The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Had smoke in the cab today, short somewhere

I was installing my new kickpanel vent cables when I heard the spark and then smoke started to fill the cab. Quickly disconnected the battery and began the search. Found a GROUND cable that was melted badly, not sure where he went to. One end was still screwed in to the firewall, I discovered the other end near the ignition (guessing I hit it with the vent cable, it fell and hit the live ignition terminal????) The truck had been wired in the 80's when my FiL built it, and it's always been on my mind that the guy who wired it must have been drinking a lot while he did it (not all the ends are sealed in casing), all around half arse job.

I'm guessing this is a sign from my FiL up above to re-wire the truck. All my searches on this forum lead me to the EZ wiring harness or the Hot Rod harness. Both are about the same price. Looking to get the stovebolt input on which harness is best for my truck, and any tips and tricks to installing it. I have a heat gun and shrink wrap for when I put the ends on the wire.

Truck is a 12v 1955.2, no stereo yet (will put something in later - nothing fancy), parking lights, round gauges and dash lights. Has electric wipers and a cigarette lighter aka phone charger.

I'm still a little flustered by the smoke. I have a fire extinguisher in the cab (thanks to stovebolt) and the battery is now disconnected. Just the thought of losing the truck to a fire scares me.

Good you had quick reflexes and went right to the source. Something like that has potential to completely destroy the truck.

SAFETY TIP: ALWAYS DISCONNECT BATTERY BEFORE POKING AROUND UNDER THE DASH.

I used a Hot Rod Wires harness on my '56 and I am very pleased with it. I've put 8 or more years of service on it with no problems. The shrink wrap is a good idea. I soldered and shrink wrapped all connections. There was plenty of extra wire at all connections. All color-coded GM standard. I highly recommend it.

I'm just about done installing my wiring harness in my 1956 3100 restorod. I'm using an American Auto Wiring kit. It has the GM Fuse panel with lots of extra circuits and ALL of the wires are labled all the way down the wire (every 6" or so) which makes it nice. The kit came from Classic Parts of America p/n 52-082...it wasn't cheap, but got good reviews from people I trust that build street rods for a living. So far I'm very happy with it...still not on the road, but soon!

If you are going to stay bone stock this kit is more than you need.

Mike B

Thanks guys. I know I should have disconnected the terminal not sure what the heck I was thinking. Mike B - that's a nice harness, but I'm not sure I can shell out $500 for it. That is something I will put on my wish list, but for now I think I might find something a lot simpler.

Do you have any recommendations on where and what connectors I should buy? I was just going to pick a bunch of from harbor frieght.

I put in a battery cut-off switch on the seat valance about mid way along. Its one of those big heavy duty units. I had one in my 53 and one day smoke came from under the dash while I was driving. Sure glad I had that switch at arm's length.

DO NOT let the smoke out of the wires! You cannot get it to go back in.
Carl

There are a number of good wiring harnesses out there. Just be sure you order the unit that has the number of circuits you need plus a couple more spare for additions down the road.
As far as connectors are concerned, a lot of guys use StaCon type connectors. These are the type that get crimped. I always use a crimper with a 'tooth' for a really good crimp. I have read were soldered connectors in autos should be avoided due to vibration. I personnely have soldered many connections in steetrods. I'm working on a Lincoln Zephyr right now and it uses Ford connectors which are soldered so who knows.