73 280SE 4.5 engine wiring harness

[erdavis]

Any ideas where I can find a engine wiring harness for my 1973 280SE 4.5, I found lots of brittle wires while detailing the engine and want to replace it.
Thanks

[ja17]

Hello,
That wiring harness could be a real project. There is no clean break for just the engine compartment. Much of the wiring is interconnected. The harness going to the back of the car is separate as are some other minor runs. I would consider trying to repair yours first. Look into getting some extra long sections of heat shrink tubing to make repairs over the brittle or cracked wires. Otherwise I am afraid you may need an entire wiring harness. If Rhode Island Wiring Harness (very close to original quality and appearance reproductions) does not make this you will probably have to go to the dealer. Tom Hanson on this list can quote you on dealer discounted prices.

Joe Alexander

[erdavis]

Joe, thanks for the info. I think I'll heed your warning and repair the connector ends that are questionable on the existing harness. From what I saw on the Rhode Island Wiring website, these harnesses are very, very expensive. Thanks

[Tom Hanson]

The harness is somewhere near $1K, but I haven't checked for a while. Let me know if you want more exact info.

[erdavis]

Whoa, thanks for checking Tom but I think I'll repair the brittle areas of the existing harness.

[Tom Hanson]

P.S. I stock all the connectors and contacts, and boots too.