Harness for center console. Any subsitute?

[farleyd]

Hi to all, i just acuiqred a center console with gauges but without brakets or harness.

I can do brackets. But what about the harness? I have a pre-wired 1974 2.0L.

What would be the estimate used price for one of those? Some South Estern dealer i wont name is asking 75US$ for a set of those wires? Pretty amazing or normal?

Any substitute? Can the average guy built one?

Thanks.

[JP Noonan]

Take a look at the wiring diagrams on this site or the Haynes manual.

All you need is one ground tapped off to the three gauges (and lights depending on what gauges you have).

A power from a switched +12volts off the ignition for the volt gauge (power and sender), and the oil temp (power).

+12V constant for the clock. Dispay light +12v from the light switch. A wire going through the center tunnel to the oil temp sender on the block. The +12V ignition and diplay lights can be pulled from behind the radio or at the fuse block. I suggest just making a new/fresh ground under the gauges. The only PITA is finding a factory wire going to the oil temp sender or to fish your own.

Look at the back of the gauges if you can't decifer it ask I'll tell you what they mean.

[mejulihn]

It is actually quite easy to create a wiring harness for the console gauges from scratch. First check out the wiring diagram on PP's technical article for installing a center console. Get several rolls of different color 16 ga. wire (I used four colors), an assortment of crimp-on connectors, shrink tubing and some cable ties if you like a clean look, and you will be in business. As you know, the car already should be pre-wired for a center console.

[Jim T]

But, it does seem a lot easier to just buy the proper harness. Used ones seem to be able to be had for $10-$20, and you are done, with a factory neat installation.

[farleyd]

[Quote] Used ones seem to be able to be had for $10-$20, and you are done, with a factory neat installation.....

A south eastern 914 dealer that i will withheld name is charging me 75US$ for a used harness, along with 200US$ for used fog lights, etc. My business wont go to them for sure... its robbery.

So if someone has a used harness for 10-20US$, let me know! Thanks.

[Jim T]

wow, what a rip!
I bought mine at a swap meet for $5.
I've seen harnesses for $100, but that with the console and gauges attached!
I'd try calling around some more reasonable places or private parties parting out cars. If you can't get one, I guess there is nothing really wrong with putting your own together, as long as you don't do what some people have done and cut and solder the factory wires in your center tunnel!!

[TimW]

I don't want to send you on a wild goose chase, but maybe http://res-systems.com/ would have what you're looking for?

While they don't advertise center console harnesses per say, they do sell several other harnesses for the 914.

Who knows, maybe you can be the gini-pig for a prototype?

Tim
'73 1.7L 914

[Rich Hilgersom]

If you still need a harness I have one I will not be using. Cheap or trade.

I also have a console heater handle if anyone is interested.

-Rich Hilgersom