![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Bloomingdale, Georgia
Posts: 22
|
Correct Wire Gauge Selection
I'm hoping some of you much more knowledgeable and experience members may be able to easily answer this for me. I've been slowly working through different electrical issues with my 72' longbed but I haven't been able to find anywhere that recommends what gauge wire should be used. I think I bought a few spools of 16ga and that's what I've been using but I'd feel much more comfortable if I knew this was correct. Any Recommendations?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
The factory service manual has the wiring diagrams indicating color and wire gauge for most of the circuits. They can be found in section 12. Most of The generic charts do the same but often come up short on option wiring.
RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here
__________________
Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Bloomingdale, Georgia
Posts: 22
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
Thanks TIM! That link to the manuals is like gold! You probably just gave me access to the answers for hundreds of questions I would have had.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 712
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
Some general rules:
Low current stuff (less than 5 amps) - 18 awg (Side marker lights, relay control wires, instrument lights) Med current (5-10 amps) - 16 awg (Tail lights) Med-high current (around 10-15 amps) - 14 awg (Headlights) High current (20+ amps) - 12 awg (Coil wire, heater fan) Over 30 amps you will have to size to what you are doing. Size a little bigger than you need. If you are doing a long wire run, you may need to upsize your wire. Don't be tempted to use 20 awg and higher number wire for automotive stuff.
__________________
1972 GMC Jimmy Custom 4.8L (L20)/6L90E/NP205 1989 Chevy Suburban V2500 350/Turbo 400/4.11 gears 1996 Chevy Suburban K1500 350/4L60E |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin & Arizona
Posts: 4,844
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
Gauges and colors shown here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=185665 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Podunk, Texas
Posts: 747
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
I would add to make sure EVERYTHING is appropriately fused...for instance, in my '67 the cigarette lighter originally had a 12 gauge wire running to a hot terminal in the fuse box...no fuse...I connected a fused jumper between that wire and the fuse box. Better to blow a fuse rather than melt a lighter or a wire....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
RAT1968 '68 Cab/'71 Parts
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coarsegold, CA
Posts: 2,375
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
Quote:
Fuse. Fuse all the way.
__________________
M17 Coarsegold, CA RAT's shiny now. But always a rat. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 167
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
Because it is NEVER fun to be driving down the highway one night and have smoke come pouring out from under your dash. Ask me how I know
![]() Oh that 67 Mustang was a fun car....but I knew nothing about wire gauge requirements when I rewired some of it. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: alvin, texas
Posts: 622
|
Re: Correct Wire Gauge Selection
here is a handy dandy wire chart
__________________
1967 C10 lwb two tone, 305 & rat fink style floor shifted 700r4, 20" steelies 2004 2500HD utility bed aka Brutus |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
electrical, wiring |
|
|