Howdy, I am about finished rewiring my '71 C-10. Over all, there is VERY little difference in mid '50s 3100 wiring and my truck. I made up some of the harnesses myself and used a really sweet used OEM harness under the dash. Now, every PO of my truck must have owned a big roll of black wire, a big roll of yellow wire and stock in Scotch Locks! There was evidence of at least two separate electrical fires. On top of all that, I decided that I wanted to be able to use high draw headlights and a couple of Hella 500s. Given the above, I built three harnesses for under the hood and one for the rear. The rear also got a built in trailer plug. The engine harness is all different since it now includes HEI and an electric choke carb. Then I built a MASTER power harness for power distribution and a to include a change to a 12si alternator. Then the lighting harness for the heavy lights with all it's Bosch relays. I could have done this faster and cheaper for basic wiring with one of several different kits.
I can build what I wanted so I did. This took about two weeks of spare time.
Everyone who gets into an older vehicle project, sooner or later gets to the wiring. It is a must do for your pride & joy to be what you want. SO, buy two 3/4" rolls of blue painters tape and a pack of those permanent felt tipped pens and a yellow note pad. Label Everything as you remove it! To much information isn't a problem. Make little flags out of the blue tape for each wire. Draw out a detailed picture of where the harnesses run and the plugs on all the switches. Take notes. Write down anything, such as, "about 6" from the cigar lighter I found a wire with a light bulb socket that doesn't go anywhere," so you can figure it out later.
Brad Alan's and 51ashton's comments above are on point about the extra copies of the diagram! There is never to much information about YOUR truck!
Take a deep breath and dive in! It'll be so simple it will amaze you, and it'll be one more thing you can say 'I did this myself!"
Now, I need someone to encourage ME on bodywork!
very best wishes,
Les
