Wire Haness Kit Experiences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

salazar44 · 07-18-2007, 09:55 PM

Wondering who has used different wiring harness kits and how their experiences were. Im looking to do a complete re-wire and want to know what to look for and what to look out for. Thanks guys.

62 short step · 07-18-2007, 10:51 PM

I used an EZ wiring harness, it was an easy install. Followed all the steps and I didnt have a problem. One pointer, make sure all your connections and grounds are good.

salazar44 · 07-19-2007, 12:38 AM

How do these kits connect to our dash cluster?

19GMC63 · 07-19-2007, 12:49 AM

I used the painless kit, and overall, I was pleased. It did away with stock connectors(firewall, rad support and whatnot), which in my eyes, is a good thing. The less connections the better.
It came pre-bundled in different sections. Just cut to length and attach connectors. The dash light sockets are pre attached. Kit also has a 50 amp maxi-fuse to protect the whole harness.
I went w/ a 12 circuit, but now I wish I would have went with the 18.

I also used painless's powerbraid wire loom, it looks great and has a high melting temp better than regular convoluted loom.

salazar44 · 07-19-2007, 03:39 AM

how does it hook up to the dash and ignition? is it more of a universal type connections? If I get the painless 10112 does it come set up for HEI?

64GMCHorsepower · 07-19-2007, 07:17 AM

I bought an EZ kit, and it has plugs for the ignition, and also for the steering column. Getting ready to put it in now, so I was looking at it last weekend.....

I bought the 18 circuit, so I will have several left over.......what with no power windows, power locks, A/c ....you get the picture

looks like a pretty complete set, and every wire is labeled......

Chad

65stepside · 07-19-2007, 08:50 AM

I used the American AutoWire kit. It was easy to put in, and pretty much is exactly like the original set. All the connectors are just like the stock ones. However, I've had issues with the front marker lights, the taillights, and the light switch in the dash. this one also gave the option of HEI or the stock coil.

salazar44 · 07-19-2007, 10:54 AM

19GMC63 and Chad, do to painless or ez kits come with HEI option?

19GMC63, did you get the kit?

65stepside, what type of issues are you having with your lamp harness?

Thanks for the help guys!

Musclerodz · 07-19-2007, 12:37 PM

American Autowire has a Update harness specifically for these trucks. Has options to hook to all the factory stuff or aftermarket parts. HEI option, and comes with alot of the original style connectors along with a new ignition, headlight, and dimmer switch. No better choice on the market. Kit retails for $529, I sell them for $499. Or you could just go back completely stock with all OEM correct harnesses from AAW. More expensive, but easier to install and each harness is concours correct.

Mike

hewlett2002000 · 07-19-2007, 12:52 PM

i got my painless harness from a swap meet for $100. i couldent pass it up, brand new in the box. it was for a newer model gm car or truck so it had the column ignition plugs. it was an 18 circuit so i had plenty of wires left over. it took me two days to get it all in and working and it works great. i just cut the column connector off and ran the wires to my ignition switch. it was easy. everything works great and now i dont have shorts everywhere.
John

SIR · 07-19-2007, 01:04 PM

...if you can do it stay away from "crimp-on" connectors,I've had them come loose or make a bad connection or even fall off !! yes they have there place,but with solder and shrink wrap you know the connection is good...

onebad'65 · 07-19-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazar44

Wondering who has used different wiring harness kits and how their experiences were. Im looking to do a complete re-wire and want to know what to look for and what to look out for. Thanks guys.

I re-wired my '65 with a painless wiring harness kit and it wasn't all too complicated. The wires are labled and color coded just as the factory which made it quite simple. I know if you order directly from painless wiring, you'll pay more for the kit but I went through JEG's and saved about a $100 which was the best deal I could find at the time. I bout the 12V 18-circuit harness and it's set up for A/C, electric colling fan, electric windows and door locks, and all the basic accessories. I'm not sure if that helps or not but painless would be the best suggestion I would have for anyone that's trying to rewire their vehicle by themselves.

