The Ford Barn

Steve Plucker · 07-20-2015, 10:39 PM

Who makes the best and most authentic Model A Wiring Harness of show-like quality?

I see there are 4-5 vendors to choose from.

Thanks.

Pluck

Drive Shaft Dave · 07-20-2015, 10:45 PM

I like the one purchased from Brattons, spade connectors soldered to light switch terminals. Correct bullet ends for headlamps.

Mike V. Florida · 07-20-2015, 11:01 PM

Rhode Island wiring. Please note no reproductions are made 100% correct.

http://www.riwire.com/

Skibb · 07-20-2015, 11:04 PM

Go with Tyree Harris most authentic I've been told here. I got one of his two months ago for our 1930 restoration. If you want I'll find the phone no.

I'll need a restoration by the time we finish this car but it's a sweet project. My wife named the car "Duke" in remembrance of a dear friend.

Tom Wesenberg · 07-21-2015, 05:21 AM

I bought the taillight/brake harness from Sacramento Vintage Ford. It runs all the way back to the drum taillight like original. Many others stop short and use a connecting harness. SVF has the wiring machine and makes their own harness.

Mitch//pa · 07-21-2015, 05:45 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I purchased brattons and was very happy. Is it the most authentic out there? Don't know... Who's is? Don't know.. Do they all have the proper headlight connectors to work good? don't know,,, But brattons sure worked nice and that's where a lot of people have troubles along with the light switch contacts.
X2 on Drive Shaft Dave's response.
Maybe a mini research project I would like to hear the results..I would think a phone call to each place would divulge a lot of info..

Skibb · 07-21-2015, 09:19 AM

Steve, Tyree Harris' phone 804 556 5200. He was recommended by a superb restorer as the closest to original equipment. I wonder if he makes the Brattons Harness as his wiring diagrams have a little Brattons name plate a corner. He makes his kits fresh for you in any configuration you choose.

Mitch//pa · 07-21-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skibb

Steve, Tyree Harris' phone 804 556 5200. He was recommended by a superb restorer as the closest to original equipment. I wonder if he makes the Brattons Harness as his wiring diagrams have a little Brattons name plate a corner. He makes his kits fresh for you in any configuration you choose.

yes i am also wondering who makes what for who

CarlG · 07-21-2015, 09:43 AM

Maybe Sacramento makes them all ????

I bought my first one at JC Whitney (in 1956)

Mitch//pa · 07-21-2015, 09:51 AM

i called brattons they told me there are about 4 or 5 places manufacturing harnesses... they do not get theirs from tyree harriss or sacramento but he wouldnt tell me where..thay are not making them in house..
my next harness job i will still get from brattons as i am happy with the quality and fit.. stick with who you have that works..
as far as who has the most authentic ??? i am not an expert on the authenticity part so not sure

JohnLaVoy · 07-21-2015, 09:53 AM

Pluck,

I wrote an article on Tyree a few issues back. He did an authentic early harness for me and it is very correct. There were a couple of cars at the Puyallup meet with his harness. You won't go wrong with him.

Hunter · 07-21-2015, 10:19 AM

I would go with Tyree Harris.

He made the one for my 29 Special Coupe which received a Henry Award a few years ago.

Hunter

P.S. · 07-21-2015, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i called brattons they told me there are about 4 or 5 places manufacturing harnesses... they do not get theirs from tyree harriss or sacramento but he wouldnt tell me where..

That's strange. I was speaking to one of the guys at Sacramento Vintage Ford a while back and was told they were in the process of making up a batch of harnesses to send to Bratton's. From what I was told, Sacramento Vintage Ford makes the harnesses sold by almost all the Model A retailers. They have the correct wire, correct terminals, etc. , and yes they are authentic.

They also offer the option to use larger gauge wire for those who want to look authentic (although just slightly larger), but also want wiring with better current carrying capability, low voltage drop, and less likely to break. Just order their "heavy duty" harness option.

Mitch//pa · 07-21-2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.S.

That's strange. I was speaking to one of the guys at Sacramento Vintage Ford a while back and was told they were in the process of making up a batch of harnesses to send to Bratton's. From what I was told, Sacramento Vintage Ford makes the harnesses sold by almost all the Model A retailers. They have the correct wire, correct terminals, etc. , and yes they are authentic.

hmm i am just relaying the conversation i had today... i guess its possible, of course he wont tell me they want me to buy it from them....

P.S. · 07-21-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

hmm i am just relaying the conversation i had today... i guess its possible, of course he wont tell me they want me to buy it from them....

Well, considering how stunning your Tudor looks, my guess is you want every detail to be correct, so why would they play politics when you are only trying to achieve a goal?

The guys at Sacramento Vintage Ford have no trouble at all saying they get this part from Bratton's, that part from A&L, this other part from Snyder's, etc.

Jim M · 07-21-2015, 04:49 PM

Bratton's works and looks great!

