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NOS M37 front wiring harness
Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:58 am
by ferroequinologist
I purchased a NOS, still sealed in the wax box, M37 front wiring harness. It is very old, but I would imagine still being sealed up would be in good shape. The label is hand written and glued onto the box.
I figured someone wanting to do a 100% resto might want the harness more than I do, as I'm just doing a basic one on my truck.
I'd like to see what offers I get for it.
Thanks,
Adam
Re: NOS M37 front wiring harness
Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 1:08 pm
by MSeriesRebuild
NOS wiring is not good; as it will certainly deteriorate sealed right in the box. The insulation on mil spec wiring isn't that great when it's new. When you pull it out of the box and start to lay it out, you will quickly see it start to crack and fall apart. Another one of the great mysteries of government agencies is why they never changed to wiring with a better insulating material. Wiring with current production GXL insulation is 100 times better than the mil spec stuff.
Re: NOS M37 front wiring harness
Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 5:14 pm
by w30bob
Adam,
I agree with Charles.........I've acquired a few old NOS harnesses still in their boxes and packaging, and when you lay them out and start flexing them the black rubber insulation starts to flake and crack. And I've found the covering used under the friction tape gets very brittle and stiff with age. I've learned my lesson......no more NOS wiring. I'll use them as a pattern to remake the harnesses with the latest and greatest automotive wiring.
regards,
bob
Re: NOS M37 front wiring harness
Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:15 am
by ferroequinologist
Ok, that answers that!
thanks Charles and Bob. I did pull it out of the box and it is dated 10/53. the wire is ok for now and seems pretty flexible. I've decided to use it in my truck for the time being.
Re: NOS M37 front wiring harness
Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:19 am
by MSeriesRebuild
ferroequinologist wrote:Ok, that answers that!
thanks Charles and Bob. I did pull it out of the box and it is dated 10/53. the wire is ok for now and seems pretty flexible. I've decided to use it in my truck for the time being.
Be really careful, you will likely see cracking and flaking off insulation before you get it installed. I'm not trying to tell you what to do at all, that is your call. Just letting you know my past experience, and a '53 model, that is 60 years old. You are pushing your luck past the max; the likelihood of that being the cause of your truck burning down or causing other major issues is better than really good.