Where did you buy your wire harness? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Amperes · 10-14-2009, 10:57 PM

Hello again, everyone. I am trying to figure out where I should buy a complete wire harness for my pick up.

Basics:

1966 Fleet long bed
68 350 under the hood
A/C has been ripped out though I want to add a fan for the heater
Plan on modernizing the tail-lights(LED), headlights and possibly the parking lights
Will add a stereo system (nothing to fancy... I just wanna turn up some Trace Adkins)
Will add CB radio
Possibly adding a tow package

So far I have looked at:

What do y'all have wired up?

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

jgh64pkup · 10-14-2009, 11:01 PM

EZ wire
http://www.google.com/search?source=...z+wire&aqi=g10

chevytrucknut61 · 10-14-2009, 11:24 PM

I got mine from Ron Francis wire works 20 years ago. It was built for every thing I was doing to my truck.
Ben

markeb01 · 10-14-2009, 11:46 PM

Mine is also Ron Francis, also installed almost 20 years old. If I were to do it over, I'd use Ron Francis again. Their products are spendy, but I've made numerous changes to my setup over the years and modifying the connections at the panel is easy. They were the originators of the aftermarket harnesses and remain at the top of the heap (imo).

Painless Wiring is far better advertised and very popular, although it lacks the flexibility of attaching the wires to the front of the panel (which was/is important to me). One thing I would do different if I was to rewire my truck - I'd mount the panel behind the glove compartment. It's much easier to work on wiring while sitting in the passenger seat, than twisting around under the dashboard. The older you get the more important this becomes.

Even if a Ron Francis kit doesn't interest you, I'd suggest looking over their website as they have a lot of good wiring tips.

On the other hand, if your truck is going to remain basically stock, there are replacement harnesses available which are much cheaper and retain the original simplicity.

*lakeroadster* · 10-15-2009, 06:52 AM

I have installed (2) Painless Wiring kits. Their instructions are very clear and their technical help line is very knowledgeable.

I highly recommend their products.

John

*LILRED66* · 10-15-2009, 07:17 AM

For a plug-n-play application, I use:

www.bowtiebits.com
www.lmctruck.com
www.classicparts.com
www.oldchevytrucks.com
www.truckandcarshop.com

Good luck with your wiring project and keep us posted on what you do.

*CWT* · 10-15-2009, 08:37 AM

I used Rebel Wire kit on my truck. Very pleased. Ive used Painless on other projects. The Rebel kit is priced very reasonable. I was kind of scared it would be a piece of poo but it is a very nice harness.

http://www.rebel-wire.com/

**DPowers** · 10-15-2009, 09:03 AM

M&H
http://www.wiringharness.com/

VA72C10 · 10-15-2009, 09:13 AM

Good info everyone

ChevySixty6 · 10-15-2009, 01:12 PM

I'm still in the process of putting in 3 harnessess i bought from Classicparts (formerly Chevy Duty). I got the starter/coil harness, alternator horn relay one, and the underdash with the fuse block. The ends were numbered and corresponded to a sheet they included telling where everything hooks up, at least on two of the harnesses. The one that didn't have any wire numbers was the underdash one. And i thought great, now what do i do. But once i looked at the harness and the enclosed sheet, it all made sense. They use the factory type connectors, so it just plugged in. This was a stock wiring harness for dash gauges, and didn't have a provision for the HEI. That's the last thing i still need to do. I've tested everything else and it all works great.
I don't know if it's USA made or not. I'm guessing not, since all three came to about $250. Hope this helps.

glenn33 · 10-15-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amperes

Hello again, everyone. I am trying to figure out where I should buy a complete wire harness for my pick up.

Basics:

1966 Fleet long bed
68 350 under the hood
A/C has been ripped out though I want to add a fan for the heater
Plan on modernizing the tail-lights(LED), headlights and possibly the parking lights
Will add a stereo system (nothing to fancy... I just wanna turn up some Trace Adkins)
Will add CB radio
Possibly adding a tow package

What do y'all have wired up?

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Amperes
Sounds like one of our 9+3 harnesses will work great. If you have any questions about your project, pm me or give me a call at 618-395-8216. I'll be glad to help you decide what you need.
Glenn

MXmaniac · 10-15-2009, 02:51 PM

I've heard great things about the Rebel Wire kits, and that's what I'm going to use on my truck. Made in USA, great price, and all the wires are labeled right?

glenn33 · 10-15-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MXmaniac

I've heard great things about the Rebel Wire kits, and that's what I'm going to use on my truck. Made in USA, great price, and all the wires are labeled right?

Yep, and flame proof too.

