What have you learned while wiring?

[Mr.Hyde]

So I'm looking to get some advice on jumping into the wiring of my truck. I'm using the ezwiring 12 circuit mini and am wonder what was the most important things you learned about wiring and yourself?

Also if anyone with this same harness has any problems they have run into and can let me know what to look out for and the solution they came up with that would be great!

[PanelDeland]

The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with where everything goes. Lay it out on the floor and spread it like it will be in the truck. This will help you visualize what to run where and decide how to route it.

[BruthaMan]

Don't get overwhelmed (which is easy to do). As PD suggests, just take your time and lay it all out. You might even want to put sections into wiring loom (and tuck behind fender well, etc) before you make any snips on the wires.

Once grouped, it was much easier for me to work on one area at a time.

[57larry]

buy a good crimper tool

[57taskforce]

I used the ez 18 circuit harness in my 3100. Take it one section of the truck at a time and work slowly if your not completely comfortable with wiring. Make sure you get quality terminating connectors and, for all exterior stuff make sure you use weather tight connections. It's pretty simple once you get going. The instructions are kinda vague in places but I did mine in a couple weekends only working a few hours a weekend.

[Mr.Hyde]

Ha I have done all of this and am currently doing my write up on the wiring so far on my build page. I've learned there is no such thing as planning too much when wiring. and to figure out what you want your vehicle to be I want mine to be easy to work on so I am making everything easily accessible. I have bought a good crimping and stripping tool. However I am probably going to opt for soldering most of the joints. what do you guys think of reusing old connectors?

[Mike C]

Patience.

[fourspeedwagon]

I learned about the Magic Smoke inside the wires and the challenge of not letting it escape..

[cdowns]

learning the concept of grounding will make it go a lot smoother

[ujsf01]

Rule #1 to remember, resistance is the enemy of proper electrical system operation. Too much means inop components and crazy backfeeds. Too little is how you find out about magic smoke. Seriously, if the original connectors are useable, they will probably be fine. The less splicing you can do, the better off you'll be.

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by Mr.Hyde

what do you guys think of reusing old connectors?

The connector shells are generally okay to re-use unless the plastic is melted, brittle, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

The terminals inside are sometimes corroded and can be the source of poor connections. And even if the terminals are good, it's hard to transfer them over to your new wires without having to make a butt splice. To avoid that, I'd recommend purchasing some new terminals and installing them directly onto the ends of the new wires. Then just insert them into the appropriate cavity in the connector shell (do them one at a time to avoid getting the connections mixed up).

Packard 56-series terminals are the most common type of terminal you'll encounter on these trucks. 59-series are often used in headlight connectors. And depending on the year of the truck, you might find Twin-Lock or Pack-Con terminals in some places like the turn signal switch connector.

[snipescastle2]

I bought a "Speedway Motors" 21 circuit, universal harness to update my truck's electrical system. Basically, I am changing the whole under dash harness, while integrating the factory A/C and interior lights, while keeping everything under the hood stock appearing. I added some updates, such as HEI wiring and headlight relays and deletion of the external voltage regulator.
I did however, keep the external voltage regulator case mounted in it's original spot, only the haedlight relays are hidden inside that case. it's a tip I got off a 1967 Nova website. I have been checking and rechecking all my connections, to ensure no shorts, and no open circuits. so far, so good!
Good luck!!!
Ben

[Mr.Hyde]

ya right now i know i will have to cut down some of the wire like the headlight because i have maybe an extra 3 feet i have extra circuits electric choke, fan, power antenna and third brake. however the kit doesnt come with a dome light circuit... i emailed ezwiring and i have yet to get back to them due to my schedule. but im thinking i might use the extra circuits to run service led lights. has anyone used this kit before? i know with the 68 gauge cluster its like a flexible circuit board and a plug so i have almost no choice...

[michael bustamante]

hook up the battery last
solder your joints and use the proper heat shrink

[snipescastle2]

the dome light hot wire comes off the brake light switch hot wire, the ground side comes from the headlamp switch....
HTH,
Ben

[chip46wis]

Like Mike C said---patience and dont overthink it!

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

hook up the battery last
solder your joints and use the proper heat shrink

Good advise. ^^^

I try to always solder each and every wire whenever possible. At harbor freight they have this tool (made for tying flies) that has two alligator clips on a stand. Twist the wires together and put them in the clips and solder them together. Much easier on the bench.

I personally try to stay away from any crimped connectors. JMO