19GMC63 · 07-19-2007, 03:42 PM

the painless kit does come with an HEI wire. The wires attach to the ignition individually, so there's no plastic connector or anything. The ignition wires do have the connectors on out of the box. As far as dash goes, everything is individual. I have no idea how chevy dashes are, but my GMC had the printed circuit, so it just did away with the circuit, which is fine by me.

I got mine and the loom from Summit Racing.

19GMC63 · 07-19-2007, 03:46 PM

oh, and regardless of the harness, make sure you have good grounds. That would(should) be your only problem with any new harness, if installed correctly.

Paul Sek · 07-19-2007, 06:38 PM

Hi

I used American Autowire and it worked out good. My only problem was ground. I ran extra ground wires for every light. It was a little extra work but they shine brightly now. good luck

Paul S

62 short step · 07-19-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazar44

How do these kits connect to our dash cluster?

I have Dolphin guages in my truck, so I'm not real sure about that one.

65stepside · 07-20-2007, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazar44

19GMC63 and Chad, do to painless or ez kits come with HEI option?

19GMC63, did you get the kit?

65stepside, what type of issues are you having with your lamp harness?

Thanks for the help guys!

My issues: Its been awhile since i've messed with it, but it consisted of the rear lamps only coming on at half brightness and no blinkers in the back. And the fronts not blinking. I've tried switching the wiring and grounding the heck out of everything, and got nothing yet, oh and it fried a couple of light switch because of a set of wires that were switched around in the light switch cluster. still a work in progress..

PrerunnerRob · 07-20-2007, 01:08 AM

On my 2001 Silverado, the liscence plate light ground grounds the whole rear harness if that helps any!

64GMCHorsepower · 07-20-2007, 07:19 AM

Well, i put an EFI engine ine my truck, and it had a seperate harness for the engine, the dizzy hooked up throught that......so I don't know about the HEI hook-up....I found severeal connectors that I haven't used yet, and I think 1 might be the hei hook-up

BTW, when everyone upgraded to new gauges ( I have a Dolphin set also)
did you use the old dash panel, or buy one somewhere....

I made 1, but don't have a bezel around it, just a piece of aluminum with holes machined in it......

Chad

SIR · 07-20-2007, 01:15 PM

...I had the bezel chromed,the gauges and gauge panel are from "haneline"...

Ogilthorpe · 07-20-2007, 04:17 PM

I used the American Autowire kit - just finished it a few days ago. It's pretty pricey in my opinion, but it's a very complete kit with easy to follow instructions and all wires marked. It allows you to wire stock/aftermarket gauges, HEI/points ignition, stock or 1-wire alternator.

mbgmike · 07-20-2007, 04:45 PM

You really won't have any problems with any of the major brand harnesses. We sell Painless kits and also install them on customers cars. I like Ron Francis kits for my own stuff, but thats just my personal opinion. (I like the little clip on terminals) Their really is not much difference in any Mfg's kits as a whole. mainly the fuse panel. Some panels have the option to switch from battery hot to ignition hot etc just by sliding the fuse etc.

mbgmike · 07-20-2007, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64GMCHorsepower

Well, i put an EFI engine ine my truck, and it had a seperate harness for the engine, the dizzy hooked up throught that......so I don't know about the HEI hook-up....I found severeal connectors that I haven't used yet, and I think 1 might be the hei hook-up

BTW, when everyone upgraded to new gauges ( I have a Dolphin set also)
did you use the old dash panel, or buy one somewhere....

I made 1, but don't have a bezel around it, just a piece of aluminum with holes machined in it......

Chad

We sell these but right now only fit autometer. They can be powdered coated to match dash or painted. They come in chrome plated also. It's a two panel item. The gauges mount to the inner panel and they outer covers up the ring around the gauge for a more flush look. With LED's and shift indicators for manual or automatic trannys

64GMCHorsepower · 07-20-2007, 10:39 PM

Mike, will that fit a GMC dash....I would have to fill i the knob holes on the bezel otherwise since all my control knobs are on the front panel under the dash...

