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| | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 28 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2015 Posts: 28 | I need to rewire my 3100 as the original cloth wire is disintegrating and becoming a fire hazard. After searching I'll prob either use Vintage Wiring of Maine, YnZ, or American Autowire for the harness. The truck has a '59 235 with alternator, I'll want a radio (someday) turn signals, and air conditioning at some point.
This is my first ever attempt at wiring up any vehicle and was hoping to not have the truck down too long. It seems straight forward but I'm also pretty intimidated by the process and I certainly don't want to rush.
Does Anyone have tips, insight, where to start, estimates on how long this process took them?
Thanks guys! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 226 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 226 | Good questions to make the job easier. There have been several people who have accomplished this and will share their experience. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 | When I rewire my next one, I am going to pre-wire the harness to the gauges, ignition switch, and light switch on the bench. I can then feed the various other wires through the firewall. That will eliminate a lot of the under-dash contortions. I don't bend as good as I used to.
Judging from how neatly the original gauge wiring is tucked in and perfect, I'll bet that was how it was done on the assembly line.
Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 11/10/2015 8:04 PM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 | I would agree with 52Carl. If you are starting with an intact system with bad wires, I would go at the underdash wires with a wire cutter to clear out the clutter. That will make it easier to find the speedo and gauge cluster nuts and remove the ignition switch. Then pre-wire these items in comfort at the bench.
I also fretted when I did this the first time, but it is really logical and easy when you take it one step at a time.
To remove the old wiring and add the new, my estimate is that it will take you a full day, if you have never done this before.
Good Luck
Kent
Last edited by Lightholder's Dad; 11/11/2015 4:51 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | I just ordered my 3rd harness from Narragansett Reproductions.
All have had custom modifications.
Good prices, top quality.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 226 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 226 | | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 28 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2015 Posts: 28 | Thanks guys, great tip on removing and prewiring & testing the gauges on the bench! Just ordered the harness from Vintage Wiring of Maine. Taking pictures of the "as is" before I start.
I'm putting a list together of all the odds and end I'll need such as firewall grommets, firewall insulation, pad and cover, etc, ductwork... plan is to get under the dash done all at once.
I'm hoping I can get it completed over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Keep the great tips and suggestions coming!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | Just a note
Any custom made wiring harness takes up to 3 weeks. | | |
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