Project 68 k10 LWB..aka "The Hulk"

[First c10]

Shout out to Fred at Specialty Retail and the Quality of the people on this forum. I could not locate the special washer and nut to hold the windshield wiper switch to the dash. Fred sent me a set no charge.
I wanted to say thank you!!!

[swamp rat]

Fred's a good guy, I bought from him a number of times, even talked him into shipping a bumper that he didn't want to ship.

[First c10]

Since I have basically moved every wire around in the harness I decided to add a ground block behind the instrument cluster. The harness has ground wires running through out it. One thing I always run into is finding a ground location especially with the smooth firewall.

I plan to solder the ends and clamp them in.

[renegade6]

That's a damn good idea!

Originally Posted by First c10

Since I have basically moved every wire around in the harness I decided to add a ground block behind the instrument cluster. The harness has ground wires running through out it. One thing I always run into is finding a ground location especially with the smooth firewall.

I plan to solder the ends and clamp them in.

[First c10]

Originally Posted by renegade6

That's a damn good idea!

Thank you. It’s a grounding block from Home Depot. They have about 6-8 different styles.

[First c10]

I also wanted to have my cargo light come on with the door or by the ditch or not at all. So I got a 3 position switch and started to wire it.
Pushed to the left. Cargo light on
Middle no cargo light
Right cargo light on when the door is open.

[First c10]

Slow going on the wiring... I bet I have 100 hours in it!!! or at least I feel like it.
I am currently connecting a remote start and keyless entry module. All packard 56 connectors and soldered with no butt connectors or tee taps.
I have re routed almost every wire in the harness. No good pictures but I will as soon as I have the wiring tested and secured.
I have put a list together of things to get from the Turlock Swap-meet this weekend in Turlock California. Anyone else going???

[First c10]

As I said in the last post. I have been pulling the harness apart and moving wires around. The pictures are of me removing the factory connector to the switch to splice the remote start wires in. I soldered the Morning and placed 2 layers of heat shrink. The white connected looks like GM did it!!! If they used white Delphi/Packard 56 connectors.

[First c10]

Started to get the speaker installed I used a 5x7 dual voice coil retro sound speaker. I picked up a half-inch thick foam board from Hobby lobby and some black polyester material.
The speaker is directional as you can see in one of the pictures the tweeters are at an angle I am assuming that it’s supposed to be that way.
I forgot to take a picture after I covered the speaker and foam.i did get a shot when testing from the top of the dash down.
I did have to get polish out from between the slots in the dash.
I will get a picture from under the dash to show the room or lack of between the speaker, stereo, and AC vent.

[First c10]

Last night finished up the install of the Retrosound Stereo. Since the stereo was in and wired, speaker installed, A/C installed, wiper system installed I decided to put the Key cylinder in, fuses in and hooked up power and ground to test them out. I turned the switch turned the stereo on and it worked so CHECK, wiper motor high and low CHECK, A/C blower on CHECK.
What a great feeling to have spent this much time wiring and so far the under the dash wiring is working as planned. Now its time to check the under hood wiring, front lighting harness, rear lighting harness and LS harness wiring...

[First c10]

Yes I did they look good. The hdx do a few things that the rtx don’t.
I just received mine Wednesday. Just waiting on the bim module.

[First c10]

Worked on installing the LS harness on the motor. Had to shorten a few wires like the o2 MAF etc. Finished up the connectors for the rear lights, fuel pump, and fuel gauge wires.
Just waiting on th BIM module for the HDX gauges so I can wire the obd2 connectors.
Next to install radiator support to build a custom mount for the ECM and then build the wire loom to it hiding the wires in the fender.
I can’t believe how much time it has taken to get this wiring squared away. I literally have over a 100 hours in it.
GO RAMS!

[DWilbur]

Did you pull the trigger on the Dakota Digital's yet. I'm waiting to see how income tax works out this year.

[First c10]

Yes I did. Needed to get he modules installed as I am in wiring hell. Just want it over.

[DWilbur]

What trim did you go with. I was thing about keeping mine as stock looking as possible.

[First c10]

I went with the HDX series in graphite or black looking. I picked up a new re-pop – bezel from a board member a few months back. I went with the HDX series instead of the RTX because the HDX had a little bigger digital screen. The rtx look very stock.
I also ordered the bim modules so I can use canbus for my gauges. I also ordered an outside temp / compass module.
I bought them from Matt at MCBparts a board sponsor.

[First c10]

I have been working late the past few days but am close to having the wiring done.
Received my new battery today. Optima blue top. Now need to run the custom cables to the starter and alternator and an under hood distribution block.

[First c10]

Was able to get the 1/0 pure copper cables made up. I added a 200amp breaker under the cab next to the battery box. It reads waterproof. Not like I am going to be driving this in the rain. I still have to mount a distribution block for the under hood power, like alternator, cab power, Headlight relays, etc.

Also my upholstery guy picked up my dash pad to make a custom cover.
Can’t wait to get it so I can finish the dash.

[derotoreut]

Please explain the last picture. Is that the distribution block?

[First c10]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Please explain the last picture. Is that the distribution block?

Ok so I am sorry this was not described correctly.
This is a tee (if you will) to the starter. The one running towards the camera will go to an actual distribution block.
I hope this makes sense.

[renegade6]

It will be interesting to see how the breaker works. I've heard that there almost isn't one large enough to put on the main lead.

[First c10]

Originally Posted by renegade6

It will be interesting to see how the breaker works. I've heard that there almost isn't one large enough to put on the main lead.

Dude! You are so right. I frigged up and put in the wrong place. I was supposed to put that after the starter. Damn! Now how to remedy it.

This is what happens when you plan something years earlier and forget how it was supposed to be installed.
What to do.... Make new cable???? Install a very large breaker?????

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by First c10

Dude! You are so right. I frigged up and put in the wrong place. I was supposed to put that after the starter. Damn! Now how to remedy it.

This is what happens when you plan something years earlier and forget how it was supposed to be installed.
What to do.... Make new cable???? Install a very large breaker?????

Did you solder the cable ends to the cable and use shrink wrap?

[First c10]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Did you solder the cable ends to the cable and use shrink wrap?

Hey Mike, I used a Copper terminal, a Hydraulic crimper and heat shrink.

I think I am going to get a 500 amp ignition breaker so I don't have to make new cables.

[derotoreut]

Sounds like your wiring is going to have to change. That sucks. Good luck with it and post your pictures. Keep up the good work.