I recently purchased a '69 SS original factory gauge cluster with original dash and engine compartment wiring harnesses. I would like to reuse the original harness of possible. I know that the aftermarket harnesses are purchased based on having standard or SS gauges and for either AC or a non-AC application. I have some questions about the original dash harness.

1. How do I tell if the dash harness came from a car with or without AC? I would think that an AC harness would have a number of additional connectors, but I do not know how to recognize the difference. What do I look for?
2. Will the dash harness have the proper connectors for a console extension harness? My Chevelle was converted to a floor shift automatic with console prior to my ownership and no console harnesses were included. I have purchased both console and extension harnesses, but am unsure where to connect the extension harness to the dash harness.
3. Are there any recommendations for things that should be done to an original harness prior to being installed in a car? From what I understand, the harness has been out of the car and boxed up since 1977. It does look to be in really good shape, but I am concerned about making good solid connections.

I recently purchased a '69 SS original factory gauge cluster with original dash and engine compartment wiring harnesses. I would like to reuse the original harness of possible. I know that the aftermarket harnesses are purchased based on having standard or SS gauges and for either AC or a non-AC application. I have some questions about the original dash harness.

1. How do I tell if the dash harness came from a car with or without AC? I would think that an AC harness would have a number of additional connectors, but I do not know how to recognize the difference. What do I look for?

I think the only difference would be the wiring to the heat/cool selector. If you have the correct Heater Control panel, the wiring should be pretty obvious.


2. Will the dash harness have the proper connectors for a console extension harness? My Chevelle was converted to a floor shift automatic with console prior to my ownership and no console harnesses were included. I have purchased both console and extension harnesses, but am unsure where to connect the extension harness to the dash harness.

Your console harness will have orange for the lamps. I will also contain the neutral safety switch wiring. I'm pretty sure that there are connectors hanging at the dash for the lamp harness hookup and IF the used harness you have was for a car with auto console, it will have the hookup for the NSS purple and purple/white. I don't remember the colors on backup lamp (its in there too) I seem to remember that mine were fairly low and against the firewall as the harness goes under the carpet to the console.

3. Are there any recommendations for things that should be done to an original harness prior to being installed in a car? From what I understand, the harness has been out of the car and boxed up since 1977. It does look to be in really good shape, but I am concerned about making good solid connections.

I'd just check for corrosion and use electric contact cleaner to blow out any dust/oil that may be there.

To me the hardest part of this MESS is the "dash" lights. They are a real pain in the ***. I changed all the sockets in mine and used the HELP brand one piece sockets. If you use the originals, you'll find that the bulbs want to fall INTO the gauge cluster and other places. If you use the one piece sockets, I put a dab of HOT glue on each as I assembled. Worked great.


And most of all, you will only want to do this ONCE.

Dave;

Thanks for the pointers. I am trying to gather as much information as possible before I begin this project. I have not tackled any wiring issues before, but figure with a wiring diagram and some common sense, I can get the job done. I agree with you.......I only want to do this once. I will locate some replacement cluster lamp sockets to avoid any problems with the bulbs falling out. I am also thinking of replacing the dash bezel with the aftermarket one that I have seen available. The one that I currently have is in poor condition.

Here is some pictures of my original harness from my car it has no AC.
Dont know if they will help you?
http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z238/1badss396/69%20Guages/

Bad Brad;

Thanks for providing the link to your pictures. They are a big help in verifying what connection goes where. I have saved them for future reference when I start the gauge swap. I see that there are two purple wires, one with a white stripe that go to a black connector. Can you tell me where this connection plugs into and what its purpose is? As I remember, these two wires on my harness are cut and connected to each other.

Here's what i used #20102 on my 69SS and very happy w'it.
http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=20102

Bad Brad;
I see that there are two purple wires, one with a white stripe that go to a black connector. Can you tell me where this connection plugs into and what its purpose is? As I remember, these two wires on my harness are cut and connected to each other.

I think its the ignition switch or the neutral safety switch.

Bad Brad;

Thanks for providing the link to your pictures. They are a big help in verifying what connection goes where. I have saved them for future reference when I start the gauge swap. I see that there are two purple wires, one with a white stripe that go to a black connector. Can you tell me where this connection plugs into and what its purpose is? As I remember, these two wires on my harness are cut and connected to each other.

I am not positive either but check the clutch pedal switch (won't start unless the clutch is in) if it's a manual tranny car.

Check out this link, describes converting a 69 from idiot lights to gauges. I used these instructions to convert my 69 to tach/gauges, and it worked perfectly. I did upgrade to a new harness from M&H a few years later though.

http://www.noneckschevelle.com/techtips1.htm