Wiring kits. Alternatives to Painless? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MikeB** · 08-30-2021, 04:10 PM

A few things about universal/generic harnesses:

I installed an AAW "Power Plus" 20 universal harness in an 82 C10 back when it cost around $250. It was a nice kit and the installation turned out well, but I probably spent at least 10 hours just coming up with plans for fuse panel mounting, and instrument panel and washer/wiper connections. Thank goodness Ron Francis sells an instrument panel connector and terminals, because mine were in bad shape. Also, the rear lighting wires were not long enough even on a short bed truck.

On the plus side, the kit wires used GM color codes and it came with GM turn signal and headlight connectors. But I would never use a universal kit again, at least not on a truck with a factory instrument panel and factory washer/wiper as complex as the ones on 73-87 trucks. Probably would be easier to install on a 67-72, but I'd spend the extra $270 or so for the Classic Update kit.

08-30-2021, 04:10 PM	#17
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Wiring kits. Alternatives to Painless? A few things about universal/generic harnesses: I installed an AAW "Power Plus" 20 universal harness in an 82 C10 back when it cost around $250. It was a nice kit and the installation turned out well, but I probably spent at least 10 hours just coming up with plans for fuse panel mounting, and instrument panel and washer/wiper connections. Thank goodness Ron Francis sells an instrument panel connector and terminals, because mine were in bad shape. Also, the rear lighting wires were not long enough even on a short bed truck. On the plus side, the kit wires used GM color codes and it came with GM turn signal and headlight connectors. But I would never use a universal kit again, at least not on a truck with a factory instrument panel and factory washer/wiper as complex as the ones on 73-87 trucks. Probably would be easier to install on a 67-72, but I'd spend the extra $270 or so for the Classic Update kit. __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!



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