ignition

[lmccoy]

I just got a '65 Mustang coupe. We turned off the key and pulled it out, the car was still running!!! :confused: Soooo, we replaced the ignition. That was a frustrating process but it didn't solve the problem. Now we have been told we need a new "wiring harness". We are going to a swap meet this weekend. Do I need an "ignition wiring harness" or a "complete painless wiring harness"? My husband and I are totally ignorant but please have patience with us we are trying to learn.

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

So you replaced the ignition switch... tried it again, and the car started as it was supposed to, but didn't shut off?

Did the starter remain engaged (loud whining noise)?

[mustangII460]

Theres really not much to the ignition wiring. Look at this diagram and trace your wires out. Id say the starter relay is a good start, either bad or a crossed wire.

CLICK HERE (http://www.hammar.dyndns.org/~djhamma/wiring/1966/66ignit.jpg)

[Gearhead999]

Agreed, start with a relay.

Cheap and easy.

[lmccoy]

Wow, this is the coolest thing ever. Thank you all for your advice. The car didn't make any strange noise at all. It just kept on running. This swap meet is at Texas Motor Speedway and it is supposed to be huge. Has anyone been to one? Is it a smart way to buy parts? We went to NAPA and they said they couldn't get a wiring harness anyway. Again, thanks to everyone for your help and patience with ignorant me.

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

The problem is that you really don't know what parts to buy...

If you are going to the meet for curiosity reasons, then I would say go ahead... however, if you are looking for a grand deal on a wiring... I don't know if it will be worth your trip...

Anyway, here is what cj's ( www.emustang.com )has as far as harnesses go:

1965 Under Dash Wiring w/ Gauge w/ 3 speed Heater WUD1C 399.95 Each
1965 Under Dash Wiring w/ Lamp 2 speed Heater pre 4/1/65 WUD1A 399.95 Each
1965 Under Dash Wiring w/ Lamp 3 speed Heater post 4/1/65 WUD1B 399.95 Each
1964-1965 Windshield Washer Pump Wire 1 speed WWPF1 4.95 Each
1964-1970 Wire Harness Retainer Strap 15 HW480 7.25 Set
1964-1966 Wiring Harness Retainer Kit 21 pc kit HW918 14.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6 cyl cp/cv w/2 spd heater WK65A 199.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6 cyl cp/cv w/3 spd heater WK65B 199.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 cp/cv w/2 spd heater WK65C 199.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 cp/cv w/3 spd heater WK65D 199.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6 cyl fb w/2 spd heater WK65AF 203.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6 cyl fb w/3 spd heater WK65BF 203.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 fb w/2 spd heater WK65CF 203.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 fb w/3 spd heater WK65DF 203.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6cyl cp/cv w/generator w/2 spd heater WK65E 217.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6cyl cp/cv w/generator w/3 spd heater WK65F 217.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 cp/cv w/generator w/2 spd heater WK65G 217.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 cp/cv w/generator w/3 spd heater WK65H 217.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 fb w/generator w/3 spd heater WK65HF 217.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6cyl fb w/generator w/2 spd heater WK65EF 221.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit 6cyl fb w/generator w/3 spd heater WK65FF 221.95 Kit
1965 Wiring Kit v8 fb w/generator w/2 spd heater WK65GF 221.95 Kit

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

If it isn't the wiring at the relay, my guess would be that there are some wires that are shorting out on each other, which may be as simple as some electrical tape to fix... so long as you can find the short, that is...

There aren't a whole lot of wires there, relative to cars in post breaker points era... so before laying down a load of money, I'd at least take a check on wires going from the ignition switch to the relay... just to look for any potential problems.

Good luck

[Kisner]

Try to find the short or other problem before you buy a new wiring harness. A new reproduction underdash wiring harness will set you back about $650.00. Mine was so far gone (spliced together in about 20 places) I ended up buying an original one in perfect shape from a Mustang junk yard in Georgia for $250.00. They didn't make a repro one for the 68 when I needed it, but wouldn't have had the $650.00 anyway.

[Orange97GTVert]

Wow, this is the coolest thing ever. Thank you all for your advice. The car didn't make any strange noise at all. It just kept on running. This swap meet is at Texas Motor Speedway and it is supposed to be huge. Has anyone been to one? Is it a smart way to buy parts? We went to NAPA and they said they couldn't get a wiring harness anyway. Again, thanks to everyone for your help and patience with ignorant me.

This Swap meet is the Pate Swap meet, been going on since dirt was new, moved to Texas Motor Speedway about 6 years ago. It is the 3rd largest in the whole country. There are many Mustang venders there. Your local auto parts store won't have parts for a classic Mustang, they don't even know where to start looking. My advice for Pate - sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and if possible a wagon to haul parts and a cooler :)

[Elvis]

If you really need a wiring harness I suggest you try to find a local Mustang or Classic Car Club in order to see if anyone can help. When my harness shorted out I bought one for $75 from a local enthusiast who has a barn full of old Mustang parts. Beats paying $600 for after market stuff. It is quite simple to replace the old one. Regarding the Pate Swap Meet, it is awesome! Bring comfortable shoes. E.

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

This Swap meet is the Pate Swap meet, been going on since dirt was new, moved to Texas Motor Speedway about 6 years ago. It is the 3rd largest in the whole country. There are many Mustang venders there. Your local auto parts store won't have parts for a classic Mustang, they don't even know where to start looking. My advice for Pate - sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and if possible a wagon to haul parts and a cooler :)


Sounds like Carlisle...