I need a VOTE from you guys...to convert or not to convert

rokemester · Post by **rokemester** » Tue Jul 13, 2010 8:31 pm

I have decided to keep my Bug 6v as long as I can still find spare electrical components like generator, regulator, choke and idle solenoid. Every swap meet I hit I'm scouting for 6v stuff. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt.

Recently I replaced the entire wiring harness and I'm really glad I did. The car is safer (previous owners or their mechanics did some serious hacking and splicing with incorrect gauge wiring to the front light looms), the charging system warning light doesn't have that annoying red glow and the lights are brighter. Maybe not 12v bright, but brighter. It cost me under $150 for a quality harness and a long weekend of careful wire pulling and connecting. It's also a great way to know your car's electrical system better.

pira114 · Post by **pira114** » Tue Jul 13, 2010 9:43 pm

You have chosen wisely grasshopper.

I'm putting off the complete wiring harness thing myself. Not great with electrical stuff and just worried I'll get in over my head and it'll be too late. Done that before with a truck and had to pay to have it towed somewhere!!

I would like the experience of it. Electrical wiring just scares me. I've worked on various cars for years. Don't know if I'd even go so far as to call myself a backyard mechanic, but I can turn a wrench.

I also would like the peace of mind knowing the wiring is all good. I just might do it. How long did it take you? Is this a morning to evening job? Or should I plan to have it down overnight?

rokemester · Post by **rokemester** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:17 pm

I'm a slow worker, really take my time. It took me the better part of this past Memorial Day weekend. In other forums I see people who do it faster. The instructions that came with my harness were very well done and I really only had one wire left over. What took me a bit longer is that I changed the rubber for lights at the same time. I figured while I'm taking stuff apart I may as well refresh what I can. I'm not all that technically savvy and I was able to do it. I'm sure you can too!!

pira114 · Post by **pira114** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:52 pm

Cool thanks. Just one question. You said you had one wire left over? How do you know if that was a wire you didn't need???

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:40 am

If everything that needs to work does work, then that wire is superfluous. (Still would be interesting to know what it's for, though.)