The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay What kind of wire to use and where to get it?

I have a 55.1 and would like to eliminate the birds nest under the dash and the hood. I realize that I have to match wire sizes, but what type of wire do I use for the hot places and the normal places....How many strand, what covering, and where do I buy it. I can't affort a new harness, and my truck has been "customized" to a small extent by the previous owner. Thanks - Scott

Not sure if this will help, but have a look at the following web page(s):

General Wiring Tips

How-To page

The Stovebolt Page, The Electrical Bay.

you can get a harness from ezwireing .com for about 195.oo .in te long run it will be money well spent all wires are marked and you will not have to guess witch wire goes where .save your money and go this route

my .02 is go the new harness, it'll eliminate a lot of hassel and everything will be new and up to snuff. wouldn't want to loose it to a fire,right? plus think of all the splicing and soldering you won't have to do.

A good place I have found to buy all wiring supplies is Waytek. A lot of my husband's friends use this company, small minimum requirements and their prices are very reasonable. You can get a free catalog. We get one every year. Request it at www.waytekwire.com and you should get one within 2 weeks I think.

If you buy wire, may I suggest using tinned? The wire looks silver rather than copper. Each strand has a tin coating. This really helps to cut down on corrosion problems. Digikey (digikey.com) has a great selection of wire and connectors. Their end users tend to be electronic types, but their stuff works just a well or better on automotive applications.
I do agree though, a purchased wiring harness will save a lot of time and grief.
David

If you want something that looks close to original and will not dry out and crack, use SRML type wire available from Belden, Carol and a variety of other wire manufacturers.

This wire is has a silicone insulation covered with a braided glass cover. Fine strand coated copper and is flexible too. I have seen it in White, Black and Red. It lays nice and makes great harnesses, although working with the glass braid insulation makes your hands and fingers itch!

SRML

Bolters:
Sexy is right on, Wytek has a great catalog and selection at reasonable prices especially if you don't have the green to spring for a new harness.