American AutoWire is the top of the line, best instructions, most complete with extras. Many other lower priced options. Some may use PVC wire, some may use GXL. GXL is "better". PVC is adequate. The number of circuits, wire quality and extras control price. Rip out old, put in new. Keep old harness in tact is case you need some reference. Tie wrap the old harness before removing to keep organized. Keep all old connectors, fuse panels, terminal blocks, switches , etc. attached if possible and make notes. Usually you don't need to refer to the old harness, just follow the new directions. First thing you do is locate the new fuse panel. It will have harnesses flowing out of it. Branch harnesses. Some go to/under dash, some go out the fire wall, some in cab. Think hard about the routing if the wires. Mock up the routing before cutting and terminating. It will make sense as you go. Not that many wires on a 46, not too hard to understand and we will help.
Grounding is a BIG issue. Your harness pays little or no attention to this. It's up to you to restore the ground paths when restoring/refurbishing/rewiring a truck. So arrange ground straps between battery and motor, motor to frame, frame to body. In any order. Various other individual ground places need clean metal, hardware attachment. Many places rely only on metal to metal contact by bolting or screwing together. Be aware of that. Visualize that ALL return paths/negative is thru the truck metal. For bulbs, motors, some switches, horn, relays......
The "option to add turn signals" will be a industry standard connector in your harness that accepts an aftermarket turn signal unit. Your 46 may also need additional lights so as to have left and right blinkers in front and rear. Available from the vendors.
If you use the search function, you will see what everyone has said about harnesses from all the companies mentioned. Make sure the truck is "ready" for wiring. People have different ideas as to what stage wiring is done.
Thank you! That is very helpful.
In your opinion: when is a truck ready for wiring and when is it not?