Chad

19GMC63 · 07-21-2007, 12:21 AM

no, they are different.
I still haven't found anyone that makes bezels for GMC's. All the custom one's i've seen were homemade.

07-18-2007, 09:55 PM	#1
salazar44 65 - Chevy C10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 625	Wire Haness Kit Experiences Wondering who has used different wiring harness kits and how their experiences were. Im looking to do a complete re-wire and want to know what to look for and what to look out for. Thanks guys. __________________ VIC One Repair Leads to Another! http://vix65chevyc10.blogspot.com

07-18-2007, 10:51 PM	#2
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences I used an EZ wiring harness, it was an easy install. Followed all the steps and I didnt have a problem. One pointer, make sure all your connections and grounds are good.

07-19-2007, 12:38 AM	#3
salazar44 65 - Chevy C10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 625	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences How do these kits connect to our dash cluster? __________________ VIC One Repair Leads to Another! http://vix65chevyc10.blogspot.com

07-19-2007, 12:49 AM	#4
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences I used the painless kit, and overall, I was pleased. It did away with stock connectors(firewall, rad support and whatnot), which in my eyes, is a good thing. The less connections the better. It came pre-bundled in different sections. Just cut to length and attach connectors. The dash light sockets are pre attached. Kit also has a 50 amp maxi-fuse to protect the whole harness. I went w/ a 12 circuit, but now I wish I would have went with the 18. I also used painless's powerbraid wire loom, it looks great and has a high melting temp better than regular convoluted loom.

07-19-2007, 03:39 AM	#5
salazar44 65 - Chevy C10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 625	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences how does it hook up to the dash and ignition? is it more of a universal type connections? If I get the painless 10112 does it come set up for HEI? __________________ VIC One Repair Leads to Another! http://vix65chevyc10.blogspot.com Last edited by salazar44; 07-19-2007 at 03:44 AM.

07-19-2007, 07:17 AM	#6
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences I bought an EZ kit, and it has plugs for the ignition, and also for the steering column. Getting ready to put it in now, so I was looking at it last weekend..... I bought the 18 circuit, so I will have several left over.......what with no power windows, power locks, A/c ....you get the picture looks like a pretty complete set, and every wire is labeled...... Chad __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

07-19-2007, 08:50 AM	#7
65stepside Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 113	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences I used the American AutoWire kit. It was easy to put in, and pretty much is exactly like the original set. All the connectors are just like the stock ones. However, I've had issues with the front marker lights, the taillights, and the light switch in the dash. this one also gave the option of HEI or the stock coil. __________________ 1930 Olds 5 Window Coupe 1960 Chevy 1/2 Short Stepside on 1965 Frame 350/350 1960 Chevy 1/2 3'' Chop Short Stepside "FOR SALE!!!" 1966 Toronado 1971 Cutlass 1972 442 1978 Chevy 1/2 Long Fleetside 2001 Dodge 2500

07-19-2007, 10:54 AM	#8
salazar44 65 - Chevy C10 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 625	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences 19GMC63 and Chad, do to painless or ez kits come with HEI option? 19GMC63, did you get the kit? 65stepside, what type of issues are you having with your lamp harness? Thanks for the help guys! __________________ VIC One Repair Leads to Another! http://vix65chevyc10.blogspot.com

07-19-2007, 12:37 PM	#9
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,365	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences American Autowire has a Update harness specifically for these trucks. Has options to hook to all the factory stuff or aftermarket parts. HEI option, and comes with alot of the original style connectors along with a new ignition, headlight, and dimmer switch. No better choice on the market. Kit retails for $529, I sell them for $499. Or you could just go back completely stock with all OEM correct harnesses from AAW. More expensive, but easier to install and each harness is concours correct. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath

07-19-2007, 12:52 PM	#10
hewlett2002000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cleveland, Tx Posts: 1,619	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences i got my painless harness from a swap meet for $100. i couldent pass it up, brand new in the box. it was for a newer model gm car or truck so it had the column ignition plugs. it was an 18 circuit so i had plenty of wires left over. it took me two days to get it all in and working and it works great. i just cut the column connector off and ran the wires to my ignition switch. it was easy. everything works great and now i dont have shorts everywhere. John __________________ Respect: 1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. 2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. 3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation. When you fail to show consideration to others values you are showing disrespect.

