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Removing Front Clip Wiring - What, Where To Unplug

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by lhfarm, Jul 19, 2019.

  1. Jul 19, 2019
    lhfarm

    lhfarm Sponsor

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    218
    Getting ready for an engine swap. Have the fenders off and pushed the side makers bulbs through the fender hole. It appears I can unplug the headlights. What about the turn signal lights. It looks like there is a two-wire plug, but not sure if there is a latch or just pull them apart.

    Tips or tricks?
     
  2. Jul 25, 2019
    Wrettman

    Wrettman New Member

    Colorado... for now
    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Last summer, I pulled apart a '74 CJ-5 (my first). There are certainly pin and socket connections for the harness at the lights, and another large set of connections from the grille to the right fender, so that one might remove the grille and leave the light wiring intact. I found that clump of pins and sockets on the fender and went from there.
    Then again the weirdo PO did a crumby rewire job back in the '90s. Strange things in strange places.
     
  3. Jul 25, 2019
    lhfarm

    lhfarm Sponsor

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    Nov 27, 2006
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    Thanks. I ended up just having to cut the wires on the driver side turn signal and both ground wires. No matter how hard I pulled on the turn signal, I couldn't get it apart. This is a slow restoration. Replacement motor now and new tub next year. With new tub, I'll do a replacement harness. For now, I'll just put the old harness back in place and splice the wires I cut.
     
  4. Jul 25, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    So what year Jeep is this? Not sure it matters, if it's in the right forum. For the fenders, the socket plugs in to the back of the lens. 1/4 turn and pull. Then those wires go through the grill. Additionally, I'd expect you have to remove the front running/indicators and unplug them. Also remove the headlight bulbs, unplug, and snake the harness out of the grill.

    Imagine how they would do it at the factory, and reverse the order. The painted tub would come down the line, with fenders and grille attached. Someone would string the harness through the grille and send the terminations out to the three types of lights. Someone else down the line would install the lights. There's no point to having another plug/socket between the body and the front clip. The plugs are put there to make assembly at the factory easier and faster, not for your convenience.
     
  5. Jul 27, 2019
    lhfarm

    lhfarm Sponsor

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    218
    It is a 79 CJ7 Golden Eagle. Just replacing the engine now and new wiring will come later. As stated above, had to do some cutting.
     
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