MXmaniac · 10-15-2009, 03:12 PM

Glenn33, there's a guy here in town that's a distributor for Rebel Wire, Chris Moos of Black Magic Kustoms. He showed me one and it sure looked nice so I'll get one through him when I'm ready.

glenn33 · 10-15-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MXmaniac

Glenn33, there's a guy here in town that's a distributor for Rebel Wire, Chris Moos of Black Magic Kustoms. He showed me one and it sure looked nice so I'll get one through him when I'm ready.

Sounds good...Save the shipping that way.

Bazooka · 10-15-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWT

I used Rebel Wire kit on my truck. Very pleased. Ive used Painless on other projects. The Rebel kit is priced very reasonable. I was kind of scared it would be a piece of poo but it is a very nice harness.

http://www.rebel-wire.com/

I have one of the 9+3 kits. Great harness and priced right. High quality

babyblu63 · 10-15-2009, 10:41 PM

rebel wiring kits...do you have to splice and solder every conector to it? I see their cheap in price, but not model specific? any insight?

jgh64pkup · 10-15-2009, 10:54 PM

no one else has used EZ wire

Amperes · 10-16-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblu63

rebel wiring kits...do you have to splice and solder every conector to it? I see their cheap in price, but not model specific? any insight?

That is what it is looking like to me... and is turning me off from buying it. I want a complete system. Rip out the old one and start running the new lines.

VA72C10 · 10-16-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amperes

That is what it is looking like to me... and is turning me off from buying it. I want a complete system. Rip out the old one and start running the new lines.

Just keep in mind that unless you're going exactly back to all the original locations, you will end up lengthening the wires and splicing them. That is why I am going to get this system or another one...but so far the pricing on this seems the best...

Amperes · 10-16-2009, 12:50 AM

Well that is a given. But I was more worried about relays/flashers/harnesses that need replacing a few years from now. Say my flasher stops working; can I buy a Chevy replica, or am I limited to the manufacturer of whatever harness I buy?

glenn33 · 10-16-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblu63

rebel wiring kits...do you have to splice and solder every conector to it? I see their cheap in price, but not model specific? any insight?

We build universal kits. That means that we give you all the basics, and plenty of wire to do the job. You have to cut and terminate each wire for the specific length and terminal. This way our harnesses will fit literally every type of vehicle. If you are looking for a plug and play, make specific harness Rebel Wire is not for you. There are some really nice Chevy truck harnesses out there, but be prepared to pay. As far as replacing a flasher or relay in a Rebel Wire harness, these are all standard and can be bought at any parts store.

**scotts62** · 10-16-2009, 08:01 AM

Ron Francis for mine too

muddpile · 10-16-2009, 12:49 PM

I have a Rebel Wire kit in my Disaster. Great kit at a great price! I have a Painless kit in Fast Orange. The Painless kit has a nicer fuse box, but the Rebel kit has better wire. The Painless kit was also about $200 more...

babyblu63 · 10-16-2009, 10:39 PM

so basically i should save or salvage every connector for use on the rebel kits then?

10-14-2009, 10:57 PM	#1
Amperes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Riverside, California Posts: 12	Where did you buy your wire harness? Hello again, everyone. I am trying to figure out where I should buy a complete wire harness for my pick up. Basics: 1966 Fleet long bed 68 350 under the hood A/C has been ripped out though I want to add a fan for the heater Plan on modernizing the tail-lights(LED), headlights and possibly the parking lights Will add a stereo system (nothing to fancy... I just wanna turn up some Trace Adkins) Will add CB radio Possibly adding a tow package So far I have looked at: http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/d...to&exyear=1966 http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/keepi...repanelsystems What do y'all have wired up? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

10-14-2009, 11:01 PM	#2
jgh64pkup Sunburst C10!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,560	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? EZ wire http://www.google.com/search?source=...z+wire&aqi=g10 __________________ Gage 1967 C10 Shortbed Stepside

10-14-2009, 11:24 PM	#3
chevytrucknut61 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Wichita Ks. Posts: 130	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I got mine from Ron Francis wire works 20 years ago. It was built for every thing I was doing to my truck. Ben Last edited by chevytrucknut61; 10-14-2009 at 11:24 PM.

