The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay AD Harness

I'm about to order the Classic Parts 6v w/ generator replacement harness and I'm looking for any last minute input before I pull the trigger.

http://www.classicparts.com/1950-52-Wiring-Harness-Generator/productinfo/52-023/

I'm obviously keeping the truck 6v and the only accessories I'm going to be adding are the cigar lighter, glove box light, third brake light, original heater, turn signals, 7" fog lamps, and eventually one of the original looking AD truck radios that have the digital tuner and aux input.
My plan is to use a separate period correct fuse box to run the accessories.

Any thoughts and/or suggestions?

I used their previous harness and it was just fine. Not sure how the new one is improved, but I would go with it. They have one of the lower prices on the market too. I am sending you a PM on the fuse box.

I just called up Classic Parts to double check everything and it sounds like the one I should go with.
It's not noted on their site but like the one in the same price range from Chevs of the 40's and Jim Carter, it includes the wiring for the 6 wire optional turn signals and the fuel sending unit wire.

...too bad the original style cotton covered versions are so pricey.

I am using exactly that harness, a 6v generator with turn signal harness on my 12v system. I would personally would want heavier wire if I was using a 6v system. What they offer is probably adequate but it seems too light for 6v to me.

Chuck

Really!? That makes me uneasy. hmm... I can't imagine they'd sell a weak product and talk it up so as being their answer to what they thought was a market of inferior harness' ...I guess we'll see when I get it.

The Classic Parts replacement wiring harness uses original gauge wires for a 6v system.

I have used two sets and will soon be using a third set on a 1954 6v pickup.

Sweet! That makes me feel better.

I will also be purchasing my replacement harness from Classic Parts. I have decided to upgrade to 12v system since I will be adding A/C due to the Texas heat. But, I think I will order the 6v harness so it will be easier to revert back to 6v if a future owner wants to go back original. Adding the additional wires for a three wire alternator will be simple.

Good to hear others like the quality of Classic's harness.

DavidF - When I called, they told me the harnesses are the same, 6v vs 12v. The only difference is alternator vs generator.

Harness showed up ... wrong one. Should have the new one by tomorrow.

So, the wire guages are the same whether 6v or 12v. But, it is the fact that they sell alternator or generator harness that makes me want to buy the generaror harness so that all the wires for the firewall mounted regulator are included. This way, reverting back to generator will be easier. I should have said alt vs generator, not 6v vs 12v so that it was more clear what I was saying.

DavidF,

I buy the generator harness for the same reason. On one truck, I have gone from generator to alternator and back to generator (12v to 12v to 6v).

I bought mine from classic parts, 49 chev 6v with generator. I am very pleased, It was easy to install and fit great.

Got the tracking info last night, the correct harness should be here this evening! A+ for Classic Parts on the quick turnaround!

Got my headlamp buckets this morning too.

Wish me luck! The harness is going in tomorrow morning.

Followed the instructions to the letter ... the initial post-installation shake down didn't go so well.

1. I think the dii "same as original" switch is a piece of junk and the new knob is stuck and won't release. ...and the knob itself fell right off the shaft.
2. My dimmer switch needs to be replaced. The low beam post came loose.
3. The harness was missing a couple sockets. The ends were crimped on but the sockets were, I assume, accidentally left off.
4. The pass side tail lamp lights but goes out when the brakes are applied. The stop lamp on the same side does nothing.
5. Signals didn't work at all, though I know I can redo them with separate lamps and they should work fine.

We didn't even get to starting the darn thing.

1. What is dii?

2. OK

3. Which circuit? What type of end was missing? What was crimped?

4. Incorrect connection/installation? Use a VOM to trace power. It sounds like you have a helper - that helps in trouble-shooting: two heads; and, a person at each end of a line. One person to connect/disconnect at one end, and one person reading the "signal" at the other end.

5. Did signals work with old wiring? What type of signal unit do you have?

Be patient and methodical.

Good luck.

1. What is dii?
Dii is the brand of restoration part. It came from one of the better vendors. They also have body panels, lamp parts and other stuff marked with the Dii name.
The switch looks exactly like the original but the positions aren't exact and if it is not pulled to the proper spot the dash lamps can flicker and/or go out all together. It's definitely the switch and not the wiring. I'm going to put the original switch back in and see what happens.

3. Which circuit? What type of end was missing? What was crimped?
It was the high beam indicator lamp and one of the gauge lamps both had the button end for the socket crimped on the wire but the sockets were missing. I have the originals so I'll probably just use those on the new wire.

4. Incorrect connection/installation? Use a VOM to trace power. It sounds like you have a helper - that helps in trouble-shooting: two heads; and, a person at each end of a line. One person to connect/disconnect at one end, and one person reading the "signal" at the other end.
I do have a helper and we're going thru everything tonight with a VOM. ...I'm the type who does better with a second head to bounce ideas off, otherwise I second guess every detail.

5. Did signals work with old wiring? What type of signal unit do you have?
They did. I have a Signal Stat 900. Looks as if the switch was rebuilt at some point. We opened it up to figure it out and everything down to the cardboard pieces was really fresh looking.
They were originally wired up with their own lamps, so I'm just going to go that route.

Be patient and methodical.
Trying to be.

Good luck.
THANKS!

#4 sounds like a ground problem. Be sure tail light housings are grounded to the bed-bed is grounded to frame-frame is grounded to battery. This might cure #5 also.

Agreed with you on #4/5 ... tho because of the way I had it wired, for signal/stoplamp as one bulb, the wiring could be the issue. After doing some research, it looks like the Signal Stat 900 (5 wire) is for separate signal lamps.

Yes, if it only has 5 wires you need separate lamps.

Thanks for confirming that cletis!

I got everything figured out. The tail light issue turned out to be a socket that was a little out of alignment so the bottom of the stoplamp bulb wasn't making contact. Everything works perfectly now and the ol' girl runs like new! 6v headlamps really do shine as bright as modern 12v!