The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Wire Harness Difference 53 - 54 1/2 Ton P/U

I’m doing a restoration on a 1954, 1/2 ton pickup and in need of a wire harness. Although there are many aftermarket harness options available, for my application the best choice is a new “OE” type harness. I contacted Rhode Island Wire and they only have harnesses for a 53 truck. My question is what are the differences between 53 and 54 1/2 ton pickup truck wire harnesses? I know early 53 had braided wire and late 53 used plastic wire and probably 54 used plastic wire. Possibly I can use a late 53 harness. OR ON THE OUTSIDE CHANCE DOES SOMEONE HAVE A 54 HARNESS IN GOOD CONDITION TO DONATE FOR DUPLICATION?
Thanks for your help. Phil

Call YNZ and see if they can help you. I assume from your question that you no longer have your original harness?

YNZ Yesterday's Parts Complete reproduction wiring harness for all makes and models
http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/
909-798-1498

Phil,

Take a look at the linked wiring diagrams and wiring resource info for the 1953 and 1954 trucks found at this "Wiring Diagram" page to help see differences in the two years.

Of particular use may be the linked 1954 Chevrolet Truck Chassis Wiring Book in your restoration work.

This type of harness is a total rip off. All you are getting is the same "plastic" wire, a much better universal harness has, with some goofy coatings to make it look like old style wire. You can just buy loom that looks like that if you are that much of a purist. There are no extra circuits. Probably little or no fuses. Soldering is not necessary. They mislead you into thinking the other main harness suppliers/vendors use "steel" crimp terminals. They mislead you to think their wire is more "fire retardant" than other harnesses. The available harnesses all have correct color coding. Each of their wires is labeled every 6". They all have instructions and diagrams. The original wiring diagrams are available free online. They have modern "hidden" fuse boxes with modern fuses on EVERY circuit.

I cannot answer Phils2888 question whether the 53 and 54 harnesses are interchangeable.

I have used Rhode Island wiring for the two restorations I have performed ('50 COE and '37 pick up). I wanted to restore my trucks to as near the original design and engineering as possible. Bartamos clearly has different goals regarding a restoration which I can appreciate. My observations are that the success of a classic car/truck organization is to be inclusive of all preferences, rather than focusing on individual differences.

Regarding the specifics of Rhode Island Wiring my harnesses had no crimped connections. All connections were soldered with rubber skirts. The connectors were all the correct type and size. The wires internally are modern coated wires for durability. The cloth exterior looks nice but is not just for show. The wires come with the proper cross hatching which matches the factory wiring diagrams. The harness comes with diagrams of your harness showing connection types, wire size and what they connect to, along with a large copy of the factory wiring diagram.

It is true that the harnesses are copies of the original design so fuse protection is not modern. You are left with the thermal circuit cut off at the light switch and circuit fuses to the tail and brake lights in my '50 and fuse at the ammeter for the '37. And yes, I have no A/C, power brakes, power steering, AM radio only in the '50. There are no shocks at all in the '50, single action lever shocks only in the '37. I love driving them because they have character!
Kent

I understand about antiques. I understand restoration has many meanings. I prefer to upgrade wiring and safety items. Character is a subjective notion. I was explaining that the only reason to buy a so called original harness is a nostalgic look, which I believe is over rated in some areas of restoration. In the era just before 12V and etc., tracer/cross tracer wire is unimportant to me. Better to loom or tape the bundle anyway.

As to the original question, the 53 and 54 wiring diagrams seem to be identical. So the 53 harness would be just fine.
Phil's attention to detail is admirable. If he has customers, he has to satisfy them as well as himself. I get that.

"I know early 53 had braided wire and late 53 used plastic wire and probably 54 used plastic wire."

That is correct for 1954.