Where's the best place to get a wiring harness?

[White70C20]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've been on here. Things have been busy with my summer job. Also, I haven't been able to work on either of my trucks (I'm back home in Iowa and the trucks are in Kansas). I've decided I want to start collecting parts and supplies I need for my grandfather's C20 while I'm home over the summer. I know I need an entire new wiring harness (bumper to bumper). This brings me to my question: Where would you guys suggest I look to get an entire wiring harness?
And as with many things with this truck, I'd like to keep cost to a minimum if possible. So far I've been pretty lucky in finding parts fairly cheap for this truck, but I know the electrical side of it is going to be fairly pricey.

Thanks!

[calvin78612]

I just picked up a AAW highway 22 kit for 389.95 on ebay free shipping ! It actually came from Yogis. If you are looking for one that is cheaper try Hot rod wires, they are located in Fort Worth. It is a good product.

[Rochlow]

I did an AAW in a jimmy I had. Very nice kit.

[JWSmith]

http://ezwiring.com/
Went this route because my father in law used the same on his 1952 Chevy and said it was complete and easy.

[davepl]

I'm a big fan of M&H harnesses. They are almost exclusively the only reproduction part in my entire restoration that is the same or better quality than OEM.

No idea about AAW (or maybe they're somehow the same).

M&H offers a few options too, like replacing the resistance wire with a heavy 12V for HEI, adding the TH400 to the engine harness, that sort of thing.

Unless you're building a kit car, or converting some old 6V car, I'm never quite sure why people would use a generic harness.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

M@h or painless

[jeh]

I used AAW, very nice and a lot of options with it.

[fastlane]

AAW "plug & playish" if i didn't have a 2yr old, a 5mo old and a wife and things that need to get done around the house and a full time job, I would have been able to get it done in about 8 hours!

[colgad]

Originally Posted by JWSmith

http://ezwiring.com/
Went this route because my father in law used the same on his 1952 Chevy and said it was complete and easy.

I agree EZ had great documentation and worked with Zero issues.

[White70C20]

Awesome! Thanks guys! Hopefully I'll be able to get an entire wiring harness installed this fall (along with the engine and tranny) and get it driving.

[ujsf01]

For what it's worth, I own a part time business specializing in electrical repairs & upgrades on classics and customs of all kinds. I use American Autowire exclusively for a couple of reasons. Their kits are the most complete and have the best connectors and terminals. Their instructions are laid out very well. Their customer service is the best! Bar none! If you call them ask for Josh and tell them Steve at Hot Rod Electric recommended them!

[White70C20]

Thanks Steve! I'll definitely check into that.

[truckdude239]

Aaw

[Jb70c10]

Have to agree with AAW. In the process of installing one of their classic update series in my 70 c10 now. So far so good, easy install with good documentation. Taking my time and soldering all connections. Started out trying to get by without using their crimpers, bought a pair off amazon that were very similar but soon found out that they did not work. Went ahead and rented there crimpers and it's a night and days difference.don't try to install without using their crimpers, you will be time and money ahead

[Big Kev-O]

I just installed a EZ wiring 21 Circuit kit from ebay and it cost me under $200 Shipped. Includes GM headlight connector plug, steering column connector and a ignition plug that is not for 67-72s. I bought some GM 56 series terminals and a cheap crimp tool off ebay so I could use the connector plugs off the factory harness. Or you can always just use spade terminals. No way I would buy on of those $500 harness that have the correct connectors. If you need any specific questions answered feel free to contact me.

Check it out:http://www.ebay.com/itm/21-Circuit-E...fa92c7&vxp=mtr

[CUSTOM/10]

AAW & M&H are almost identical, the owners were partners, they split up because one wanted to move back east.

Gary

[MARKDTN]

Are you wanting a "factory" style harness in pieces or a "generic" or "hot rod" style do-it-yourself harness? Most of the replies are for the hot-rod style.

[White70C20]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

MARKDTN, I'm looking for whatever is the easiest to install and one of the cheaper harnesses. I am looking for a complete harness (everything from the headlights to the distributor to the dash and heater to the taillights).

The original harness is too far gone to try and deal with. I'm re-doing the mechanical side of things, and I'd like to have a reliable electrical system as well.

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by White70C20

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

MARKDTN, I'm looking for whatever is the easiest to install and one of the cheaper harnesses. I am looking for a complete harness (everything from the headlights to the distributor to the dash and heater to the taillights).

The original harness is too far gone to try and deal with. I'm re-doing the mechanical side of things, and I'd like to have a reliable electrical system as well.

Cheap is not always best. I personally would never use a hot-rod style harness on a basically stock truck. I would buy factory style harnesses (I like 'Lectric Limited) and just plug and play. Yes it is more expensive up front. If you have a highly modified or race vehicle I could see it. If you do the hot rod harness you still have to route and finish it-and that takes time and effort. If you just slap a bunch of crimp connectors on it you are no better off than what you already have IMHO. To do that style correctly; you must buy type 56 connectors, solder them on, hunt down missing/broken/burnt shells to fit existing switches, route and wrap the harness. Etc. Just because you can buy a "whole vehicle harness" for $100 doesn't mean you are done. My .02.

[White70C20]

The factory style wiring harnesses I've found have been anywhere from 600-800 (Classic Industries, LMC, etc.) and I'm not 100% if that is the entire wiring harness for that price.

How much is a 'Lectric Limited complete wiring harness?

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by White70C20

The factory style wiring harnesses I've found have been anywhere from 600-800 (Classic Industries, LMC, etc.) and I'm not 100% if that is the entire wiring harness for that price.

How much is a 'Lectric Limited complete wiring harness?

http://www.lectriclimited.com/shoppi...p?id=562008614


It will be in that ballpark. Looks like you save 10% if you buy the 4 main harness (engine, forward lamp, body, and dash). Some of them you mention probably are 'Lectric Limited harness as there are only a few companies that make them like that. If you have never rewired a vehicle with a hot rod harness, talk to someone with a similar skillset that has. If done right it can be a good experience and can look really nice. That takes time, patience, and some scrounging for connectors. A lot of people just crimp connect and let it ride which is great-for about a year until all the connectors corrode. There is a reason that the originals lasted 40+ years in that they are well built and protected. I am not against hot rod style harness, I am against doing them half way.

[t korinek]

If you decide on AAW get me the part #s or tell me what harness's you want & I'll work you up a discount quote, I'm an AAW dealer.
Thanks,
Tom

[White70C20]

MARKDTN, thanks for your input. I hadn't thought of it in those terms.

Thanks t korinek! I'm going to bump some ideas around and get back to you.

[neal64ss]

AAW classic update series is expensive, but still a good value. I did an EZwire 21 circuit in my chevelle and updated to the AAW classic update harness when I converted to LS engine. AAW has excellent instructions and the quality of the wire/terminals/connectors is top of the line. The EZwire harness is of very good quality as well, but instructions are not as detailed. When I get ready to rewire the 68 C-10 I will probably use AAW.

[White70C20]

t korinek, I sent you a PM.