72 C10 OEM, Classic Update Harness Questions

[BuffDrinkLots]

Hey all,
So, when I purchased my 72, the owner had a new in the box Classic update kit from American Autowire. I know the truck runs, it just has the dash harness taken out. My question is this, if I were to purchase the original factory harness from AAW instead of of messing with the Update install, can the other harnesses from the Classic Update harness be "mixed and matched" to go with the factory dash harness? Such as the Dome light harness, Front and rear light harness, etc. Seems a waste to not use the classic update stuff, I just have no "need" for it. No power windows, a/c etc. I don't have the time right now to crimp up the update harness. What would you all do? Also, it seems like the classic update turn signal/column connector looks very different than the factory, as there is no half-moon style connector in the kit. Thought that was odd.
Thank you. This site has helped so much with my build. I m grateful.

[MikeB]

I installed a Classic Update harness in a 66 Chevy C10. I could have used it on a totally stock basic truck or one with A/C, HEI, power windows, later model steering column, etc. Don't know what to say about the missing turn signal/column connector. It is even included in the universal kits!

Since then I have installed one of their universal harnesses on an 82 pickup, which wasn't trivial, but I saved $400 over their Classic Update kit for 73-87 trucks. Have to tell you their tech support guys are awesome!
I'd suggest you get your ducks in a row, write down your questions, and call them.

[68 P.O.S.]

I don't believe you can mix and match everything with an AAW harness. Can't remember for sure. The way you're describing wanting to do things, it sounds like you will be better off buying stock style harness sections from M&H because they're plug n play like you want. The half moon connector isn't used by AAW, they include a later model year connector. On mine, I de-pinned it, and reused it.

[MikeB]

Here's what AAW says about about GM turn signal switch connectors:

69-74 -- 3-7/8" straight connector
75-up -- 4-1/4" straight connector

I don't understand why your 72 truck would have the half-moon connector used on 68 and earlier trucks. What am I missing here?

[Rich72C10]

my 72 has the half-moon connector in it. While I can't be sure, I don't think the wiring has been replaced, though maybe it was (it is not in bad shape).

[REDROCKER652002]

From what I remember everything for AAW is prewired into the fuse block and the other bags just plug into the wires already in the block. My son and I rewired his whole truck in a few weekends, and I am slow and very overly careful when doing something for the first time. I would use the AAW kit and scrap the other stuff. The AAW kit has a separate harness that will allow you to add stuff like power windows, stereo, separate radiator fans and other accessories. And yes, to whoever said their customer service is good, I second that. I called them a bunch of time and they never were at a loss for assistance. AAW to me, is a solid product with great customer service.

[MikeB]

All I can determine is cars switched to the 3-7/8" flat connector in 69, but apparently trucks didn't. So I stand corrected.

[A1971Blazer]

I think there is an adapter available for the column connector

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by REDROCKER652002

I would use the AAW kit and scrap the other stuff. The AAW kit has a separate harness that will allow you to add stuff like power windows, stereo, separate radiator fans and other accessories. And yes, to whoever said their customer service is good, I second that. I called them a bunch of time and they never were at a loss for assistance. AAW to me, is a solid product with great customer service.

I have installed two AAW kits -- a Classic Update kit in a 66 C10, and a universal kit in an 82 C10. Also used a universal kit from EZ Wire to do a friend's 37 Chevy car, and a Ron Francis universal kit in a 55 Chevy car. Just remembered I also did an AAW engine harness kit in a 64 Impala.

I'd rate both AAW and Ron Francis very high, however the RF kits don't use a bulkhead connector, but instead run wires through the firewall. On the other hand, AAW uses GM replica bulkhead connectors in their Classic Update kits. Some people like the RF kit because there are fewer connections to fail, but it would be a pain if you ever needed to remove the front clip.

Both have very good instructions and tech support, but I think AAW is a little better in both categories. And both are light years better than EZ Wire's poor instructions and arrogant tech support. The only nice thing I can say about them is they used good quality GXL wires with thicker high temp "cross-linked" insulation, as do AAW and RF.

I haven't use Painless, but I have used their 132 page(!) manual for their 73-87 pickup kit to get information I couldn't find anywhere else. I suspect their products are also first rate.

[BuffDrinkLots]

Thanks everyone for the input! As to the half moon connector, I’m not entirely sure why my 72 has one. I’m pretty sure it can be discarded though. I’m gonna tackle the Update kit. But no way I’m buying the crimpers from them. The guy at Brothers posted on YouTube that a good ratcheting set would suffice. Gonna take the advice here and use only what I need, scrap the rest. Seems like too much harness for what I need ha. Now I need to look into this deal about going from an external alternator to an internal, per what AAW says. I have HEI distributor already. Any threads on that? You guys are the best.

[my kids toy]

I just installed a classic update and it took me about 40 hours it seems like and I have a box full of extra wires that was not needed from being cut for length and items I did not need

[MikeB]

I used these for several jobs. The kit has several different dies that work with many types of terminals, including the Packard Delphi type.

https://toolaid.com/product/18920