Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I picked up an AAW classic update harness and am considering either wrapping the harness with the factory type non stick tape prior to install. Or, just using small zip ties every few inches and maybe wrapping what's accessible after install. And maybe not wrapping at all. I'm planning on getting some split loom for the engine bay.

I got a few days to ponder. I'm installing a new radio and speakers this weekend and I want that functioning in place before I do the complete rewire.

Any input, just curious what others have done.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I've always been a big fan of a nicely wrapped wire harness, take the time and it looks good for many years to come
not a fan of the cheezey split plastic type of wire harness retainers

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I will second that. Find correct harness tape and wrap it snug.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

Don't think I've ever seen wire harness tape. How's it different than electrical tape?

Regards,
Mike

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

The harness tape is plastic non stick tape, but kind of sticks to itself a bit; and you tie off the ends. I just ordered two rolls.

Plus, what I thought was a non-ribbed split loom going across the firewall and core support is actually a purchasable part called "wiring harness mount rail", I just order this with the tape from brothers. So, I won't bother picking up any split loom.

I think I will spend the time to do a nice wrap. All the wires on the AAW are nicely labeled which started me leaning toward the zip tie idea. But then I've never had trouble tracing wires without labels, so no real loss... I don't think. There's that key word that always gets me .... think!

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I did the wrap myself. 2 rolls is a lot! It's really an easy affair. I did the wrap, and also the crappy black covering stuff anywhere it couldn't be seen like the rear taillight harness and between the front fenders and inner fender wells for extra protection.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I use the OEM flat wrap. It's great stuff. Got it from Eastwood so long ago I can't remember what I paid. Start with a clove hitch then overlap the length of the wire run, then finish with a clove or half hitch. No sticky glue like E tape.
Pack Rats will eat it though. I find the old asphalt-based friction tape is much less toothesome to rodents, and I cover with that in runs that rats will gnaw.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

This... 100%.

Gary

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

Painless Performance makes a nice braided style wire loom that is split but looks great .

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I'm running that right now and I was really impressed with it.. Not cheesy looking and has a high melting point in case it gets close to the headers

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I'm running it on my junk too - it matches the black nylon braided hoses/fittings I used under the hood. I bought the 'fuel injection kit' and it was enough to cover everything from headlights to taillights and underhood.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

I decided to wrap with the tape(OEM type loom tape from brothers). I used a complete AAW Classic update harness, it supplied everything except AC. I used one full roll of tape and a small amount of the second roll. I may have been a little wrap crazy in a few spots. I left a couple extra inches exposed at fire wall so I can easily yank a wire if needed. The only things I did not wrap were temp wire, brake wire, reverse wire to transmission and taillight wires after the bulk connector right before the bumper. I'm now very happy, with clean wiring that I know. All the old auxiliary camper wires and... who knows how many versions of trailer wires were the biggest mess.

Re: Wrapping wire harness - or not
 

No adhesive.