60-66 chev - gmc wiring basics

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by markeb01

If I had it to do all over again, I would buy another Ron Francis kit like it did back in the early 90's, unless I had a near stock truck. I had several other brands of wiring panels previously, and haven't found any with the integrity of the fuse panel in the Ron Francis offerings. I prefer the feature where the wires can be disconnected from the face of the panel, since there have been a lot of changes to my truck over almost 20 years of ownership.

The one thing I would do differently - mount the fuse panel behind the glove box so it can be worked on while sitting in the passenger seat (after removing the glove box liner). I'm old and busted and there's almost nothing more miserable (for me) than twisting under a dash adding or modifying a circuit.

I can relate to the old and busted!

[ol Curt]

Heck , Some of the Ron Francis kits don't look any more expensive than some of the American Autowire.

[62gmc910]

should I do diagram of a DIY accesory system?? for those with a decent stock system that just want to add a few acc.

[BigRedTruck]

I purchased the 60 Chevy truck wiring harnesses from American Auto Wire. I have a fleetside so the rear tail lamps harness isn't available and I'm currently waiting for the turn signal harness that doesn't come with the kit either. Those are coming from The Filling Station in Carson City.
American Auto Wire doesn't provide a wiring diagram at all. So take 1 harness at a time and replace it. PS. I'm keeping my truck original with warning lights in dash. I've found that my Oil sending unit wire is either missing or is next to the dash panel accidently wrapped into that. I will know more this weekend when I put the dash panel/speedometer back in. Overall their price was $300 more than the updated wiring harness I found from LMC but that's how I found Autowire to begin with. The harness I orginally ordered from LMC was for an altenator and I have a generator.

[62gmc910]

Originally Posted by BigRedTruck

I purchased the 60 Chevy truck wiring harnesses from American Auto Wire. I have a fleetside so the rear tail lamps harness isn't available and I'm currently waiting for the turn signal harness that doesn't come with the kit either. Those are coming from The Filling Station in Carson City.
American Auto Wire doesn't provide a wiring diagram at all. So take 1 harness at a time and replace it. PS. I'm keeping my truck original with warning lights in dash. I've found that my Oil sending unit wire is either missing or is next to the dash panel accidently wrapped into that. I will know more this weekend when I put the dash panel/speedometer back in. Overall their price was $300 more than the updated wiring harness I found from LMC but that's how I found Autowire to begin with. The harness I orginally ordered from LMC was for an altenator and I have a generator.

What a pain I guess who ever provides a full kit and instructions has yet to be discovered Thanks for the feedback . It's kind of anoying that the aftermarket can't provide decent documentation. If we had all the knowledge about how ther stuff works we would just build it our selves

[66GMC-Canuck]

BigRed what was the number on the kit you got from American Autowire? The 60-66 Chevy Truck kit they sell #500560 comes with color schematics and full instructions and includes the rear body harness for the Fleetside. Do you have a different kit? This kit is $458 on eBay and LMC sells the identical kit with their part number 36-3603 made by American Autowire for $699.95

[low79fx]

American Autowire Classic Update kit#500560 is the one I got,I don't have a problem w/it,came complete w/ignition switch,light switch and dimmer switch.Every harness is included in this guy from cab to engine bay to rear body lights.Has detailed instructions w/individual colored schematics for each harness to be installed in stages.Also has a complete colored schematic for entire truck wiring included to reference all harnesses coming together to source fuse panel.I don't know what kit you bought bro but this has everything.
Oh yeah,I got mine on Ebay also for $458 as opposed to LMC's $699
http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Auto-Wiring

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by 62gmc910

should I do diagram of a DIY accesory system?? for those with a decent stock system that just want to add a few acc.

Heck Yeah!!

[62gmc910]

Here is a quick sketch , it's probably easier to respond to questions than to just draw circuits

[Bazooka]

Where is a good place to buy factory connectors? I am using a aftermarket Rebel wiring kit. I would like to use factory connectors in some places..

[62gmc910]

They are available from standard motor products/ blue streak , in canada I don't know about the states . I'm sure one of the other guys will know of a source

[Joemomma1]

Originally Posted by Bazooka

Where is a good place to buy factory connectors? I am using a aftermarket Rebel wiring kit. I would like to use factory connectors in some places..

I picked up a few factory style terminals form Napa. They have a catalog w/ pictures. The store on Jensen and 41 has them.

[72bigred]

Originally Posted by 66GMC-Canuck

BigRed what was the number on the kit you got from American Autowire? The 60-66 Chevy Truck kit they sell #500560 comes with color schematics and full instructions and includes the rear body harness for the Fleetside. Do you have a different kit? This kit is $458 on eBay and LMC sells the identical kit with their part number 36-3603 made by American Autowire for $699.95

Search ebay for the "Highway 15" I just picked up one yesterday for 309$ Delivered. Its an american autowire product and I have never had any issues with them. From what I can tell unless you go with an actual factory replacement harness build you will have issues, as one mentioned not having the tail light harness in his 60-66 kit.. I priced one out a couple years back and it would have been upwards of 900$ Thus is why I stay away from anything that claims it is for a specific year replacement because nothing is perfect unless you pay the big dollars. The highway 15 comes with ignition/light/bright and is a straight forward install with very clear instructions. I will have it in a few days and will be breaking it open if you would like some clear pics of what it includes and a pic of the instructions I would be glad to send one over to ya, just PM me your email, make sure ya remind me what you are pm'ing me about hehe.

