Fuse Panel/Wiring Kit?

[56SS]

I'm starting to narrow things down on my build as far as what I want goes.

My engine/trans wiring harness came today and is ready to be plugged in.

Does anyone have suggestions as to what kind of fuse panel and wiring kit I should go with to finish up the wiring?

I am thinking I will probably run the basics mostly, but I'll make the list anyhow:

Headlights
Taillights
Brake Lights
Turn Signals
Courtesy Lights (dome, etc.)
Radio
Dakota Digital gauges
Power seats?
Power windows
A/C
Switching to electric wiper motor

Also, the column I have is out of an early 90s van, so I need to figure out the wiring to the ignition, signals, etc.

Open to suggestions!

Thanks

[Kim57]

I'm using an "American Auto Wire" Highway 22 kit. I haven't installed it yet but it is very complete and very well made.
http://www.americanautowire.com/
I got mine on an E-bay auction for quite a bit less than they sell them for.
Kim

[56SS]

Thanks for the feedback Kim. I am just curious as to why you decided to go with the AA kit rather than the Painless kit, which is ~60 dollars cheaper. I'm assuming you did some research already, as did I, so I was wondering your reasoning. Did you think you might need the extra 4 circuits?

[BR3W CITY]

FWIW, I had my truck re-wired my whole truck from the ground up with nothing but a wire rack by a friend. While it may not seem practical, it actually wasn't bad to do, was cheap, and let me run and design my own harness (body only, the engine harnesses were from FuelInjectionConnection). All I had to do was make a wiring diagram after, but truthfully it eliminated so many extra (and extra crappy quality) wiring. 40 years can result in a lot of bad wiring splice and questionable logic choices..just made more sense for me to just start from square one.

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by 56SS

Thanks for the feedback Kim. I am just curious as to why you decided to go with the AA kit rather than the Painless kit, which is ~60 dollars cheaper. I'm assuming you did some research already, as did I, so I was wondering your reasoning. Did you think you might need the extra 4 circuits?

Painless is also a good one.
I like the fact that the wires are not connected to the fuse panel yet and I can mount it where I want. They have plenty of extra length to them.
I also got lucky and won an E-bay auction at a decent savings.
There are some nice in-expensive kits out there if you hunt around.
http://www.hotrodwires.com/
http://stores.homestead.com/ez2wire/StoreFront.bok
http://www.rebelwire.com/
You just have to find one that fits your needs and what you want to do.
I didn't mind paying a little extra for more latitude in how it goes in.
Kim

[oldman3]

56SS, I've install Ron Francis, Autowire Highway Series, Haywire, EZ, and Painless. I prefer Ron Francis and Autowire Highway Series. The panels are stand alone, then you run each wire individually from panel to source. Makes for a neater running of wires and anything you don't have you don't install that wire. Real easy to check the system while your installing. That's my 3 cents worth (inflation)...Jim

[56SS]

Thanks for all the input guys, it's nice to have a place to ask all these questions.

To be completely honest, this is the first time I'll be taking on a wiring project and don't know very much about it. I am ultimately trying to find a way to wire the truck that will leave me with a minimal headache

I'm just confused as to what makes a rebel wiring kit with 21 circuits $220 and what makes the Highway 22 kit $390. Is it the brand, or are all of these harnesses generally just the fuse panel and wires?

Thanks again guys, and sorry for all the questions, I really am a rookie here and just trying to understand the ins and outs!

[My7d1]

Originally Posted by Kim57

I'm using an "American Auto Wire" Highway 22 kit. I haven't installed it yet but it is very complete and very well made.
http://www.americanautowire.com/
I got mine on an E-bay auction for quite a bit less than they sell them for.
Kim

Wondering if you installed it yet Kim57? and how it went? I have the same kit and am about to embark on this journey. I agree the kit looks really well made and the "instructions" which really are just 2 wiring diagrams look surprisingly easy to follow... I hope...

[truckdude239]

i used an american auto wire classic update kit for my 71 and loved it very easy installed

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by My7d1

Wondering if you installed it yet Kim57? and how it went? I have the same kit and am about to embark on this journey. I agree the kit looks really well made and the "instructions" which really are just 2 wiring diagrams look surprisingly easy to follow... I hope...

Haven't gotten to it yet. Life keeps getting in the way.
Please let me know how your install goes.
Kim