Wiring question

[av8tr33337]

I didn't get a response in the electrical forum so I hope it's ok to ask my question here. I have a 51 chevy PU and will be using 1984 305 carburated, 700R4 tranny, GM stearing column, possibly an electric fan. Down the road I may want to add electric windows, heated seats etc. I need something that incorporates everything I need in the chassis and under the hood. I am a do-it-yourselfer, but I'm not a "mechanic" I need something with clear instructions. I was pricing out a new wiring harnesses from painless for about $540.00, and found what appeared to be the same harness (painless)at Jegs for $300 and something. Are there any other vendors that you would suggest. I'm on a budget, if you could call it that,

[sgtusmc]

This is what I added to my truck for power windows, sunroof, door poppers, and radio (radio not installed yet). I picked up 2 of these blocks at Pepboy's for about 5 bucks each. I don't know if this is the route you wanna go, but it worked great for me. They also have clips on them so if you buy 2 or 3 they clip together and make on big fuse block. Used different color wire for each accessory and write it down and keep in in the glove box. What I did was use an etching gun and etch/write down what each fuse is for on the side of the fuseblock. Hope this helps.

[solidaxel]

If you are looking for a complete wire harness you may want to take a look at Its-a-snap, American Autowire, are a few of the color coaded and labeled harness out there

[mr48chev]

First try googling that Painless Part number = Painless -------
Quite often various vendors will have the same item listed at more than competative prices.
Also don't forget Ebay. I know some guys knock it but that is usually where I find the bargains when I need them.
A quick search shows http://search.ebay.com/search/search...ess&category0=
Some of the offerings there look interesting.
With these units I'd say that support after the sale is just as important as price and I'd suggest checking to see who offers the best support for their product.
I would want a harness that closely matched a factory GM color code just for simplicity down the road. The majority of mechanics and service techs are pretty well versed in that colorcode system and if someone else ever works on the rig they will appreciate being familiar with the color coding.ea

As a humorus now side note. 30 years ago my best friend owned a Model A roadster with every wire in the car being red. no color code what's so ever.
I ended up with the task of chasing wires and troubleshooting the tail lights on the side of the road at dusk one night and it wasn't all that much fun.
We got the lights fixed but what could have been a very easy and quick job ended up taking about three times as long due to the all red wiring.

[54 jimmy]

if your usins an s10 frame just take the wiring harness out of it and modify it. thats what i did for my truck. if you need you can buy a book that tell you haw to make your own harness. here are a few pics of mine in progerss.

[av8tr33337]

Thanks everybody for the good info. I'll follow up on your suggestions

[mylow53]

i recently rewired the 53 and i have to say it will take some concentration but now a days most of the kits have labels on each wire every foot or so. this makes it a pretty simple install. but generally you should buy one that has more than you need. extra fused connections are always a benifit for the future.
Good luck
GT

[orgalmeister]

I did mine as well as all my others with a Painless 12 circuit. about $300. Then added a generic fuse block powered from the Painless for any additions. Remember to use relays. Take the load off the lights, ignition switch, windows, etc...

[av8tr33337]

Has anyone had any experience using the ZZ-20 wiring harness from It's-a-snap wire and cable? "20,000 sold in the US" according to their website.

http://www.itsasnapwireandcable.com/

The "Ultimate Pack" is what I was thinking about going with for $495.00
Looks like you have to terminate the steering column terminals yourself. Everything is labled and numbered every 5 inches on the wire. It comes in a package kits to include elec. wiper kit, elec window kit, complete wiring harness, and halogen headlights with built in LED turn signals. All this for about the same as I would pay for just the 18 circuit truck harness at Painless. Is it "to good to be true?"



Also thier parent company TPI has some very reasonable guages. 5" quad with mechanical or programable Speedo for $310.00. The programable Speedo has a ton of features. Single button easy to set calibration, trip odometer, Oil change reminder, hours traveled, speed warning indicator (I could see where that would be handy for my lead foot)



Are they to good to be true????? need feedback!

[av8tr33337]

I forgot to mension that their wiring harness kit comes with all the sending units, and if I went with the programable speedo I would need to buy the $35.00 pulse generator that would attach to the tranny and replace my mechanical speedo cable. I called their toll free number with some questions and they seem to have a very knowledgable staff.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

I used American Auto Wire and it was very easy and the directions clear. Each step comes with extra long wire so you can mount your panel anywhere you want. It's all color coded and "FOOL" proof. Otherwise I would never have finished it.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by BIG CHEVY 3600

I used American Auto Wire and it was very easy and the directions clear. Each step comes with extra long wire so you can mount your panel anywhere you want. It's all color coded and "FOOL" proof. Otherwise I would never have finished it.

Good info, I have talked to them a couple of times and it sounds and looks like a good product. Are you running a later model gm column? And did that wire up ok?

[1-ton of fun]

the EZ Wiring stuff looks to be a good value, but i have never used their stuff, so no comment on experience with it.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

Ididit column and it all plugs in. No sweat! It will also work with any GM column.