Ok. So i got a 54 Capri. No interior, paint bad. Original 317 completely rebuilt along with the 4 speed hydramatic transmission.
I have to do a wiring harness and want to convert to 12v. I'm looking at a 22 circuit harness since the car is loaded including ac. I'd like advice on the order to complete the restoration. The engine and tranny are not in the car yet. I painted the engine bay for the install.
Should the wiring be done before the paint and before the interior gets done?
Never did this before and want it done right without having to undo something in order to do something.
While I have y'all here, let me run something by you.... the car has original ac, with the clear tubes blowing cold air into the passenger compartment. I'd like to change it to run into the headliner thru ductwork and out vents like newer models. Anyone gave a clue how to do this or if parts for like, say, a 57 would work without a lot of fabrication?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Good to hear it’s coming along. Just some thoughts from my experience. Which does not include a Lincoln.

On the bird, the dash comes out. I pulled it and rewired all the gauges on the bench, with a couple multi prong connectors to plug in under the dash after it was re-installed. I had the dash upholstered, put everything back in, then installed it. Working under the dash (even minimal amounts) is way easier before the interior is done. The stuff behind the kick panels, under the floor to the seat motors, back to the trunk (including a/c) way easier with the carpet out.

I’ve used Centech and American Autowire. The Autowire kits are really complete, great instructions and lots of various terminals. Painless has a good rep, and so does Rebel. I looked at cheaper kits at the big shows (Goodguys) and you can see the quality difference holding them in your hand in some cases.

Don’t ask the painter, he’ll tell you to bring him a bare shell. No masking for him, and then you try to put it together without scratching anything.

As to the a/c, Classic Auto Air has a restoration shop. They may have an idea about what you can do with the vent tubes. Hard to find on their site, here’s the link. Probably require a phone call.

https://www.classicautoair.com/category/restoration-services/?srsltid=AfmBOoonA_tWF90P-f3dH4XXFTcJdwR69zPBH-WhlCcVDcMEkOa1EosO

Looks like it’s getting a little warm down there.

Mike

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I am a firm believer that everything should go together BEFORE  painting. to make sure there is nothing that needs to be done that requires you to do major work that screws up the new paint and them removed for painting..  If painting is not on your agenda, then start with wiring as the is one thing that effect all of the car.

Removing the dash to wire it is a good idea.  If there is an electrical installation manual it may show how things are installed..  I have rewired both ways  (dash in or dash out) and dash put is the easiest.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