Classic/Antique Car Repair/53 Plymouth wiring

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Expert: Paul Wilczynski - 7/16/2009


Question
I have a 1953 plymouth cambridge with wiring problems.  I beleive the problem is in the lighting systems.  The car runs without problems except when I drive with the lights on.  When I drive with the lights on I have about 10 minutes of power before, after that the lights dim visibly and the car dies.

I would like to repair whatever the problem is.  I have been looing for a new wiring harness, but I can not find parts for the car online.    Some of the light fixtures may need to be replaced as well.  I would also consider converting from a 6 to a 12 volt system, but I'm not sure where to start.

Any input would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Eric, you should start by unwrapping the loom from the firewall forward. Disconnect the battery first, and pull the headlight connectors out of the shells. Because this car had cloth insulated wiring, it's way past time to replace it. Anyway, you should see either cracked or missing insulation.

You can also check each wire with a VOM for continuity with ground. This will isolate the problem quickly.

Either a hot supply is grounding, which could happen anywhere along the wire's length, or it could be rubbing at a pinch/flex point like the firewall grommet.

For replacement, contact Rhode Island Wiring Service. They manufacture looms for just about anything.

--Paul

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Paul Wilczynski

Expertise

Most questions involving vintage car restoration, mechanical and body, paint and upholstery. Parts sourcing. Extensive experience in wood-bodied station wagons, British and French cars of the '40s through '70s. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger, Citroen Maserati, VW Beetle, 1955-65 Chevrolet (especially Nomad station wagons), Corvair.

Experience

Wide-ranging and long-term. I owned a restoration shop in the 1970s, continue to dabble in vintage exotics. At one time, had a seven-car collection of contemporary exotics which I had restored and maintained myself. When I was 18 years old, I designed a woodie kit for the VW Beetle, which I developed into a product which was featured on television and in over 100 magazines and 25 books at last count. I still own and drive one of my creations. I owned a design and fabrication consultancy from 1982-2002, specializing in show car fabrication for manufacturers including Ford, Mazda, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, etc. Since 2003, I have been a department manager in Industrial Design, and a full-time instructor in automotive design and fabrication at the university level. My students go on to design automobiles as staff designers for major auto manufacturers worldwide.

Organizations
Western Automotive Journalists, Industrial Design Society of America.

Publications
Long list of magazines and books, including Playboy, VW Trends, VW Greats, Hot VWs, and European automotive magazines.

Education/Credentials
I teach design and fabrication at university level. My education is in Industrial Design, University of Illinois (1966-1970).

Awards and Honors
Many awards for restorations in local concours and shows.

Past/Present Clients
Mazda, Ford, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, Mercedes, Porsche.

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