The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Installation of a new wiring harness

OK So I have the wiring harness. The firewall gromets are on their way. I also have a gauge refacing kit. Am I missing anything? I mean is there something else that I should do while I am rewiring my truck? I already have turn signals.

I just want to avoid the whole "Oh I should have done this while I was rewiring my truck"

Anyone been there and have any suggests of "Don't forget to do ________."

Thanks

I don't know what all comes with your kit. But here are some supplies I use for wiring from scratch...miscellaneous crimp fitting (eye, spade, etc), a crimper, heat shrink tubing and something to shrink it with (I use a heat gun), soldering iron and solder (I solder all my crimp connections), a wire stripper, wire cutters, tie wraps, and a test light.

got all the tools need to get some shrink wrap though. Anything else anyone?

All you really need is to be patient and follow the instructions to get the job done in a tidy, professional manner.

Measure twice,cut once.

Read the instructions. Twice.

Zip-ties are your friends.

Pulling on the wires won't make them longer.

Be prepared for maneuvering around obstacles and cramming your hands and body into tight spaces.

Work on one area at a time.

Did I mention....Measure twice, cut once.

Have plenty of cold frosty beverages after completing your wiring project.

Good luck to you!

It is not uncommon to have the speedometer needle fall to pieces when you touch it. Mine did that.

Also, if you have all that out, it is probably easier to reach the wiper motor, if it needs any attention.

Good luck!

trukernix thanks that is something that I need to do! Rework the wiper motor!

Thanks

Brian,
if you get through this without a stiff neck and many skinned knuckles, we will all want to know your secret!

Fred

Fred I doubt that is going to happen but if it does I will let you be the first to buy my new Book! "rewiring your stovebolt without breaking a nail"

Heck I pulled the Speedo out last night. That wasn't too bad but I see what you mean. I think when I go to do the wiring harness I am going to pull the clutch and brake pedals. I may even pull the radio speaker grill cover to give me another access point.

I do remember someone suggesting replacing the nuts that hold the gauges in with brass knurled nuts so you can remove them by hand. I think I will go this route.

I am in the middle of a complete rewire too. I recommend bench testing all components before installation. You want to know that you have a good dimmer switch, brake switch, etc so you don't end up installing them twice. Some of these parts can be a challenge to install when you are working alone. Here's something scary I found a couple of days ago; I was about to install the dome light wire. I was running the wire through my fingers to remove the curls as it had just come out of a brand new package. The wire felt rough; on closer examination I found that there was insulation missing in places - bare copper showing! A short just waiting to happen. It was just the first 3 or 4 feet, so I cut it off and continued - bit of a quality control issue for the wire packaging co.

Thanks for the tip. Making mental note to inspect the wiring harness tonight

Ok so tonight I start the removal of the old harness. I am taking my time and going to save as much of the original harness as possible.

Got the fuel temp oil and amp gauge cluster out. Also pulled the headlight switch ( now I know why the dash lights didn't work). Also the ignition switch.

I found a couple of what I believe are Voltage reducers up under the dash. I will have to test them to see if they are still working.

I removed the brake and clutch pedals for comfort
Put a fender cover on the floor of the cab and it wasn't too bad. Of course getting in and out was the problem.