Reid

[62gmc910]

Basic trouble shooting;
Start with the battery connections clean the posts and clamps with a wire brush post cleaner or better yet if you are changing cables get GM side post cables and battery. Always seal the connections with either spray on sealer or just chassis grease. you can just use spray paint to seal (maybe to match your truck) corrosion needs air.
When your truck is not in use disconnect the battery
All you need to trouble shoot is a test light.
Don't poke wire insulation to test, you will start a corrosion point
All connections should be soldered and shrink sealed, use good double wall shrink tubing. At very least use uninsulated crimp connectors with shrink tubing.
The connection from the battery to the horn relay is problematic on these trucks mostly at the battery end. and to repeat myself from earlyer posts anything over a stock 37 amp alternator should have the "bat" terminal wired directly to the battery

[valero]

hey all...the best product and service reviews ive come across were HOTROD WIRES AND REBEL WIRE....check out their products...im sure all of you will enjoy the pricing made in the US as well

[ravens65]

I bought an e-z wiring harness ( mini 20)and they suck ,first thing you have to do is make a bracket to mount the damn thing , customer support sucks too , some girl told me to screw it to the firewall- I said " you mean the firewall that I just put 100 hours in to smooth it ?" it had little tabs that need holes w/a slot cut in them to mount -diagrams are generic - get the ron francis

[low79fx]

Originally Posted by 66GMC-Canuck

BigRed what was the number on the kit you got from American Autowire? The 60-66 Chevy Truck kit they sell #500560 comes with color schematics and full instructions and includes the rear body harness for the Fleetside. Do you have a different kit? This kit is $458 on eBay and LMC sells the identical kit with their part number 36-3603 made by American Autowire for $699.95

I'm with this brother,I haven't had any problems with this install.Hell I'm ready for state inspection,just got title transfer and insurance today.I don't know what you'll are buying as far as wiring kits,but for the money you can't beat this one with a stick.Yeah,I looked at all the before mentioned kits and suppliers,hell even Ron Francis as expensive as his stuff is didn't come close to including everything this kit had.All I know is I'm wired and ready.From frontend to backend,engine bay and cab.No complaints,I would buy American Autowire again anyday.

[DPowers]

I have used these guys and like them. Customer/Tech service was very knowledgeable and helpful.

http://www.wiringharness.com/

[low79fx]

Here are some schematics that might come in handy.
Just posted a few diagrams in electrical forum.I hope they help.Lines got a little off but you can still trace them out.Heres the link,let me know if it helps,I may have others that i forgot.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378484

[62gmc910]

Originally Posted by low79fx

Here are some schematics that might come in handy.
Just posted a few diagrams in electrical forum.I hope they help.Lines got a little off but you can still trace them out.Heres the link,let me know if it helps,I may have others that i forgot.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378484

The kit that this applies to American Autowire Classic Update Series
I just took all that info. off to make sure no problems arose as far as logo infringements.

This diagram should also help with troubleshooting a stock system just a few connection points may be different

[Rich 5150 69]

Here`s a link that everyone needs to down load, I`ve even printed it out so I`ll never lose it, lot of useful info on wiring.
http://scottsautorepair.net/images/s...RelayGuide.pdf

Note very large PDF file

[lakeroadster]

I have installed (2) Painless Wiring kits:
(1) in my Model A (a 18 circuit universal GM keyed harness) and,
(1) in my Model T (a 8 circuit universal harness).

Both these cars are hot rods that I built from the ground up and therefore had no wiring at all when I started. Other than some home wiring and tinkering with cars I had no experience with wiring a complete vehicle. I have yet to have a fuse blow on either of these vehicles. The Painless Wiring instructions are very clear and their technical help line is very knowledgeable. On my Model A I used a '67 Camaro dash with all stock GM factory switches and a 72 tilt steering column. The technical people at Painless walked me through all the connections for my custom installation.

I highly recommend their products. They have a standard harness for 63-66 GM / Chevy trucks.

12-CIRCUIT GMC/CHEVY TRUCK HARNESS

#10112 - Designed for use on 1963-66 GM/Chevy pickups. This 12-circuit kit includes the following connectors preterminated to the harness:Wiper motor, dimmer switch, brake switch, wiper switch, headlight switch, horn, dash light sockets and warning light sockets. Kit also includes alternator pigtail with connector installed. Will work with single or dual dash turn signal indicator.

The harness is $414.99 and if you buy it before March 31, 2010 you can get a $100.00 rebate.

Here is a link to Jeg's http://www.jegs.com/i/Painless/764/1...Painless+10112

Actually the $100.00 rebate applies to many of Painless' harnesses. Here is a link to the Painless website: http://www.painlesswiring.com/

Painless also has a remote mount (14-CIRCUIT REMOTE MOUNT MICRO FUSE HARNESS #10130) and a truck mount (TRUNK MOUNT CHASSIS HARNESS
#10120). Like Markeb01 discussed this type of harnesses will allow you to mount the harness any place you desire. On my Model T I placed the harness under the seat and the seat bottom cushion pops out. I am thinking about a center console mount harness for my '65 C10.

[62gmc910]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Here`s a link that everyone needs to down load, I`ve even printed it out so I`ll never lose it, lot of useful info on wiring.
http://scottsautorepair.net/images/s...RelayGuide.pdf

Note very large PDF file

Thank you Rich that is a great source of CLEAR information

Moderators IS this thread worthy of a sticky ????

[62gmc910]

What about some sources /experiences with replacement switches?? and any body wanting to use relays check out Rich's post for the relay manual this is great info and explains which relay for the job

[Rich 5150 69]

[QUOTE] What about some sources /experiences with replacement switches?? and any body wanting to use relays check out Rich's post for the relay manual this is great info and explains which relay for the job
/QUOTE]

62GMC910 what I haven`t figured out as how to run a relay on the heater switch without it going to high position or I`m just being dumb here....