1979 VW wiring

skyhighZJ

skyhighZJ

Gov retirement < needs to live
Joined
May 31, 2012
Location
Aberdeen, NC.
So I bought a 1979 super beetle. It needs a fresh start at life as far as the wiring goes. Anybody here have a recommendation? I’m talking GUT IT and start with a new fuse block and harness. What’s there has just been chopped and added to, scotchlocks hold it together. Looking at this:


ebay.us

1971-1980 Volkswagen Wire Harness Upgrade Kit | ZSSA9E2D | painless circuit terminal | Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty

Dash Harness --> YesEngine Harness --> No. Turn Signal & Flasher Harness --> Yes. Prewired Harness --> Yes. All wire is color-coded and labeled to make installation and future wiring easier. Labeled Wire --> Yes.
ebay.us
 
Not sure how much more complicated the wiring got after my '73 Super, but I was pretty shocked at how simple it is. Mine doesn't look like it even had a single harness originally, just a handful of direct wires.
That said, if you're starting from scratch then something like a Painless pre-made system is the way to go.

Do you know what components you need? I'm surprised that one doesn't include ignition, headlights, or even the engine harness. Not sure whats even left after that. I find it surprising it covbers such a broad range, most of them are more specific to a few years as VW started adding things over the years.
Now that I think of it '79 might include emission things? I know cats because standard in the US in 76.
 
justjeepin86 said:
American Autowire is the company most recommend for older american cars. I'm not sure if they cover bugs or not.
Click to expand...
I'm working on one of their harnesses right now and they are very complete and include great instructions.
Not a fan of the wire they use and some of the layout strategies, but I'm a snob.
It's a great product for most people.
 
Bebop said:
I'm working on one of their harnesses right now and they are very complete and include great instructions.
Not a fan of the wire they use and some of the layout strategies, but I'm a snob.
It's a great product for most people.
Click to expand...
I have one sitting here in the box for my 71 k20, when it gets back from the paint shop. So, no direct experience yet.
 
justjeepin86 said:
American Autowire is the company most recommend for older american cars. I'm not sure if they cover bugs or not.
Click to expand...
Does not go up to ‘79 but I’m learning with the way my bug is setup I may be able to use an earlier harness based on the motor and other aspects inside of my car (pretty stripped down to the priorities). I will give them a call and see if they have some input.
 
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