Wiring harness
 

So I'm finally going to be able to afford a new wiring harness for my truck which is like huge for me. Looking at an American Autowire complete wiring kit for a 1969-72 pickup. Wondering if anyone has used this harness and how good it is. Any help would be great, thanks

Re: Wiring harness
 

I have used AAW 510089 classic update, we'll worth it. Get a terminal crimping tool, about $20.00 makes it go a lot quicker.

Re: Wiring harness
 

I installed the classic set. Great product except for the headlight switch. It was junk so I just reused the stock switches

Re: Wiring harness
 

I used the AAW factory replacement in my Burban and I had no issues. The only thing I noticed is the two wires to the wiper motor were both blue and on my original one was blue and one was yellow.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Factory replacement or universal aftermarket? Big price differences. I went with the cheaper version because of money but also spent a few days getting it figured out.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Remember we have a lot of vendors on here with this product. I think MCB has them on sale, check out the vendor section of the forum and ask around to see who currently has the best price/shipping.

Side note, American Autowire seems to be the outright winner when it comes to rewiring. I'll be on this step soon as well.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Thanks for letting me know, I completely forgot about the vendor section. Just sent MCB a message

Re: Wiring harness
 

I bought mine from MCB, nice guy to deal with. Also, read the install instructions on the AAW site before you buy. If you get a classic update, you will lose the external voltage regulator and ammeter. And it's setup for HEI.

The rewire is a fun project! Just get the correct crimpers, a good wire stripper,heat shrink and loom tape. Plus I did a fair amount of soldering.

The AAW kit was nice. And like said above, keep your headlight switch you may need it. As of time I bought my kit there was only one manufacturer of the switches and they are not too good quality. I don't blame AAW, they want to give you what you need, that switch is all that's available to them.

Have fun! :chevy:


j

Re: Wiring harness
 

I find that the original wiring was copper and many aftermarket connectors and pigtails are aluminum. Are the wiring sets copper?

Re: Wiring harness
 

Delphi Packard, and I'm pretty sure they are tinned copper. But you would have to verify with AAW or MCB Matt.... I just assumed! :chevy:


j

Re: Wiring harness
 

I'm installing the AAW classic update right now. Pretty easy and really high quality. Came with new switches too (ignition, lights, etc). Instructions are very good.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Just becuase i have no idea how to wire anything...
Has anyone have an idea of how much it would cost for someone else to rewire my truck?

Re: Wiring harness
 

American Auto Wire is GREAT!! I just finished installing their classic update kit on my 1970 C10. I had zero wiring experience before this project and I had very little trouble. When I did have a question, their tech department is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The instructions are very good and easy to follow. You won’t be disappointed in their wiring kit.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Re: Wiring harness
 

You could search around here a bit, but I wouldn't be surprised to see $1500 to $2500 in labor, depending on where you are in the country. If you want it done right, it ain't cheap. And if it ain't done right, that's even worse.

Re: Wiring harness
 

It's crazy to think the parts are a couple of hundred, and its 10 times that to put them on!!
So , I'm thinking I'll lay some wires, and pull the old ones? Kinda follow the old paths?

Re: Wiring harness
 

I can honestly say if you take the time with the right kit it's not that hard. If you're using a manual transmission remember to plug the wires for the neutral safety switch together or the truck won't start. And make sure the kit comes with everything. I had to make a couple of small harnesses in my truck (thankfully the shop in work at has plenty of wire and connectors) and I had to order the heater harness but it all went in smoothly. I could've ran it a whole lot neater though. Right now it's just a tangle of wires. You'll never see it behind the gauges though. Anyway. That's just my 2 cents. Don't pay someone else to do what you can do yourself for about 1/2 to 2/3 cost

Re: Wiring harness
 

Unless you are doing a full resto, I think it is sometimes easier to work with the existing wiring and electrical schematics if at all possible. Most electrical issues on old vehicles are due to bad grounds; sometimes it seems you are forever chasing the gremlins down to get all the electronics to function as intended--maybe a never ending issue on 50+ year old trucks.

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I installed one last year. Great kit and easy to use. The only thing I would've done differently is to call them directly and have them include an electric choke power wire and a headlight relay kit.

Re: Wiring harness
 

I agree. If you took the old wires out and put the new wires in as you went along, it shouldn't be that tough. I'd recommend taking a ton of pictures, too. My memory isn't as sharp as it once was. Well, maybe have someone else take pictures, in my case. I can ruin a perfect photo opportunity.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Except it's not so easy to get the right terminals and he still needs correct crimpers, so why not get a complete harness and terminate things?

Re: Wiring harness
 

I will be getting a complete wire harness set. I have way too many wires going no where. Just last week, one left blowing in the wind got caught between the manifold and the oil dipstick tube, grounded out and fried a small section by the battery.
I added a small fuse block replacing the direct connector that was beside the battery on the fender that also burnt up. Sorry no pictures, cannot upload right now.
Biggest thing is the money. I can talk my financial advisor,"wife" out of wire harness money, not 2 grand of labor money.

Re: Wiring harness
 

Not sure I understand. If he gets a complete harness, doesn't it come with the terminals on it? I guess I don't know what "complete" means, in this context.

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Just some examples of wires going no where.
I got them out of the way for now. Have not chased them down to see where they come from. I'm also in the no reverse light world cause of the PO switching from manual to automatic with some steering column that came out of a who knows what. So a whole wiring harness is in my future.