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Re wiring the 1948 WILLYS CJ2A

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Retired1! View Drop Down
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    Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 8:35pm
Hi everybody ! I’m brand new to the Forum. I just yesterday acquired 
a 1948 Willy’s. CJ2A
. I’m going to attempt to rewire it. I’m old now and have trouble laying upside down but, I’m a die hard donI’m going to give it a shot. 
Where do I purchase a WALCKS Wiring Harness for it?  Can I use an Wiring harness from EZ wire distribution? Or one of those street Rod companies  that make harnesses? Does Walcks have a fuse box included? I have no idea? I wired 3 Street z rods in my younger years, do I think I can do this but I need the correct Harness. Never did s jeep!  Help! Please!! 
Thanks! 

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Scratch View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 9:38pm
You can get it right from Walcks.  There are a few options as far as horn and rear lights too.  It’s very easy and it comes with a set of instructions.  No fuse box included, just the wiring.  It’s separated into like 10 separate harnesses, just do one at a time and it’s super easy. I’ve done 2 now, both from Walcks, and both have fit perfect with no modifications needed.  I’ll be ordering one more from him this summer.

https://walcks4wd.com/Wiring-Harnesses-Parts_c_5052.html

Oh, and welcome to the forum… we like pics!


Edited by Scratch - 20 Mar. 2023 at 9:52pm
43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
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otto View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote otto Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 9:52pm
Removing the seats completely was the only way I could even get close to getting under the dash wiring my jeep. I'm not young any more either.
47 CJ2A w/fuel injected boat engine
48 CJ2A
64 Ford Econoline Travelwagon
If you can't get there in a Jeep, get a motorcycle!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote garcia63 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 10:05pm
Congratulations! I found it easier for me to start with the ignition wiring side first and then the lights. I did the blinkers last. Keep in mind you are going to need additional parts such as the light switch, foot dimmer, and blinker stalk if yours are in bad shape. I did mine thru Walcks and as others have mentioned, it is a great setup with easy to follow instructions. I used star washers to make sure my grounds were good. Good luck with your project!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dasvis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 11:10pm
I also used Walck's kit with great results.
 
1947 CJ2A #88659 "Rat Patrol"
1953 CJ3A #453-GB1 11266 "Black Beauty"
1964 Thunderbird convertible
..... & one of them moves under it's own power!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oldpappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 11:27pm
Originals did not have fuse boxes, just a circuit breaker on the light switch. It worked fine for 70+ years. The Walcks wiring harnesses are as close to original as you can get, and are very well made.
If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TERRY Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar. 2023 at 11:45pm
I took the old harnesses, pegged them to a piece of plywood, and replicated them with modern wire and crimp and soldered all connectors. It took half of a Saturday. Just label each terminus on the original and transfer the label to the new one.Embarrassed
BOULDER 48 2A
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 12:38am
First find your self a small person preferably a young grand daughter type person  that thinks Grandpas new jeep is cool. Promise to teach her to drive it one day.

You will need them little bitty hands LOL not to mention the ability to reach places shorter then the length of your forearm.

And what ever you do put the Speedo in last. Cause that hole is your only chance to reach some places under the dash.

Oh and good luck welcome to the insane asylum.
Chug A Lug
1948 2A Body Customized
1949 3A W/S
1957 CJ5 Frame Modified
Late 50's 134L 9.25"clutch T90A D18 (1.25") D44/30 flanged E-Locker D25 5.38 Since 1962
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Retired1! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:13am
Wow!! hey Scratch. First of all thanks for welcoming me to the Forum! Very nice!  I will order one ASAP! I am so relieved that there is a solution to the wiring nightmare! The previous owner cut all the wiring to the lights and never got around to Re wiring. 
Next I’m told the original engine is in the Willy’s, I have to investigate to confirm. 
I’ll post some pics of LOLLOLbefore and after! 
Thanks again! 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Retired1! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:20am
Hi Scratch. 
Quick question, actually 2, I just looked at the Walcks Wiring , is it 12 volt, or can I order 12V system? Are the wires marked as to what goes where ? If you know? 
Thanks again! 
 Retired1!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Retired1! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:31am
Sorry   For this question?? But , How doI post a photo? Can’t see an Icon to do so??Ouch

Edited by Retired1! - 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:32am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sparky13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:51am
Hi Retired1!  Go with the Walck's harness.  You won't be disappointed.  I used one on my 1946 Cj2a. The wires are color coded and the instructions tell you which wires go where.  Have fun and post some pictures of that Jeep. 
Mark
1946 CJ2A
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 8:53am
The same harness can be used for either 6v or 12v. It’s just what’s attached to the wires that needs to be the correct voltage. Coil, light bulbs, alternator, etc…

Edited by Scratch - 21 Mar. 2023 at 2:01pm
43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oldpappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 10:23am
I have rewired a few flat fender Jeeps over the years, and it is tough to get in under the dash for an old guy like me. 

Last Summer I rewired my first CJ5 and boy howdy does that removable dash board make it easier. 

My project Jeep is a MB Clone with a reproduction body to be mounted onto a 48 CJ2A frame. I have that body stood up on its tail end and attached to the wall so I can wire under the dash standing up. Still takes some contortion, but not as bad as having to crawl in and under.
If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bight Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 10:52am
forum how to will give you plenty of info on posting photos

CJ-2A 72586 tan (stock)
CJ-2A 197624 green (resto-mod)
the wife abides (def: to bear patiently; TOLERATE)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote drm101 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 12:13pm
I like the Walcks harness too. 6V current requirements are higher than 12V, so if you convert to 12V, you'll have no issues with the factory 6V harness. I added a 4 fuse fuse holder behind the dash to run a few additional ckts I added, like a power outlet, blinkers, and winch. It makes it neater under the dashboard. You can only put so many eyelets on the ignition switch and headlamp switch!
Dean
'47 CJ2A "Mud Hen"
The less the Power the More the Force
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Retired1! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 12:23pm
Ok. Thank you. So I purchase A 6V harness, and fuse box, and it will work in my 12 volt battery system, correct? Or should I look into. A wiring harness for a 12 Street rod like Painless wire Harness or E-Z Wire Harness, 
Tks, 
Retired 1
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rocnroll Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar. 2023 at 12:39pm
You'll be better off with the Walck's harness and no fuse box....there's no need to complicate things with anything else.

The stock, original type harness will work fine with 12volts because the wire gauges used is bigger on a 6volt system. Therefore the 12 volt system really works with wiring bigger than required for 12 volts....and I would guess more than what you would get with a Painless or any other aftermarket 12volt harness.

Another plus is the Walcks harness will match the color code in the wiring part of your manual......I'all let someone else finish the comment.Wink





Edited by rocnroll - 21 Mar. 2023 at 12:47pm
'47 CJ2A PU
'48 CJ2A Lefty

"Common sense is not that common"
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