'56 Pickup Wiring Kits - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BT Classics · 02-24-2009, 12:11 AM

Hey-
Anyone here have any experience or recommendations on using one of the universal kits on '55-'57 pickups? Or it is better to buy a stock wiring harness and modify?
Many brands out there and big price range!
Thanks.

FYI: 1956 Stepside Shortbox Custom - Truck is all apart and just painted. There is no wiring at all right now. Pretty much starting from scratch.

eventytoo · 02-24-2009, 03:00 AM

https://0193647.netsolstores.com/ind...D&ProdID=20014

Looked up all the kits out there this looks the best.

CAL 58 GMC · 02-24-2009, 03:23 AM

I used The Classic Update Series it's a complete kit in a box. It has all an upgraded fuse panel with wire feeds for AC, power windows, electric fuel pumps and so on. Why try and modify your stock wiring when there's a kit that does it for you. Here's the link to their web site. http://www.americanautowire.com/Products.html

OrrieG · 02-24-2009, 01:00 PM

Good question, I am doing that same search now. I am also looking at EZ Wire but I think you have to buy separate and do a lot more connection at the light sockets, dash lights, etc. where other kits come with new pre wired connectors. I'm leaning towards the complete kits just because I know when I get to that point I will want to just get done and not spend extra time soldering bulb holders.

BT Classics · 02-24-2009, 03:21 PM

Good info! I was not familiar with that American Autowire kit. I had been looking at the Ron Francis and Painless kits.

orgalmeister · 02-24-2009, 04:59 PM

I've used Painless on 3 trucks. Nice system but because the wire is already terminated at the fuse block, it makes it harder to pull and dress. The wires are already bundled in groups and all the wires in a particular group may not be going to the same place. What makes it easier is that your not standing on your head to make the connections to the fuse block.

I have used one other kit that was modular. The name escapes me because I didn't buy it. I just installed for some one else. I did like it and was much easier to dress and keep the wires tight.

Steve

OrrieG · 02-24-2009, 07:50 PM

What are guys using to wrap the wires. I had the split corrugated stuff before but found on a daily driver it gets real hard to keep clean. Does anyone make smooth split covering? I've seen spiral but don't know if it will stay put and clean either.

02-24-2009, 12:11 AM	#1
BT Classics Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 108	'56 Pickup Wiring Kits Hey- Anyone here have any experience or recommendations on using one of the universal kits on '55-'57 pickups? Or it is better to buy a stock wiring harness and modify? Many brands out there and big price range! Thanks. FYI: 1956 Stepside Shortbox Custom - Truck is all apart and just painted. There is no wiring at all right now. Pretty much starting from scratch.

02-24-2009, 03:00 AM	#2
eventytoo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: snowville Posts: 104	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits https://0193647.netsolstores.com/ind...D&ProdID=20014 Looked up all the kits out there this looks the best.

02-24-2009, 03:23 AM	#3
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits I used The Classic Update Series it's a complete kit in a box. It has all an upgraded fuse panel with wire feeds for AC, power windows, electric fuel pumps and so on. Why try and modify your stock wiring when there's a kit that does it for you. Here's the link to their web site. http://www.americanautowire.com/Products.html __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

02-24-2009, 01:00 PM	#4
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits Good question, I am doing that same search now. I am also looking at EZ Wire but I think you have to buy separate and do a lot more connection at the light sockets, dash lights, etc. where other kits come with new pre wired connectors. I'm leaning towards the complete kits just because I know when I get to that point I will want to just get done and not spend extra time soldering bulb holders. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

02-24-2009, 03:21 PM	#5
BT Classics Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 108	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits Good info! I was not familiar with that American Autowire kit. I had been looking at the Ron Francis and Painless kits.

02-24-2009, 04:59 PM	#6
orgalmeister Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 291	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits I've used Painless on 3 trucks. Nice system but because the wire is already terminated at the fuse block, it makes it harder to pull and dress. The wires are already bundled in groups and all the wires in a particular group may not be going to the same place. What makes it easier is that your not standing on your head to make the connections to the fuse block. I have used one other kit that was modular. The name escapes me because I didn't buy it. I just installed for some one else. I did like it and was much easier to dress and keep the wires tight. Steve __________________ '56 truck (the never ending project) '06 Z/71 loaded (daily driver) '07 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (wife's driver) Gone: 72 SB, 67 CST, 57 BBW, 47 Panel streetrod,

02-24-2009, 07:50 PM	#7
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: '56 Pickup Wiring Kits What are guys using to wrap the wires. I had the split corrugated stuff before but found on a daily driver it gets real hard to keep clean. Does anyone make smooth split covering? I've seen spiral but don't know if it will stay put and clean either. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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