VW 1303S Beetle restoration NIGHTMARE! Dashboard and wiring harness removal

I remove the dashboard from my Volkswagen 1303S Beetle in preparation for paint and take a look at my very badly damaged wiring harness. Things are really not going well with this restoration.

[@russelltatro2835]

FYI for anyone attempting this, the hood hinges are held in by 2 spring clips, removing the hinge and spring will give you an amazing amount of space for working in this tight space, just removed mine to paint them and wish I had done it a lot earlier.

[@Endfloat]

Great advice, thanks!

[@juancarlos1015]

Nice work, I've been looking for a RHD dash, any website you could point me to?

[@Endfloat]

I never managed to find one myself actually. I just fixed the one I had.

[@juancarlos1015]

@@Endfloat is that the original dash in your car? Look pretty cool

[@WolfHausMotorwerks]

Been there done that! Just keep it moving and keep notes, it may take a but of time depending on how much detail you will want to get into. Check all your crimps etc as you go, since finding a bad connection later will be a pain. I usually get a large size print out of the wiring diagram on the wall as I do the job to have references. Good luck!

[@Endfloat]

That's a good idea with the large printout. I'll see if I can get a high res diagram. I don't actually mind wiring, but this is definitely going to be tricky to put right. I'll get the stock beetle stuff right first and make a second harness for all the extras on the car.

[@WolfHausMotorwerks]

Endfloat you may want to see if your wires have any corrosion in them, you may need to run new wires etc otherwise you will not have good current flow etc, look into a new oem style harness cost it may be worth it. I did a custom harness on my last re wire to allow us to route the wires in a more aesthetic way. We did a. Idea on that if you want to see. In any case be prepared for a few more days of work. Good luck!

[@vwcoco]

Beetle wiring is a nightmare but I’ve completely rewired a few bugs this year but luckily not a 1303 lol but I’ve one in line to do so endfloat . Original green looks awesome not only Irish colour but good old Plymouth argyle :)

[@Endfloat]

It should be an interesting job. I'm going to strip out the harness to leave it stock and get it repaired, then make a whole other harness for the extra stuff on the car with a separate relay and fuse box.

[@vwcoco]

@@Endfloat sounds good , good luck !! I always use Haynes manual and def get the right wiring plus samba.com is ideal