The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Total Rewire

So, where do I start............no, really, where do I start?

As some may have read in previous posts, I have a '49 short bed half ton that came to me with a "modern" engine/transmission, Camaro front end and a Nova rear end. Apparently it was a popular conversion a number of years ago. In any event, the truck also included a "modern" wiring harness.

Ever since I got the truck, I have been cutting unnecessary wiring our of the harness. I have kept the original GM fuse block, the steering column switches, and the aftermarket gauges. Most everything else has been cut out or cut back. I have left pigtails on most circuits in case I need to revive them for some reason. Now comes the moment of truth........

It's time to start the rewire process. I want to use my GM fuse block, and most likely will have to run new wires from the fuse block to the termination end. I have identified 23 things I will have in the truck that will require electrical service to operate. The problem is, I have no idea how to go about consolidating circuits, or just about anything else regarding the rewiring the entire truck.

I have looked online, but there are only a few very limited resources about "How To" go about doing this. I can't justify the expense of buying a pre-made harness that would include all the things I think I will need. I just want to run some wires, and have it all work.

Does anyone know of or have a book on how to go about this process, step-by-step? Maybe a really good website? Some good clues? Anyone ever done this?

Help me Obi-Wan!

have used this book numerous times . it assists me when working on hot rods over here in OZ with US made equipment i.e tilt columns etc. simple easy to understand and cheap

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Book-How-To-Wire-Your-Street-Rod,2824.html

regards
andrew

Let's see if I understand this.

1. Someone put a used harness in the truck.

2. You have been cutting wires out of it without knowing what they went to.

3. You want to rewire 23 circuits.

4. You have never done any automotive wiring before.

5. You think a booklet will help you get through it.

If all the above is correct, I think you have a potential fire hazard in the making, not to mention the problems you'll have trouble shooting before the fire.

My advice is buy a harness.

Andrew, dont know if I have mentioned this before but you have one great looking truck

Hey Andrew, thanks for the vote of confidence. I have seen that book advertised but no one to recommend it. I'll check it out.

pleasure any time . one thing to remember not sure if it covered in the book is use a master fuse (fusible link) in the supply 12v cable to the fuse panel . any damage caused by a major fault will come from the battery, fuse that with a replaceable bolt in fuse example see below 40amp or 50amp should do, larger if running fuel pump, elec windows and thermo fan then fuse at 80amp
http://www.jaydeeautocables.com.au/catalogue/Jaydee_Catalogue_hi_res.pdf
you should be able to source one over there
Nothing better than standing back and saying I did that. But read as many books and websites avaialable e.g
http://www.madelectrical.com/
http://www.alanhorvath.com/LSN3.php
http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/hot-rod-wiring.html

Great follow up information as well Andrew. You listed some sites I hadn't seen before from my searches. I've added them to my "Truck Favorites". Exactly what I was after! Now gotta get to work!

Sounds like a total rewire is in order and with a quality aftermarket
harness. Personally, I like Painless products. They sell a GM style harness
that is specifically for a truck.

I've installed, 4 of these and it is a rewarding project when finished.

WHat ever you use ....GROUND .... Ground ....Ground!
Battery to engine.... engine to frame .... frame to body .... etc etc
Also, take note of MadElectrical above..... They speak the truth on "one wire"
alternator setups vs. stock....

my 2 cents

mike

I'd have to agree with the previous posters who suggest a new harness. You can pick up one on E Bay for a few hundred dollars or less if you are lucky. Get one with lots of circuits, tear out what remains of the old harness, and start fresh. You get a complete kit with instructions and tech help line if you get stuck. Wires are correctly color coded / labelled, and guages are correct. In my case, I used a Painless Universal truck harness which is GM color coded, and had ample ciruits for what I needed, plus a few extra if I decide to install an electric fuel pump or windows down the road.

Well you all have convinced me after looking at the mass of unlabled wires one last time. I have gotten so frustrated with my lack of progress with the wiring I'm going to cut out what I have one order a purpose built harness. Most likely from EZ2wire. I like their philosophy and the products look pretty good.

I'll be calling them today to get my final questions answered and placing my order.

When you do get your new harness, take your time and DON'T cut any wires. EZ has been around for a good while and know what they are doing. If you get stuck, reread the instructions and/or call EZ. They will help you! Please feel to post questions here as well. You'll need to be able to solder and use Heat Shrink tubing, but that is basic and easy to do. You CAN do it!

best wishes,

Les

Thanks, Les. Luckily, I have learned to solder during my years as an Amateur Radio Operator and have my heat gun all warmed up.

I know I have dithered on my selection of which vendor to go with, and I think I have finally settled on my choice. I have based it on communications with people like you, who have personal experience with the products, local information (my "mentors), and even contacting the vendors themselves. I was particularly interested in the clarity of their instruction packets and the level of technical phone support.

You may be surprised at my selection. I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

One thing for sure, EZ wiring kits are quqlity & easy to follow. After a few glitches,through no fault of the harness supplier I finally have everything working good! One thing that may help is to make sure your battery is putting out 12 volts or more under load. I had a battery that charged up to 12.65 volts but only produces 9 volts under load. Also as mentioned before grounds can drive you nuts! My advise would be to make sure the battery is putting out proper voltage before trouble shooting grounds.
Good luck and don't give up.