The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay best wire kit question

I am looking into getting a new wire kit for my '53 1/2 ton chevy truck. It is going to have a 350 and a 4l60e. I am not putting in anything special, but I want basics. You know headlights, turn signals, horn, alternator, starter, ignition switch, fuel guage, fuel pump. I might be missing a few things but I know down the road I will add a stereo.
Is there a company that terminates all wire ends? I have checked into rebel wire which I can get for about $130 plus shipping and tax but I have to terminate everything because they sell a universal kit. I don't trust my crimping and hate chasing wire problems later. If I have to I guess I could do it to save some cash. Thanks for your info. I am looking for feedback from past customers and satisfaction levels.

if you get a good set of crimpers you should be fine for the price get a set of klein crimpers home depot has them i use blue point or thomas and bates and use the non isulated crimp to crimp both types of connectors here is some picture of my work copy the the link and paste it to you browser socalconcepts.webs.com
if i can hel let me know
Roy
you can also click on my link below

Would every connector need heat shrinked?

I used a Hot Rod Wires harness in my '56. I soldered all connections and used heat shrink tubing on them. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.

I second cletis, soldering the connections and a little heat shrink will be as good as new. Be sure when you crimp not to crimp too tight, as the solder will do the job for you.


Jeremy

I installed all new wiring harness, front and rear,
Instead of using the PC harness, (plastic coated)
I opted for the original cloth woven type and was
very happy with the quality, although the price
was somewhere around $400-$450...I was looking
for originality...Bill B.

I concur with Cletis, When I was in school for electronics their are 2 types of wire connections, physical and electrical.
Physical being the crimp.
Electrical being the soldering.
Now we all realize for the most part the crimp gets the job done but it is not the best connection.
Soldering is time consuming but renders the best connection and trouble free operation for the long term.
I have seen many crimp connections with corrosion which can add resistance to the circuit and possible failure.
I have a 16 year old trailer, soldered connections, not one electrical problem.
Dan

Cletis said it best, "if its worth doing, its worth doing right."

YNZ is the wire harness company I went with. Great product to factory specs. With great customer service.

I called painless and the guy told me for my truck I have to buy a universal kit and terminate the ends also.

I cannot say I like soldered connections. In my experience crimped are the way to go. In the restoration hangar we never solder a terminal because vibration will eventually cause it to fail. I believe there is an FAA standard on this.
Having said that you can buy 3 way connectors that crimp, solder and have heat shrink built in, from PICO.

Crimp, solder, and heat shrink is the best way to not see smoke when you flick the switch.
I used American Wire and was very pleased with the ease of installation instructions. I got the Hwy 20 set that gave me 20 circuits as I don't know what all electrical do-dads I'll be running. American Wire also gives you extra long wires that are much longer than the original lengths. That allows you to place things anywhere you want without wire length restrictions.
I would also suggest anyone begining to start their wiring job to check with Mad Electrical. http://www.madelectrical.com/images/bar.gif
He has the best crimper I've ever used. He also has great wire terminals, butt connectors, and relays.

Oh, yeah, and good luck

Google Rhode Island Wiring Service. If you want it to be correct and original, these guys are good

I will leave making it original for the next guy. I just wanna drive the wheels of it for now.

When Crimping ..and installing a new harness spend the $ for a good set of Crimpers...I purchsed a pair of "THOMAS & BETTS" one orange handle one black...In my opinion a GREAT SET OF CRIMPERS!
just my 2 pennies.
Tim

I struggled for years trying to crimp with sorry crimpers. I bought a pair from Mad Electrical and could not be happier. I don't remember the brand name but they are great.
http://www.madelectrical.com/