I thought this might be of some interest to those looking to update the wiring of their Pantera. I've decided to take on the task of rewiring the ENTIRE car with modern electronics. This includes the fuse block, all wiring, switches, and connections. The actual components for the ignition, fuel and cooling system have been updated in the past, and I'm leaving the stock window and headlight actuators in place. Everything else will be replaced and modernized.

I will be using a "ford muscle car" Painless Wiring kit to do this. The harness is designed for a generic muscle car layout, so it's taken a little "rearranging" to route the wires for a mid-engine arrangement.

So far I've done the following:
-Removed all existing wiring, connectors, switches and gauges
-Installed the new fuse block and routed the harness to the various locations for installation (engine bay, dash section, etc.)
-Wired the starter circuit, ignition system and charging system

I need to complete the following:
-All gauges (including sending units) and switches
-Interior and exterior lights
-Fuel pump circuit (with new relay)
-Cooling system (fans, temp sensors, relays, etc.)

All connections are/will be soldered and all wiring insulated. Part of this project includes rebuilding the dashboard with a custom layout, so I'll be using a switch panel for most functions rather than the original switches, including the ignition switch.

This is a large undertaking but it will pay off in the end with a brand new, reliable electrical system, and peace of mind that I won't have to worry about components and wiring failing.

I'm sure I'll have questions along the way, but I figured I'd post this thread if anyone was thinking about doing something like this to their car and had questions about the process as I go through it.

Aaron

LEt me know when I can drop my car off to you ! LOL

Will do! I'd post pictures but it just looks like an otherwise nice-looking Pantera with wiring dangling all over the place

Post 'em anyhow. We've all been there at some point. Curious to see it unfold.

Here's my before / after experience.

I was actually just on your website looking at your build pictures - something to aspire to!

My interior currently looks about as bad as that first picture. Here's my interior on day one, after pulling the dash and before pulling the old wiring out:



I'll see if I can snap an updated picture this weekend.

Here's a pic of a custom dash that I began to put together. If I can swing it at some point I'd like to replace it with the carbon fiber dash that Wilkinson sells. I seem to remember the entire dash and center console being about $3000 but I think the dash alone was fairly inexpensive.

Good timing, P Dude.

I am undertaking a similar project - albeit on a much lesser scale wiring-wise. As my dash, console, door panels and firewall/bulkhead are out for leather work, I am going to test all wiring connections and grounds. I will be adding the Pantera Electronics ATO Fuse Panel Mod for sure. Will you?

Here's a look at the mess I created once the dash and console were pulled. It's now in a much more organized state as I prepare to start work. Honestly, guys!

I am still in the re-design planning stage for my new console. Here's a pic of what the new guage cluster will look like as I plan to move the switches to the new armrest I'm having fabricated. The "right side" of the console is still TBD as far as the re-design goes ... but I can tell you that I will be moving the dated vent levers under the console and out of sight (as they are rarely used).

I'll probably use the fuse block contained in the Painless kit, mainly because it's already pre-wired to the harness. One day if I'm feeling adventurous I'll take on the task of replacing it with the Pantera Electronics block because it does fit better.

Nice job on the console mock-up. What material did you use for that template?

I believe I will be removing the entire climate control system on mine, as this will primarily be a track car and I could use the weight savings. I'll have to figure out how to drain and remove that system without getting coolant all over the interior.

Hi,
I too am in the process of doing wiring, switches and complete interior change and upgrade.
I don't have any pics, but when it is done I will get some pics for you.
I reckon i have pulled out about 10 kg of excess wiring !
oh the windows and headlights fly up and down now !
Good luck ! and stay focussed it will all be worth it.

I did my car w/the "American Auto Wire" kit. It went pretty good...