10-14-2009, 11:46 PM	#4
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? Mine is also Ron Francis, also installed almost 20 years old. If I were to do it over, I'd use Ron Francis again. Their products are spendy, but I've made numerous changes to my setup over the years and modifying the connections at the panel is easy. They were the originators of the aftermarket harnesses and remain at the top of the heap (imo). Painless Wiring is far better advertised and very popular, although it lacks the flexibility of attaching the wires to the front of the panel (which was/is important to me). One thing I would do different if I was to rewire my truck - I'd mount the panel behind the glove compartment. It's much easier to work on wiring while sitting in the passenger seat, than twisting around under the dashboard. The older you get the more important this becomes. Even if a Ron Francis kit doesn't interest you, I'd suggest looking over their website as they have a lot of good wiring tips. On the other hand, if your truck is going to remain basically stock, there are replacement harnesses available which are much cheaper and retain the original simplicity.

10-15-2009, 06:52 AM	#5
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I have installed (2) Painless Wiring kits. Their instructions are very clear and their technical help line is very knowledgeable. I highly recommend their products. John

10-15-2009, 07:17 AM	#6
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? For a plug-n-play application, I use: www.bowtiebits.com www.lmctruck.com www.classicparts.com www.oldchevytrucks.com www.truckandcarshop.com Good luck with your wiring project and keep us posted on what you do.

10-15-2009, 08:37 AM	#7
CWT Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: ARAB,ALABAMA Posts: 157	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I used Rebel Wire kit on my truck. Very pleased. Ive used Painless on other projects. The Rebel kit is priced very reasonable. I was kind of scared it would be a piece of poo but it is a very nice harness. http://www.rebel-wire.com/

10-15-2009, 09:03 AM	#8
DPowers One foot in front of the other Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Parrottsville, TN Posts: 5,454	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? M&H http://www.wiringharness.com/

10-15-2009, 09:13 AM	#9
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? Good info everyone __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-15-2009, 01:12 PM	#10
ChevySixty6 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Topeka, Kansas Posts: 84	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I'm still in the process of putting in 3 harnessess i bought from Classicparts (formerly Chevy Duty). I got the starter/coil harness, alternator horn relay one, and the underdash with the fuse block. The ends were numbered and corresponded to a sheet they included telling where everything hooks up, at least on two of the harnesses. The one that didn't have any wire numbers was the underdash one. And i thought great, now what do i do. But once i looked at the harness and the enclosed sheet, it all made sense. They use the factory type connectors, so it just plugged in. This was a stock wiring harness for dash gauges, and didn't have a provision for the HEI. That's the last thing i still need to do. I've tested everything else and it all works great. I don't know if it's USA made or not. I'm guessing not, since all three came to about $250. Hope this helps. __________________ Members i've met: LiLRed66

10-15-2009, 02:51 PM	#12
MXmaniac Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 356	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I've heard great things about the Rebel Wire kits, and that's what I'm going to use on my truck. Made in USA, great price, and all the wires are labeled right? __________________ Andrew '69 C-20(292, 4-speed) Retired Daily Driver '64 C-10(250, 3-speed) Fixerupper '97 F*rd Mustang GT(4.6L, 5-speed) Daily Driver If I only wanted two pedals I'd have bought a bicycle.

10-15-2009, 03:12 PM	#14
MXmaniac Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 356	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? Glenn33, there's a guy here in town that's a distributor for Rebel Wire, Chris Moos of Black Magic Kustoms. He showed me one and it sure looked nice so I'll get one through him when I'm ready. __________________ Andrew '69 C-20(292, 4-speed) Retired Daily Driver '64 C-10(250, 3-speed) Fixerupper '97 F*rd Mustang GT(4.6L, 5-speed) Daily Driver If I only wanted two pedals I'd have bought a bicycle.

10-15-2009, 10:41 PM	#17
babyblu63 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sparta, WI Posts: 33	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? rebel wiring kits...do you have to splice and solder every conector to it? I see their cheap in price, but not model specific? any insight?

10-15-2009, 10:54 PM	#18
jgh64pkup Sunburst C10!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,560	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? no one else has used EZ wire __________________ Gage 1967 C10 Shortbed Stepside

10-16-2009, 12:50 AM	#21
Amperes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Riverside, California Posts: 12	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? Well that is a given. But I was more worried about relays/flashers/harnesses that need replacing a few years from now. Say my flasher stops working; can I buy a Chevy replica, or am I limited to the manufacturer of whatever harness I buy?



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10-16-2009, 08:01 AM	#23
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? Ron Francis for mine too __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

10-16-2009, 12:49 PM	#24
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? I have a Rebel Wire kit in my Disaster. Great kit at a great price! I have a Painless kit in Fast Orange. The Painless kit has a nicer fuse box, but the Rebel kit has better wire. The Painless kit was also about $200 more... __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

10-16-2009, 10:39 PM	#25
babyblu63 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sparta, WI Posts: 33	Re: Where did you buy your wire harness? so basically i should save or salvage every connector for use on the rebel kits then?

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