View Single Post
Old 10-19-2013, 07:33 AM   #581
Xeen
Registered User
 
Xeen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Topeka Kansas
Posts: 2,655
Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod

Hey all;
Several months ago I purchased a 20 circuit Universal wiring harness from Speedy Bill.
Yesterday I finally got around to start planning for the installation.
For those of you who like me have never attempted anything of this magnitude before it can seem overwhelming to say the least.
The first step in the process was wrapping my head around the big picture and understanding that this is basically the automotive equivillent of the nervous system in the human body then things start to come into perspective.
Everything needs power and with that in mind you can break the fuse block down into two catagories, constant power and ignition on power and once you understand that things become much more clear.
Constant power consists of things such as Headlights, horn, courtesy lighting, door locks, etc.
Ignition on power consists of things such as starter, fuel pump, radiator cooling fan(s), windshield wipers, windows, etc.
Another thing to understand about a complete custom wiring harness installation is that this is a marathon not a race, take your time and do it right because you don't want your ride to burn to the ground after you have spent 1000's of hours and 10's of thousands of dollars on it.

Here is a list of tools and consumables you will need to complete the installation.
1) Crimper, Linesman pliars, Dikes.
2) Electrical tape, Heat gun, Heat shrink tubing (assortment), Protective wire wrap(Loom), Zip ties, HVAC foil tape.
3) Soldering gun, flux core Solder.
4) Di-Electric grease.
5) Patience and Perseverance.

Good wiring practices are important.
With that in mind here are a few tips I have picked up, this is not a comprehensive list.
1) Seal every connection because rust and corrosion is not your friend.
2) Use the proper connector.
3) Tag wires for reference.
4) If you have to extend a wire use the proper gauge.
5) Plan ahead and route your wiring with future access in mind.
6) If you are going to route wiring near a high heat source shield it with protective wire wrap and HVAC foil tape.
7) Secure it.

Whew that was a lot of typing, ok so hopefully this has been informative and helpfull, I know it's a lot to take in but you will get the hang of it easily enough.
Dive in head first.
Till next time...
__________________
Please call me Brian.
Check out My 1972 SWB Fleetside 5.3L Vortec Restomod Build

Last edited by Xeen; 10-19-2013 at 07:44 AM.
Xeen is offline   Reply With Quote