'68 to '72 column swap

[68GMCCustom]

I'm swapping my '68 GMC body over to a '72 C10 chassis and have some questions on wiring. I'm using the '68 harnesses so I'm making changes for HEI, 105A Alternator, etc....as well as using the '72 auto column. My problem is the connectors are different at the top as well as the bottom of the column so I will need to make a harness. The 72 column has a flat connector while the truck is setup for the half round one. The bottom of the column has some connector differences too...and it may be that I actually have a van column.

I've looked all through the FAQ's and have downloaded several wiring diagrams....but figured surely someone else has done this column swap too...and changed from flat to half round conn....and maybe had a diag. for the wiring changes at the column. Anyone?

Thx!

I'm upgrading to a gauge cluster too, and hope thats fairly straight forward!

[byrd]

There is a premade jumper for that very swap you are needing for your column. Go here www.wiringharness.com
It is M&H fabricators web site. I believe the part you are looking for is 36878. Go to their site click on search by year and vehicle, and once you select 72 chevy truck scroll down about half way and you will see what it says about the part. Should be a simple plug and play swap and the part is only about $20.

[68GMCCustom]

Cool. Thanks!


question...are 1968 Chevy and 1968 GMC dash and column wiring the same? I realize there would be differences for the dual headlights, but is that it? Do they use the same connectors, wiring diag., etc?

[68GMCCustom]

one last thing before I head out there tomorrow (looks like I'll be making my own harness). is the flat type connector on the steering column for the signals, a "van" connector? or was that connector on later (after '68) GM trucks? My 68 has the half round and unfortunately I sold the '72 cab before working out my wiring details. I should have looked a little closer at it.

THX for any and all assistance! I'm trying to get my truck running and the lights working so I can finish up the details...button her up (front clip and interior)...and drive it back from Terrell. I haven't driven my truck in months.

[byrd]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

Cool. Thanks!


question...are 1968 Chevy and 1968 GMC dash and column wiring the same? I realize there would be differences for the dual headlights, but is that it? Do they use the same connectors, wiring diag., etc?

Yep should be, no reason for them to be different.

[byrd]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

one last thing before I head out there tomorrow (looks like I'll be making my own harness). is the flat type connector on the steering column for the signals, a "van" connector? or was that connector on later (after '68) GM trucks? My 68 has the half round and unfortunately I sold the '72 cab before working out my wiring details. I should have looked a little closer at it.

THX for any and all assistance! I'm trying to get my truck running and the lights working so I can finish up the details...button her up (front clip and interior)...and drive it back from Terrell. I haven't driven my truck in months.

Yes the flats are from later model vans columns, the connector you need is here ---> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-72...QQcmdZViewItem

[68GMCCustom]

Well....after pulling my '68 and the '72 apart...the '68 body is finally on the '72 chassis and the truck is up and running now, with some of the electrical working. I need to finish installing the front clip and the interior and then its coming home!

Its not the cost of a conversion harness but time I'm fighting to get the truck home. Its my driver and since my Z isn't licensed/inspected/ins...I'm anxious to get it back home. So...rather then waiting through another weekend (I plan on having it home before the end of the week) I am considering using the connector off the old '68 3sp column to wire up and replace the van connector, so I can plug into the '68 interior harness. It looks like its a straight through pin-out, any reason I can't make my own? And who knows, maybe I can even take a connector apart and feed the wires into the other connector type?

I realize there is value in the '68 steering wheel....but is there much value in the non-tilt 3sp column or the non-tilt auto van column? I'll be replacing it with a non shifting tilt column anyway in a few years when I finish the '68 chassis's rebuild and join it back with its freshly repainted '68 body.

[Huck]

Non tilt columns are worth $50. tops. You can get that flat to curved harness from GM dealers. last one I bought from the local dealer for about $9.
You can just hard wire it if you like!!

[68GMCCustom]

Oh. If I can grab one at a dealer then that makes a big difference over waiting on one to be shipped. Thx.