M38 Main Wiring Harness install under dash mounting

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:27 pm

While installing the main, ignition, and gauge wiring under the dash it doesn't seem there are any mounting looms to hold the harness up under the dash. I have noticed that by using the choke and/or throttle cables I can go above them or use a zip tie to them. But I can't find any diagrams or info on attachment points for the harness.

Are there any or does the stiffness and short distance negate the need for any loom connectors under the dash.

Thanks
Ralph

Post by **wesk** » Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:06 pm

I have never seen any parts lists with any clamps or supports for the wiring behind the dash except for the radio power lead by the cowl battery box and the clip retainer bracket on the back of the instrument cluster for the two metal connectors for the dash lamps and Hi-Beam connectors. From my experience once the connections are all made and one wire ties the harness together about every 6" to 9" it is self supporting and at most needs a little chaffing protection where it tends to rub on anything

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:37 pm

Wes,
Thanks, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Mon Apr 06, 2020 4:14 pm

I haven't seen any documentation on routing under dash wires. I used small wire ties and tied together groups of wires just to hold them from flexing and chaffing on other wires or surfaces....but a few stragglers still exist.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Apr 06, 2020 4:43 pm

The plastic cable ties we know today were invented (patented) in 1958.

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Mon Apr 06, 2020 5:32 pm

My M38 is 12 volt...so not really worried about being 100 % authentic, especially when you can't see under the dash. Mine is a driver and parade vehicle, but definitely not an authentic historic model.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Apr 06, 2020 7:40 pm

Hi Mark,
Except for the parade vehicle part, my M38 is the same as you described yours.

I was just putting out some trivia for those that might be interested. Didn't mean to confound the topic. Even though plastic cable ties came about in 1958 for the aviation industry, I suppose they could have made it into Army supply inventory while the M38 was still in service.

My point being I believe it's ok to use white or black cable ties today on the M38 and still be "correct" for a motor pool restoration. I don't have any photos or evidence to prove it to the jeep police, but I use a few out of sight under the dash myself anyway.

Stiknruddr · Post by **Stiknruddr** » Thu Apr 09, 2020 5:22 pm

Same I used a M170 surplus harness modified it with hardware from Saturn surplus and wiring harnesses off eBay. 12 volt. But... I did put the gun mount on it properly and shoot my full auto Browning 1917 off of it. https://vimeo.com/406037439