The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Ordering new harness, what else?

Getting ready to order a new harness for my 53. Stock 216 6v. Any good suggestions on what I should get to make the project easier? A couple of things I thought of are new firewall grommets, rubber seals for the gauges. I want to get everything needed so reordering won't be necessary. Thanks everyone and Happy New Year. Steve

The two insulators on the fenders, the headlight bucket rubber seals and wiring clips for the frame.My .02

Thanks, I forgot about the bucket seals. Are the wiring clips a ground?

I sure would like to hear more ideas from some of you experienced 'Bolters. It's all new to me, and I am probably gonna find out I'm missing something important. Steve

Steve,

I'm not sure what type of harness you are getting so some of this may not be necessary. But here is a quick list of items I would add.

1) Extra wire
2) Extra connectors
3) Extra sheathing
4) Stainless steel metal screws and star washers (for grounds)
5) Cable managers/clamps
6) Small wire ties or velcro ties
7) A good crimper and soldering tool
8) A DVOM with cue ball or alligator clips
9) A wiring diagram from the old chevy manual project web site

It also helps to have a body and arms that bend like gumby.

Good luck,

the wiring clips on the frame are to hold the wires in place, away from exhaust and sharp edges .... anything other than the harness can be found at a local FLAPS or hardware store, no point in ordering a bunch of expensive bits from a vendor that you can get cheaper locally as needed

Bill

Did you already order your kit? If not, look into American auto wire. Detailed instructions and diagrams, updated fuse panel. It's bumper to bumper. I used one recently on a 55 belair. Was awesome and easy to install.

If you need no more than original circuits (plus signal lights), this harness is very good .

Thanks. What is extra sheathing and a DVOM with cue ball? Like I said , I'm a novice on electrical matters.

Thanks Bill, good advice. Tim, that is the harness I am ordering.

Steve,

Wire loom is the same as sheathing. It is not a necessity. A DVOM, is just an ohm meter. I think harbor freight sells them for under $10. It would be good tool to have to test circuits to assure they are wired properly. Cue ball clips are spring loaded plastic clip leads that do not expose a lot of metal like an alligator clip does. Their industry name is SMD IC clips. Sometimes, in a predominantly metal environment, you can introduce shorts into a circuit just by the equipment you chose to use. It is simply a quality of work preference... alligator clips or twisting two wires together will work just as well.

Thanks for explaining that. I already have a ohm meter. Is it used after every connection is made? I have not read the instruction yet.

Steve,

That would depend on your personal preferences. You may be overthinking this effort. Just take your time, work methodically (in steps) and keep things straight in your head. You'll do OK.

While the overall task may look large, just break it down into smaller pieces (or circuits). Once you get started, you'll see it's pretty easy.
The hardest part is wiring the gauge area... not because it is complex, but because it is difficult to contort your arms and body into the necessary position. Removing the gauges and wiring them below the dash helps, but there is still a lot of twisting.

I would use the ohm meter to check your work if you're not sure about a connection. It is always better to check your work as you go along rather than have one big smoke test when you are done.

One last thing. I am not familiar with the harness you have selected, but fuses will save you a lot rework and rework is always harder than the original effort.

Very good tips. It is great that so many people have offered such good advice. I am ordering a harness from Classic Parts which was recommended by lots of folks. Steve