How hard is a rewire of a 61 with a universal harness?

[61Chevy454]

My truck needs a rewiring desperately, and I mean front to back. The last owner butchered my harness. I'm fairly certain I'm going to be buying the Speedway Economy 12 circuit harness, as it's far cheaper than all the other harness, and the quality is apparently on par, and I've even seen that it's better. Has anyone used the harness in question?

I'm also going to buy a new 5 gauge dash panel and a set of electric gauges from Omega, as I figure there will be a lot easier to wire up than the original gauge panel? It also has an electrical speedo sender so I can adjust my speedo so that it matches my bigger tire size, I reckon?

It's a stepside so I figure the brake light wiring will be easier than it would on a fleetside?

How difficult is this undertaking for someone who has barely wired anything?

Is it doable?

[72cs20]

Sure its doable. Make sure the kit you get has good instructions, follow them carefully and take your time. But remember, cheap is not always the way to go. Is tech support from the maker of the kit available? This would be important to me. I am an electrician by trade and I needed to call tech support a few times for some clarification on some things. The correct tools are also needed and vital for a well done installation.

Personally I like American Auto Wire. They make excellent vehicle specific harness kits, tech support is available and have the wiring tools if you need them. A good way to go if you have little or no experience.

I used one of their kits on my 62 with outstanding results.

[DPowers]

You might check these guys out too.
http://www.wiringharness.com/

[rvrfoot]

I would buy the stock one its plug a play Very easy.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by 72cs20

Sure its doable. Make sure the kit you get has good instructions, follow them carefully and take your time. But remember, cheap is not always the way to go. Is tech support from the maker of the kit available? This would be important to me. I am an electrician by trade and I needed to call tech support a few times for some clarification on some things. The correct tools are also needed and vital for a well done installation.

Personally I like American Auto Wire. They make excellent vehicle specific harness kits, tech support is available and have the wiring tools if you need them. A good way to go if you have little or no experience.

I used one of their kits on my 62 with outstanding results.

Would the stock harness really be that much easier to use than a universal one? Will it have a circuit for the radio?

The Speedway harness has gotten tons

Originally Posted by rvrfoot

I would buy the stock one its plug a play Very easy.

That stock harness is like $500+ vs the Speedway one which people praise at $150 plus a new gauge cluster which I could use anyway.

[61Chevy454]

I assume something along these lines is what you're suggesting? https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/52-083/

Will these work with my under dash oil pressure gauge if it's electronic? All I know is that my under dash and engine bay wiring is an absolute mess and not.only looks awful, but I'm sure is a safety hazard.

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by 61Chevy454

I assume something along these lines is what you're suggesting? https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/52-083/

Will these work with my under dash oil pressure gauge if it's electronic? All I know is that my under dash and engine bay wiring is an absolute mess and not.only looks awful, but I'm sure is a safety hazard.

The kit you've linked to is the one for modified trucks. It is the one I used because my truck is modernized under the sheetmetal, therefore needing the extra electrical capacity. But if you're looking for a stock type replacement, they have much less expensive options.

Yes, it will work with your gauge, as long as your gauge is matched with the correct sender.

Don't be afraid to pay a bit more for a complete, well thought out harness. It will save you from unwanted frustration and make the job a success. Especially if you no or limited experience with electrical work

[DPowers]

My experience with M&H is that they have great customer service. To me that means a whole lot. My understanding is that they will build to whatever your needs/wants are.