Wiring harness upgrade

[ccautoupholstery]

I'm just curious what companies have been used for new wiring harnesses and you opinion on how you liked them (quality, easy install etc)

[kwmech]

American Auto Wire

[Wizo]

American Auto Wire

[FlameOut]

Yes, AAW. Used thier products on my Chevelle and my 72 K10. Not one problem

[Money_pit]

I've had good luck with m&h

[cdowns]

most guys have problems regardless of the manufacture due to a lack of understanding as to how the ground system works

['68OrangeSunshine]

M & h.

[beaterku]

Originally Posted by cdowns

most guys have problems regardless of the manufacture due to a lack of understanding as to how the ground system works

True story. Mine is grounded 9 ways to Sunday with a ground bus mounted under the dash. You can never have too many grounds!

[Gromit]

My two cents is it depends on what your plans are..

For example:

Electric radiator fan(s)?
Dual battery setup?
Trailer or RV tow?
Big audio amplifier?
Electric fuel pump?
Electronic ignition?
High output headlights?
Electric seat heaters?
Electronic Fuel Injection?
High Output starter?
Air suspension / Air bag system?
Auto transmission update?
Aftermarket A/C or A/C conversion?
Points ignition are you staying with that or going to HEI?

Not knowing what model truck you have or what year; but I do agree with the previous posters who mention AAW - at least for the one I'm familiar with - their "Factory Fit" line - which for example in 1970 models assumes you are keeping the external regulator and points ignition..

Hope that helps and I would be curious to see how the forum's advice might change if your plans were known to be more on the factory restoration direction or more to the hot rod path...

[jeffahart]

AAW classic update. You lose the external voltage regulator. The kit is designed for the shade tree mechanic. Well documented and you will have new clean wiring. No fire worries. Great and fun upgrade!

[ccautoupholstery]

Originally Posted by Gromit

My two cents is it depends on what your plans are..

For example:

Electric radiator fan(s)?
Dual battery setup?
Trailer or RV tow?
Big audio amplifier?
Electric fuel pump?
Electronic ignition?
High output headlights?
Electric seat heaters?
Electronic Fuel Injection?
High Output starter?
Air suspension / Air bag system?
Auto transmission update?
Aftermarket A/C or A/C conversion?
Points ignition are you staying with that or going to HEI?

Not knowing what model truck you have or what year; but I do agree with the previous posters who mention AAW - at least for the one I'm familiar with - their "Factory Fit" line - which for example in 1970 models assumes you are keeping the external regulator and points ignition..

Hope that helps and I would be curious to see how the forum's advice might change if your plans were known to be more on the factory restoration direction or more to the hot rod path...

67 c10- almost done with v8 swap from inline 6...not going stock but not quite hot rod I guess...no a/c or airbags or towing..I'm an upholstery guy though so interior will be more updated with stereo (nothing crazy) seat heaters, aux outlets etc)

[webfoot]

M&H and AAW are both high quality.

[snipescastle2]

I had a departure from the norm, I used a universal 21 circuit harness from speedway motors, but adapted it to keep the front wiring stock as well as the rear harness.
Basically, I terminated the front harness connections to the back half of the factory fuse block (firewall connector) so it looks stock under the hood. Probably more work than most people would go through, but I saved a few bucks and learned a lot about how these trucks were wired.
Ben

[88Stanger]

I just installed a universal kit from Keep it clean. It is a good kit, but you will need to transfer all the connectors over with new ends, but it was really not hard to do, but it is tedious to do. Cost was less than the other big names, but again, it took some time to prepare it.

[mcmlxix]

Has anyone use the AAW Severe Duty Complete Car Wiring Harness 510564? It's designed to mount in any environment. I was thinking of using it under the hood so you don't have to crawl under the driver side dash for access to fuses. It would be used with an LSx swap and would mount the ECU next to it as well...

[TheRocket]

We are installing the Painless Performance 67-72 Chevy truck chassis harness in my 1971 long bed. It is a 28 circuit kit which has proven to be more than enough for what we are doing, including future upgrades. We have converted the alternator to an internal regulator alternator. We are doing the work at my son's so I can't double check but I believe it has a separate wire just for this internal regulator unit. The motor has been replaced with a new locally built 350 with a 700R4 transmission. Son, Drew, gave me the fuel injection from his 1989 Firebird to put on the top. We have circuits for everything. I ordered the Classic Braid loom kit and there is enough loom that we have loomed every wire and have lots extra. I also ordered their Easy Install Tool which has made running the wires in the loom much easier and is a real time saver.

All wires are labeled; we found one that wasn't. You do have to run your own grounds in most cases. The fuse box, like everything else, is very well built. It uses the new fuses which is a plus in my books.

Through December 31, 2016, they are giving a $150.00 rebate for purchases made through a qualifying dealer. Act fast. You can find the installation manual online when you click on the chassis kit.

We are still working on the install but we are favorably impressed. Even the mechanic family and friends rave about the quality.

Good luck.

[djeCST]

AAW here as well, their Classic Upgrade kit. Excellent documentation, pretty easy to install if you follow the directions and take your time. You will need to change to a 1-wire alternator if you don't already have one. Your amp gauge isn't going to work, so anticipate swapping to a later model volt meter. Get a good set of ratcheting crimpers, too - you'll thank yourself.

Good luck!

[mad_scientist]

I have used a Painless harness for two builds (41 Chevy truck and a 64 El Camino) and will be installing one in my c10 later this year. I was really happy with them in the past.....great quality and easy to install.

[sduckworth13]

I installed the 18 circuit AAW classic update kit and honestly it was overkill. You can find something a lot cheaper if you want to keep it stock. You can save $250.00 and use toward something cool, like a tach dash. The nice thing I liked about the AAW was that it did away with the external regulator and allowed me to use a internal regulated 1 wire alternator and I never chased down a broken ground again either .

[Tdrcreyn4]

I upgraded to the AWW last year. It was straight forward and allowed me to install all kinds of extras. my two cents.

[MoFormula]

AAW Classic Update. Just finished my truck about two months ago. Wiring a utility trailer was about the extent of my previous wiring experience. Great experience and great product.