Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-16-2007, 03:54 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,373
|
Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Ok truck lovers...as I was sitting here continuing my Truck 101 education...the thought came to me? When my truck is bing restored this winter....should I have all new wiring installed or keep the original. I know there are about a dozen manufactures out there...is one of them really a head above the rest as far as quality and ease of installation? Thanks in advance!
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 12-16-2007 at 03:55 AM. |
12-16-2007, 04:09 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
IMHO I would replace the wiring in your pickup. The original wires are at least 38-40 years old and may have alot of barespots yet uncovered that could cause problems later down the road. As stated in another post youll be kicking yourself for not replacing the wiring after the truck is back together (and its probably gonna be TONS easier to replace the wiring with everything apart.)
As for wiring kits Ive heard alot of good things about Painless wiring kits for ease of installation. Everything is marked as to were it goes and comes with easy to follow instructions and a new fuse box that uses the modern blade style fuses. The down side is $$$ cost, The Summit racing catalog lists the full 18 circuit GM truck wiring kit for $319 dollars plus tax and shipping (if applicable) Im sure though someone else on the boards can point you towards either a board vendor or other source for wiring harness kits. Just my .02 cents
__________________
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
12-16-2007, 04:13 AM | #3 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,992
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
40 year old wire with brittle cracking insulation.Has probably had stereo,trailer and other accessories wired in at some time.Along with hardened brittle Grommets.Yeah, I think that's the way to go!
"NOT!" I always figure if it's worth doing it's worth doing right.There are some things to consider though.What style of truck are you building?A fairly stock truck can use an OEM style harness while a full on custom will probably require a few extra curcuits and may need to be hidden as much as possible.Budget should also play a role.OEM style harnesses are available from most of the BB vendors as are the aftermarket style.You will need to have a plan so that you can let them know what accessories you will be running. To answer your original question,yes replace the harness.
__________________
The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
12-16-2007, 04:31 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,373
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
As far as what type of truck...it will be close to stock w/o a lot of mods. I have added pertronics....otherwise it will be close to the way "electrically" that it left the factory. It now has 5 lug verses 6 lug but not many other changes have taken place. I look at my budget and all the work translates into $$$ but sounds like this would be a well spent investment. Thanks for you replies thus far.
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 12-16-2007 at 04:32 AM. |
12-16-2007, 04:51 AM | #5 |
Retired Air Force Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024
Posts: 1,808
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
I would recommend replacing the harness as also suggested by the previous posts. There are allot of manufactures out there selling great harnesses and those selling not so great harnesses. A good OEM replica harness is the M&H.
Vendors such as GMC Paul sells this harness.
__________________
Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors |
12-16-2007, 05:00 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Desert Southwest
Posts: 540
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Replace if you have a mind to. There are so many potential gremlins and intermittent problems lurking in the old wiring. Cracked or broken wire strands. Cracked, worn, brittle, missing insulation.
|
12-16-2007, 05:03 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
i'd first clean(gojo works great) and inspect the original harness and see exactly what you've got if in fact the wire is rotted and cracking replacr it but if its not then i see no reason to spend hundreds for a replacement if all it needs is a little attention i've reconditioned meny wiring harness in the 50-60 year old range that are still working fine
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
12-16-2007, 06:54 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 291
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
$300 or so is cheap insurance to keep your truck from burning to the ground. Ask my neighbor who almost did that to his '55 shoebox.
__________________
'56 truck (the never ending project) '06 Z/71 loaded (daily driver) '07 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (wife's driver) Gone: 72 SB, 67 CST, 57 BBW, 47 Panel streetrod, |
12-16-2007, 07:01 AM | #9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 175
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Quote:
i would recommend inspecting it first, I just did that I was actual very suprises at the condition of the wiring. 90% looked new, especailly the stuff that was still wrapped. I cleaned and re-wrapped. Did have a couple areas were they had been modified but that is fixable. Even the engine compartment was 100% sound.
__________________
1972 c-20, 350/350, dana 60 w/456 gears(no Posi) |
|
12-16-2007, 07:32 AM | #10 |
Old Skool Club
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
www.wiringharness.com is an excellent resource for part numbers and availability. That is the website for M&H Fabricators. I've used them and they are very good to help with technical questions you may have.
There are many vendors on here who sell their products. Catalogs from M&H are free.
__________________
Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
12-16-2007, 08:31 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Center City, MN, USA
Posts: 3,254
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Like cdowns and TotalChevy1 have pointed out, I would fix what you got. Here is a secret that will save you a ton of money.
Go to your local NAPA and ask for part number 725147. That is the NAPA part number for the brass colored wire terminal (female) inside 99.9997% of the electric connectors in your truck. The male terminal part number is 725145. After inspecting wires, if you see a patched, cracked, or frayed wire, simply find both ends, slip those terminals out of the harness, measure the correct length of the correct colored wire, and replace it. You can buy TONS of those terminals for a couple of pennies each. I keep a handful of both male and female ends in my electric box at all times. You never know when you may need to fix a wire. Lowe's, Home Depot, Menard's etc. all carry many different colors of different size wire. For what its worth, I use WAY more female ends than male ends. Which makes sense as the back of switches, your headlights, and relay connectors all plug in to male spades. I just typed those part numbers into NAPA on-line. They are available but "must be purchased from your local NAPA Auto Parts Store".
__________________
'70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN |
12-16-2007, 10:49 AM | #12 |
LAIDOUT
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 928
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Do it! I didn't look forward to installing my painless 18 circuit wiring kit, but once I got into it, I was surprised how easy it was.
|
12-16-2007, 11:38 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,373
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
Thanks guys...this is good info.
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
12-16-2007, 12:09 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 1,317
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
My 2 cents----I really thought my wires were in good shape---a good friend that works at the world famous Muscle Car Restoration here in town made a good point----for under $200.00 get new wires so all that hard work doesnt go up in SMOKE.
I bought a EZ2wire for around $200.00 NO it is not installed as I am not at that point,and yes I am lucky if I reach a snag I have several of the top Rodders-mechanics as good friends. |
12-16-2007, 01:08 PM | #16 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,690
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
I've only owned 4 of these trucks... and they were all worked hard most, if not all there lives. Every single one, I inspected and repaired any problems, which were far and few between.
The aftermarket is making billions of dollars off the FEAR of electrical repairs. It's real easy stuff, and odds are, you don't need to rewire the whole truck. |
12-16-2007, 04:06 PM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 331
|
Re: Question on rebuild...new wiring or not?
If you do replace the harness (which was a no brainer for me as my trucks had rat's nest wiring) look at the Harnesses sold in the Classic Parts Catalog made by American Auto Wire. I bought one from them that was an absolutely perfect match. It went in so nice and had ALL the right plastic gutters, wire ends, colors, heat proof wrapping, etc.
I also installed a "painless" kit in another truck that needed all sorts of fittings and grommets installed and such. And it didn't have the wire ties in the right places, and basically took way more time and effort. But it did cost about half... |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|