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OK - my '79 FXS has wiring running from the left and right switches through the handlebars and then the wiring runs into the headlight. The entire loom of wiring is in the headlight... ok, no problem understanding that. But how in the heck do I get the wiring harness disconnected enough to slip the wiring out of the handlebars?
The wires to the switches on the left and right look like they are molded in to the switch - no way to disconnect them that I can see. So much for taking the switches off and pulling the wiring down through the handlebars...
Inside the headlight, I don't see any bullet connectors to disconnect from the rest of the wiring harness, so I don't see how to pull it back out through the left and right handlebars...
Do I need to cut wires? I was hoping not to cut anything, but right now I have the bars hanging and a puzzle on my hands. (I have not cut any shrink wrap off, so maybe there are connectors hiding in there?) Any help is appreciated... I am going to need to get all this back together again some time soon, too!
Wiring connections in '79 FXS. Each handlebar bundle feeds in from the top... how do they disconnect?
Each terminal is pinned into the connectors. Male or Female. the connectors will not fit through the holes in the headlight bucket so each pin/socket must be removed from and later reinstalled into the connectors. To do it right you'll need a wiring diagram and taking lots of pictures makes it easier.
There are YouTube videos on how to remove and install the pins/sockets. Also there are a few special tools that will help, but not absolutely required.
Each terminal is pinned into the connectors. Male or Female. the connectors will not fit through the holes in the headlight bucket so each pin/socket must be removed from and later reinstalled into the connectors.
BTW is it Black and Silver?
Wow... I never would have thought of that, but now that you point it out, I will get after it in the morning!
And yes... the FXS is black (frame) and silver. For now...
The tool will definitely help and new terminals and pins are fairly cheap. Much better to do it right. You'l appreciate it and any future owners will thank you.
My first Harley was a 79 FXS Black & Silver (as in the Sig Pic). Give me a heads up if you get bored with it or decide to sell. Never know what the next project will be.
Definitely get the tool and take your time removing the pins. The purpose of the tool is to compress the little directional "catches" on the pin. Pull gently.
Also, besides taking pics, draw yourself a little sketch of the connector and what color wires go where and put a mark (dab of paint or scratch) on the connector body for orientation purposes.
Thanks for the help everyone... I skipped the tool and found a couple small screwdrivers were enough to get the job done. Slow and tedious, but not that hard. I updated my blog with more details - but a big shout-out to the tips here! Once I saw what to do - getting it done was just a matter of putting in the time!
Carlos, I just checked out your progress in your blog. Great job detailing the wiring connections. Most people, including myself have gotten way ahead of themselves in tear down not documenting how **** goes back together figuring, ehh, I'll remember this or that then life gets in the way. Several days away from the project and it's amazing what you forget! I love the Silver\Black FX's. Enjoy the build. Now that you have access to the rocker boxes and primary\nose cone covers, go at them good with some aluminum cleaner\polish and you can make them look like chrome! Have fun!
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How Do I Remove Wiring from Handlebars?
