I am starting on a frame off restoration of my 1955 1st series truck. I intend to do everything as original as possible. At a recent show, I saw a beautiful 54 with a cloth insulated wiring harness. When I went to order it from a reputable dealer, they said Chevy switched over from the cloth insulation to vinyl insulation in 54. Is this true? If it is, should I install cloth anyway in my "original as possible" resto?
The original harness in my '54 parts truck was vinyl covered. My '55.1 didn't have a harness. I replaced it with the vinyl inexpensive repro one available from our host and it fits, looks and works great. You will not be disappointed. Andy
It is my understanding that Chevy starting putting vinyl looms on their passenger vehicles mid year '53. This is according to a very knowledgable gent over on the VCCA forum. He did not know sure sure about trucks. It's interesting to note that Chevsofthe40's mentions that some '53's, all '54's and '55.1's have vinyl looms. I opted to go vinyl on mine (purchased from our host) and am very impressed with it. But like we've always said-You're paying the bills, so build it the way YOU want to.
I removed (and still have what is left of) my original wiring harness. It was cloth covered. My 1953 Chevrolet 1/2 ton is No. 1018 off the Norwood Ohio line from around Fall of 1952. I ordered a really nice harness from YnZ that is both vinyl under the original cloth insulation, so I got the safety of a modern material with the appearance of the original. A good part of it is covered by a black wrap that binds the main harness (as per the original). I should have ordered the horn relay branch, but I did get the turn signals integral. I am just getting around to driving Baby Blue and I have kept the wiring numbers inplace for now (chicken). All in all, I am very pleased. Take your time - this is a whole lot better than watching some stupid TV. Skalywag
