A couple questions about wiring - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75-K5 · 04-15-2004, 04:30 AM

Well I finally got my '68 running under its own power again (sort of). The clutch was messed up and I got that fixed, so the next step was to time the engine. I got it to where I thought it was running well, so I decided to drive it down the road a little. I made it about 500 yards before it started to run like total crap and then it died. I went to start it and nothing happened. It didn't even turn over. I got out and jiggled the starter wires a little, got in, and it started. I managed to limp home, but it died in the driveway again. I messed with the ignition switch a little bit and got it to crank again. When I got out of the truck and touched the door it shocked the sam hell out of me! I crawled underneath and noticed the main wire going from the battery to starter was fused to the header! I pulled it free and tied it to the motor mount with bailing wire. After a couple more attempts at starting it, it eventually quit cranking altogether and continuing to shock me both when I touch the ignition switch and when I get out of the truck and touch it.

Here's what it boils down to: Ignition does not work and shocks me when I touch it.

I have a feeling the entire truck needs re-wiring. I wish I had a picture of the current wiring to show you guys. The turn signals are backwards when the headlights are on, etc. The wires on the fenderwell are a huge clusterf*** of splicing, stripping, and electrical tape. I'd like to re-wire the entire thing. Is it a fairly accomplishable task, or should I fork some money over to a shop? There is an excellent auto electric shop in town that I've taken several other vehicles to and they've always done outstanding work. The only problem is they charge $50/hr labor. I know wiring kits cost quite a bit, so I'd probably be looking at $500+.

I think there was a question in there after all that rambling

krue · 04-15-2004, 04:33 AM

If it's as bad as you say, just get the underhood wiring harness and do it yourself. I am not an electrician, but I beleive it's not that hard.

70c10 · 04-15-2004, 08:11 AM

Do you have a regular dash cluster or a gauge cluster?.

cableguy0 · 04-15-2004, 04:34 PM

the best thing to do is either find a good used harness both in cab and under hood and just put em in. dont worry about trying to fix the mess thats already there that will drive you out of your mind

bpmcgee · 04-15-2004, 05:29 PM

I replaced both under-hood harnesses on my '71 in under an hour.

Brian

75-K5 · 04-15-2004, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 70c10
Do you have a regular dash cluster or a gauge cluster?.

I'm not sure what you mean

. Do you mean idiot lights vs. gauges? If so, I have gauges. Thanks for the help everyone. Where would I find just the underhood harness?

bpmcgee · 04-15-2004, 11:21 PM

http://www.gmcpauls.com

75-K5 · 04-16-2004, 01:20 AM

This?

"68-69 Complete Engine Wire Harness $59.95"

04-15-2004, 04:30 AM	#1
75-K5 Bucket of Bolts Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 455	A couple questions about wiring Well I finally got my '68 running under its own power again (sort of). The clutch was messed up and I got that fixed, so the next step was to time the engine. I got it to where I thought it was running well, so I decided to drive it down the road a little. I made it about 500 yards before it started to run like total crap and then it died. I went to start it and nothing happened. It didn't even turn over. I got out and jiggled the starter wires a little, got in, and it started. I managed to limp home, but it died in the driveway again. I messed with the ignition switch a little bit and got it to crank again. When I got out of the truck and touched the door it shocked the sam hell out of me! I crawled underneath and noticed the main wire going from the battery to starter was fused to the header! I pulled it free and tied it to the motor mount with bailing wire. After a couple more attempts at starting it, it eventually quit cranking altogether and continuing to shock me both when I touch the ignition switch and when I get out of the truck and touch it. Here's what it boils down to: Ignition does not work and shocks me when I touch it. I have a feeling the entire truck needs re-wiring. I wish I had a picture of the current wiring to show you guys. The turn signals are backwards when the headlights are on, etc. The wires on the fenderwell are a huge clusterf*** of splicing, stripping, and electrical tape. I'd like to re-wire the entire thing. Is it a fairly accomplishable task, or should I fork some money over to a shop? There is an excellent auto electric shop in town that I've taken several other vehicles to and they've always done outstanding work. The only problem is they charge $50/hr labor. I know wiring kits cost quite a bit, so I'd probably be looking at $500+. I think there was a question in there after all that rambling __________________ This is the project that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend....

04-15-2004, 04:33 AM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	If it's as bad as you say, just get the underhood wiring harness and do it yourself. I am not an electrician, but I beleive it's not that hard. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

04-15-2004, 08:11 AM	#3
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Do you have a regular dash cluster or a gauge cluster?. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

04-15-2004, 04:34 PM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	the best thing to do is either find a good used harness both in cab and under hood and just put em in. dont worry about trying to fix the mess thats already there that will drive you out of your mind __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

04-16-2004, 01:20 AM	#8
75-K5 Bucket of Bolts Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 455	This? "68-69 Complete Engine Wire Harness $59.95" __________________ This is the project that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend....

04-15-2004, 05:29 PM	#5
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	I replaced both under-hood harnesses on my '71 in under an hour. Brian

04-15-2004, 11:21 PM	#7
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	http://www.gmcpauls.com



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