MALIBU 78 Malibu wagon.

[ShuffleWagon]

Oh also looking to replace my factory v6 engine harness for a new v8 one without emissions and any support i can get from yall on where to get a full under dash harness. I figured since it's this far might as well make all the wires new as well. Any help finding a 100% stock style engine and under dash harness would be awesome.

 

[scoti]

Oh also looking to replace my factory v6 engine harness for a new v8 one without emissions and any support i can get from yall on where to get a full under dash harness. I figured since it's this far might as well make all the wires new as well. Any help finding a 100% stock style engine and under dash harness would be awesome.

1978's should have minimal wiring underhood. Under the dash it's definitely busier.

With the front clip off my Malibu, there's the main lighting harness that routes along the inner driver side fender & around the core support. And there's the power supply harness (alt/ign/power/?).

On the passenger side was the wiring for the A/C related stuff.

 

[ShuffleWagon]

Oh also looking to replace my factory v6 engine harness for a new v8 one without emissions and any support i can get from yall on where to get a full under dash harness. I figured since it's this far might as well make all the wires new as well. Any help finding with a 100% stock style engine and under dash harness would be awesome.

1978's should have minimal wiring underhood. Under the dash it's definitely busier.

With the front clip off my Malibu, there's the main lighting harness that routes along the inner driver side fender & around the core support. And there's the power supply harness (alt/ign/power/?).

On the passenger side was the wiring for the A/C related stuff.

Yep thats the way I see it. I ordered a new engine side harness but under the dash harness I'm struggling to find. I can see like a 69-72 el camino under dash harness but not sure that's the same. I only have ac/stereo and 2 dash speakers thats I know of under the dash.

 

[scoti]

Oh also looking to replace my factory v6 engine harness for a new v8 one without emissions and any support i can get from yall on where to get a full under dash harness. I figured since it's this far might as well make all the wires new as well. Any help finding with a 100% stock style engine and under dash harness would be awesome.

Yep thats the way I see it. I ordered a new engine side harness but under the dash harness I'm struggling to find. I can see like a 69-72 el camino under dash harness but not sure that's the same. I only have ac/stereo and 2 dash speakers thats I know of under the dash.

I like the idea of the earlier A-body option. You get the basics covered (ignition; lights; 12v to radio/a/c controls/fan; instrument functions; 12v/lighter; etc.....).

 

[ShuffleWagon]

I like the idea of the earlier A-body option. You get the basics covered (ignition; lights; 12v to radio/a/c controls/fan; instrument functions; 12v/lighter; etc.....).

Do you think that dash harness will mate to the engine harness at the bulk head?

 

[scoti]

Do you think that dash harness will mate to the engine harness at the bulk head?

Unknown.

But, you could always look @ the under hood/engine side wiring for the early A-body & possibly compare it to the G-body's stuff. Like mentioned, there's not any ground-breaking new stuff for a '78 in comparison to the 68-72's. If the wiring is similar enough you could adapt as needed.

Me personally? I'd look up wiring schematics for both. Verify if the earlier harness has the 'legs' you need for the functions desired. If the earlier under hood is close enough, then I'd research the interior/under dash stuff. If it's close enough, order a 68-72 kit & delicately check it in person. If it doesn't look like it will do what you want, turn it on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or @ a local swap meet.

 

[ShuffleWagon]

Unknown.

But, you could always look @ the under hood/engine side wiring for the early A-body & possibly compare it to the G-body's stuff. Like mentioned, there's not any ground-breaking new stuff for a '78 in comparison to the 68-72's. If the wiring is similar enough you could adapt as needed.

Me personally? I'd look up wiring schematics for both. Verify if the earlier harness has the 'legs' you need for the functions desired. If the earlier under hood is close enough, then I'd research the interior/under dash stuff. If it's close enough, order a 68-72 kit & delicately check it in person. If it doesn't look like it will do what you want, turn it on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or @ a local swap meet.

Lol not a bad idea. Might be looking into that than. I just would like to be able to have new wires and such since the rest of the car is new and I'm already right here atm.

 

[scoti]

Lol not a bad idea. Might be looking into that than. I just would like to be able to have new wires and such since the rest of the car is new and I'm already right here atm.

I understand that logic completely.

I'm weird (anal?) on certain things & often burrow down deep into why/how/where answers on stuff which has me buying parts I might not ever use but needed in hand to make an informed decision.

On my current spindle/front suspension geometry quest, I have multiple sets of spindles purchased (some used/some new) to answer my questions w/insight vs guessing. Treat the stuff gently, use masking tape where required, & w/a good vendor hard parts can be returned or easily flipped. I might not break even but usually can learn what I wanted/needed to know for a few bucks @ worst.

 

[ShuffleWagon]

I understand that logic completely.

I'm weird (anal?) on certain things & often burrow down deep into why/how/where answers on stuff which has me buying parts I might not ever use but needed in hand to make an informed decision.

On my current spindle/front suspension geometry quest, I have multiple sets of spindles purchased (some used/some new) to answer my questions w/insight vs guessing. Treat the stuff gently, use masking tape where required, & w/a good vendor hard parts can be returned or easily flipped. I might not break even but usually can learn what I wanted/needed to know for a few bucks @ worst.

See your the type of guy I'm always looking to find to get to know and learn from. I think I might try this painless harness as it looks at first glance that it's close to the factory kinda harness and try to make it work.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Painless-Wiring-21-Circuit-Wiring-Harness,2358.html?sku=91064029-CHEV

 

[SS_Malibu]

I was going to suggest an after market wiring harness. There are several companies to choose from. A buddy of mine just did his ‘68 LeMans with American Autowire and is very happy with it.