07-19-2007, 01:04 PM	#11
SIR SIR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: grants pass oregon,usa Posts: 658	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences ...if you can do it stay away from "crimp-on" connectors,I've had them come loose or make a bad connection or even fall off !! yes they have there place,but with solder and shrink wrap you know the connection is good... __________________ 66long low fleet http://community.webshots.com/user/LVNR66

07-19-2007, 03:42 PM	#13
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences the painless kit does come with an HEI wire. The wires attach to the ignition individually, so there's no plastic connector or anything. The ignition wires do have the connectors on out of the box. As far as dash goes, everything is individual. I have no idea how chevy dashes are, but my GMC had the printed circuit, so it just did away with the circuit, which is fine by me. I got mine and the loom from Summit Racing.

07-19-2007, 03:46 PM	#14
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences oh, and regardless of the harness, make sure you have good grounds. That would(should) be your only problem with any new harness, if installed correctly.

07-19-2007, 06:38 PM	#15
Paul Sek Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brantford Posts: 35	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences Hi I used American Autowire and it worked out good. My only problem was ground. I ran extra ground wires for every light. It was a little extra work but they shine brightly now. good luck Paul S

07-20-2007, 01:08 AM	#18
PrerunnerRob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose Posts: 847	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences On my 2001 Silverado, the liscence plate light ground grounds the whole rear harness if that helps any!



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07-20-2007, 07:19 AM	#19
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences Well, i put an EFI engine ine my truck, and it had a seperate harness for the engine, the dizzy hooked up throught that......so I don't know about the HEI hook-up....I found severeal connectors that I haven't used yet, and I think 1 might be the hei hook-up BTW, when everyone upgraded to new gauges ( I have a Dolphin set also) did you use the old dash panel, or buy one somewhere.... I made 1, but don't have a bezel around it, just a piece of aluminum with holes machined in it...... Chad __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

07-20-2007, 01:15 PM	#20
SIR SIR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: grants pass oregon,usa Posts: 658	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences *...I had the bezel chromed,the gauges and gauge panel are from "haneline"...* Attached Images __________________ 66long low fleet http://community.webshots.com/user/LVNR66

07-20-2007, 04:17 PM	#21
Ogilthorpe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 65	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences I used the American Autowire kit - just finished it a few days ago. It's pretty pricey in my opinion, but it's a very complete kit with easy to follow instructions and all wires marked. It allows you to wire stock/aftermarket gauges, HEI/points ignition, stock or 1-wire alternator.

07-20-2007, 04:45 PM	#22
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences You really won't have any problems with any of the major brand harnesses. We sell Painless kits and also install them on customers cars. I like Ron Francis kits for my own stuff, but thats just my personal opinion. (I like the little clip on terminals) Their really is not much difference in any Mfg's kits as a whole. mainly the fuse panel. Some panels have the option to switch from battery hot to ignition hot etc just by sliding the fuse etc. Last edited by mbgmike; 07-20-2007 at 04:50 PM.

07-20-2007, 10:39 PM	#24
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences Mike, will that fit a GMC dash....I would have to fill i the knob holes on the bezel otherwise since all my control knobs are on the front panel under the dash... Chad __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

07-21-2007, 12:21 AM	#25
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Wire Haness Kit Experiences no, they are different. I still haven't found anyone that makes bezels for GMC's. All the custom one's i've seen were homemade.

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