Jay's Model A's · 07-21-2015, 07:10 PM

Tyree Harris makes the best harness I have ever used...I won "A Henry" and you can't get much better..Tyree is very good on detail...OUTSTANDING ! ! JP

Ron in Quincy · 07-21-2015, 07:21 PM

As Tom W. said, Sacramento Vintage make their harnesses in house; they use the correct color coded wire; they have a original loom mechanical machine; for the 28's the rear wiring harness extends to the tail light; for the 28-29 the wire to the stop light is in a loom like the originals. I too had my 28 Light Delivery in the National Meet, Blue Ribbon, in San Diego with a SVF early 28 harnesses and did not loose any points.
The later harnesses for 30-31 are also correct.
Just my opinion,

Ron

07-20-2015, 10:39 PM	#1
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Model A Wiring Harness... Who makes the best and most authentic Model A Wiring Harness of show-like quality? I see there are 4-5 vendors to choose from. Thanks. Pluck

07-20-2015, 10:45 PM	#2
Drive Shaft Dave Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New hope Minnesota Posts: 742	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... I like the one purchased from Brattons, spade connectors soldered to light switch terminals. Correct bullet ends for headlamps. Last edited by Drive Shaft Dave; 07-20-2015 at 10:50 PM.

07-20-2015, 11:01 PM	#3
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Rhode Island wiring. Please note no reproductions are made 100% correct. http://www.riwire.com/ __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

07-20-2015, 11:04 PM	#4
Skibb Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 536	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Go with Tyree Harris most authentic I've been told here. I got one of his two months ago for our 1930 restoration. If you want I'll find the phone no. I'll need a restoration by the time we finish this car but it's a sweet project. My wife named the car "Duke" in remembrance of a dear friend. Last edited by Skibb; 07-21-2015 at 01:12 AM.

07-21-2015, 05:21 AM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... I bought the taillight/brake harness from Sacramento Vintage Ford. It runs all the way back to the drum taillight like original. Many others stop short and use a connecting harness. SVF has the wiring machine and makes their own harness.

07-21-2015, 05:45 AM	#6
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I purchased brattons and was very happy. Is it the most authentic out there? Don't know... Who's is? Don't know.. Do they all have the proper headlight connectors to work good? don't know,,, But brattons sure worked nice and that's where a lot of people have troubles along with the light switch contacts. X2 on Drive Shaft Dave's response. Maybe a mini research project I would like to hear the results..I would think a phone call to each place would divulge a lot of info.. Last edited by Mitch//pa; 07-21-2015 at 05:52 AM.

07-21-2015, 09:19 AM	#7
Skibb Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 536	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Steve, Tyree Harris' phone 804 556 5200. He was recommended by a superb restorer as the closest to original equipment. I wonder if he makes the Brattons Harness as his wiring diagrams have a little Brattons name plate a corner. He makes his kits fresh for you in any configuration you choose.

07-21-2015, 09:43 AM	#9
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,125	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Maybe Sacramento makes them all ???? I bought my first one at JC Whitney (in 1956) __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

07-21-2015, 09:51 AM	#10
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... i called brattons they told me there are about 4 or 5 places manufacturing harnesses... they do not get theirs from tyree harriss or sacramento but he wouldnt tell me where..thay are not making them in house.. my next harness job i will still get from brattons as i am happy with the quality and fit.. stick with who you have that works.. as far as who has the most authentic ??? i am not an expert on the authenticity part so not sure

07-21-2015, 09:53 AM	#11
JohnLaVoy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 779	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Pluck, I wrote an article on Tyree a few issues back. He did an authentic early harness for me and it is very correct. There were a couple of cars at the Puyallup meet with his harness. You won't go wrong with him.

07-21-2015, 10:19 AM	#12
Hunter Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland Posts: 518	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... I would go with Tyree Harris. He made the one for my 29 Special Coupe which received a Henry Award a few years ago. Hunter

07-21-2015, 04:49 PM	#16
Jim M Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sebastian, FL Posts: 479	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Bratton's works and looks great!

07-21-2015, 07:10 PM	#17
Jay's Model A's Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Braunfels, Texas.. Member of Alamo A's, MARC & MAFCA Posts: 48	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... Tyree Harris makes the best harness I have ever used...I won "A Henry" and you can't get much better..Tyree is very good on detail...OUTSTANDING ! ! JP

07-21-2015, 07:21 PM	#18
Ron in Quincy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Quincy, CA. Posts: 1,708	Re: Model A Wiring Harness... As Tom W. said, Sacramento Vintage make their harnesses in house; they use the correct color coded wire; they have a original loom mechanical machine; for the 28's the rear wiring harness extends to the tail light; for the 28-29 the wire to the stop light is in a loom like the originals. I too had my 28 Light Delivery in the National Meet, Blue Ribbon, in San Diego with a SVF early 28 harnesses and did not loose any points. The later harnesses for 30-31 are also correct. Just my opinion, Ron