re-wiring your truck?

[bigblock73]

If so, I strongly recommend purchasing the 73-87 GM trucks Painless wiring kit! I just finished installing it and it fit like a glove. All that was required was to open up the factory mounting holes (its held in place with nuts/bolts instead of the small sheetmetal screws), and slide it in place. There also appears to be PLENTY of wire...and wiring it up should be a breeze as well since each wire is labeled right on the wire where it goes.

Here are a couple pics, they aren't the best, but it is hard to get a good pic up and behind the dashboard.

[bigblock73]

Here is a pic of the firewall, I won't be installing the exterior harness until the front clip is on. I may purchase shorter bolts for a cleaner look...these are the ones that came in the kit.

[bigblock73]

I also installed my 6AL box while I was at it...can't wait to get the truck wired and fired!

[bigblock73]

Here is a firewall shot of the 6AL mounting. I originally wanted the fella painting my truck to weld studs to the inside of the firewall, but he forgot.

This will have to do...still looks alot better than having everything else on the firewall.

[shavedchevy]

WOW, I wish I could start over from the beginning and do things the way I want to... I'm kinda a nut when it come to neat wiring. Looks great.....do you figer it would be fairly easy even if you weren't doing a frame off resto... NICE

[87 STEPPER]

Jeff,

That look's killer but what's wrong with reusing the factory harness as long as it's in good condition it's pretty much idiot proof and all the conectors will only connect to its respected component. there's not that much electronics in these truck's especially the older one's.

Once again lookin' good & nice job!

[bigblock73]

Dennis, it would be pretty easy if you weren't doing a body-off like I am...removing the interior would make it easy as well.

Bruce, my original harness was hacked, spliced, and diced. Not only that, but I am now using PW/PL doors. Another plus, this kit uses blade type fuses as opposed to the glass ones. Finally, I want to run all my wiring so it is invisible or not noticible, and this kit comes with plenty of extra wire which will make that easier.

You do not NEED this kit to re-wire a truck, but since I am going this far, might as well make it better than GM ever did.

Thanks for the compliments guys!

[C&C Chevy]

Looks great! I agree, when you got your truck torn down that far and doing a "better then factory" frame up, might as well go all out!

[7T7]

That is a nice kit. If you noticed it doesn’t come with a few things, like the under dash wiring for the AC.
But from the looks of your firewall you want be running AC.
By the time I finished my truck I had a ton of wires that I didn’t even use. To keep things clean looking I removed those wires from the harness. (I didn’t cut them off) I can always add them back later.
Keep the pictures coming!
Your truck is going to be KILLER!

[sinister1]

I also just recently ordered the painless kit for mine,will be re-painting the engine bay and cab at the same time,if you have any tips that would help me with the install feel free to email me at beeno69@sihf.net i will be starting the install the weekend of the 24th

[BaggedC10]

I ordered the 73-87' Painless kit recently but returned it because it wouldn't work w/ TBI. I'm sure they offer a kit for us 87' owners.

[Lynx]

Thats awsome, If/ when i get around to doing a frame up I DEFINATLY need that! Ive got a total rats nest in my truck!

[79BIG10]

Damn that looks sweet Jeff!! Makes me wish I could do that to my truck as well.

[KIILew]

Jeff:

The painless kit looks great, and so does that insulation! In fact, in the context of this and other various posts showing your progress, the whole project looks fantastic.

I am gradually fixing up my old '79. I used to dream about doing a frame off so I could satisfy my obsessive/compulsive disorder to have everything clean and perfect. The financial and time constraints have been weaning me away from that idea, however.

... and then I look at your awesome pictures! Those crazy compulsions are coming back to me.

Anyway, keep at it!

Ken Lewis

[bigblock73]

Thanks everyone for the kind words, all of it helps and makes me feel like it will be worth it in the end.

Ken, just do it my friend...it is alot of fun, and really teaches you alot.

I will keep posting as progress is made.