights were wired. Finally the gauge sending units were wired. When this was completed the rat’s nest of wires was neatly organized and wire ties were liberally used to secure everything.

We made sure there was a good six inches of slack on the switch wires so that the panels could be removed and dropped out of the way to give good access, should that be necessary.