1st Gen Rear Wiring Harness Question

OK folks.. Guessing only a select few can give an accurate answer to this one...

So here's the deal. Was rewiring the tail-lights today and replacing all the wiring from where the original harness pop's out of the channel in the rear driver's side upper corner. And in doing so I gave it a little "tug" (Some of your are laughing already!)to see if the was a little extra wire up there...

So, one tug.. nothing.. second tug and got about 3 1/2 inches. Cool Right? So I finished wiring up the tail-light and went to test it... And NO JOY! So I of course referred to the wiring diagram and quickly figured out what I believe I did was with the second tug dis-connected the connector shown in the pic below.

My question is: Has anyone ever had to replace the rear harness and dealt with this connector? And can anyone tell me "exactly" where in the channel the connector is? And sure I will get a few "I think" or "I'm guessing" replies but I'm looking for that one person who truly "knows" where it is. Before I start pulling the wall, window and ceiling panels.

Thanks,
Dan

sorry if this isnt help , but i just went outside and looked at my 65 . which is pretty orig. , mine has a single wire connector (along side rest of wires )3-4 inches towards the front ,from last side (bottom to top beam/brace). actually right there has the metal bent down like someone did the same thing . sorry no camera . holler at me if i can help by phone 502 432 3684 danny

Donivan: I was hoping you would log on tonight! Your the Man!! The Picture Man! That's exactly what I needed.

Thank you!
Dan

And using those bend outs in the rail,, leave enough slack in the wiring to pull the harness out. You need to be able to slide the wiring back and forth some to get the plugs thru those

No dome lights in this one. Removed long before she became mine. Decided to remove all panels, window frames and ceiling panels tomorrow.....

Will let you know what I find! This should be fun!!!

Dan

Dan, This is a complete rear harness from the left tail light boot to the connector measures 48 " there are 2 connectors in there at the same place the left tail light connector is in one unit and the right is in another
c

Thanks guys. Now I know what I'm working with and what to look for!

Great Pic's! Never actually seen a whole harness in one piece laid out before!

Thanks!

It's 7:40 am. Going to finish my coffee and head on out to get started...

Dan

You probably know this , but if you are going to run new all the way thru the front pillar use the old wires to pull the new ones in. At least it seemed easier to me.

Digz,
Learned that one years ago! Think my dad showed me that when I was about 6 or so. I do have several fishing tools as well.

Wiring is pretty much straight forward on these van and I have replaced complete harnesses before with aftermarket ones. Really not that hard. I've just never had to try to locate this connector while in place in the vehicle. When we replaced them completely we just cut and pull the old ones out. I have a fishing tool the reaches in the back upper harness hole all the way to the fusebox...

And if I can manage to pull that connector far enough out. I think I will just remove the connector completely. I really don't see the logic in having one there.

Dan,When I rewired mine,I used a wiring harness from an Johnson outboard motor to the controls. All nine wires in a shield. Still added more wires for extra functions I wanted to have in the rear of the van. Channel was full when all wires were pulled in.Good luck. Just remember to not put any screws into that channel! Most electrical fires in these vans started in that channel.
Lester

Well it was just as I suspected. I pulled the plug apart! Very frustrating to get to it since I have wall and window panels. Not to mention a ceiling with isolation ! Yeah! It all had to come out...





But once it was out the wiring was pretty simple thanks to the pic's you guys posted. Thank you!

I replaced all the wiring from the connector back and now everything works like a charm!

Dan

*** That connector now has a "Zip-tie" around it!!! ***

hopeing that you taped that connector together ? so it cant ever come apart again??

Twinpilot001 wrote:hopeing that you taped that connector together ? so it cant ever come apart again??

See above post!

DanTheVanMan wrote:

*** That connector now has a "Zip-tie" around it!!! ***

All I have to add is....

Hahahaha!

68.. you kill me!

The Zip-tie is to "Protect" the connector. FROM ME!