The Stovebolt Site Forums Project Journals Project Journals 1953 Chevy 3100 - Restoring the Basketcase

I spent weeks working through the wiring on my truck after using a 12-circuit universal kit from Speedway that didn’t match my configuration very well. Like you, I didn’t want to cut wires only to discover they were too short, so I cut everything long. Any excess length—and the circuits I didn’t end up using—were neatly coiled, tucked up, and secured under the dash. It stays out of sight unless you’re looking up from the floor, and it keeps the installation clean while preserving flexibility for future changes.


The only way I could reliably keep track of every circuit was by creating a diagram that listed the color and number of each wire. Having that reference saved a lot of time during troubleshooting and made it much easier to stay organized as the project evolved.


You’ll also be glad you used relays on your headlights. I installed relays before I tore my truck apart, and the difference in brightness was significant—truly night and day.


Finally, if you haven’t already, adding wire loom in the engine compartment helps neaten everything up and gives the whole job a more finished look.