Hello All -

I've researched past posts as much as I can, but I was hoping to gather some feedback on buying a new wiring harness for my 1965 Ford F100 4x4.

I've seen this one recommended on the forum by American Autowire ($629):
Complete Wiring Kit - 1961-66 Ford Truck We Make Wiring THAT Easy!

This 22 circuit one by Kwik Wire has also been recommended to me ($315):
22 Circuit Ford Wire Harness - KwikWire.com | Electrify Your Ride

As expected, I've seen Painless and EZ wiring harnesses recommended too, but I've been encouraged to get something as specific to my year/model as possible.

For me, my goal isn't for showroom quality. The truck is running and driving decently, I just want to make it a servicable and dependable truck and have the wiring capabilities as I upgrade the interior.

Any recommendations here? I wanted to double check on the forum before making the purchase.

Thanks,

Tommy

 

toplinewireandcable

Above link is to Topline Wire and Cable website. Look,at their 8 or 15 wire automotive harness. Never blow a fuse again. Never tried it but I will on my next build. Looks like a neat idea and compact as well.
Rich

 

i grabbed that first one from American Autowire. It's pretty good. It's not plug and play, though. I'm not sure you'll find that. You'll be changing some things. It's setup to use a one wire alternator, so you either have to adapt your 3 wire alternator/generator or buy a different alternator. I ended up buying a GM one wire alternator and I'm not working on creating a new bracket for it. Just more fun!

 

Replaced harnesses on 65 around 12 years ago; at the time the dash harness was not reproduced but fortunately I was able to make repairs by using plastic ties to keep the individual dash wiring trunks separated then used non adhesive harness tape to re- tie the individual trunks. I was then able to purchase individual wiring harnesses; engine/alternator, head and taillight harnesses. Purchased thru Mr. Mustang and very pleased with the quality, they came with the same connectors and wire color codes so matter of unplugging the old and plug in the new. Reason mention this, had a question about the harnesses and they referred me to the manufacturer and almost certain it was American wire. Topic has come up on few occasions where member posted link to wiring harnesses and had favorable comments about American wiring.

1961-66 Ford Truck Complete Classic Update Wiring Harness Kit American Autowire 510260

If decide to go the individual harness route I should have a pic of the Mr. Mustang price sheet plus couple pic's of the harnesses.

 

I used the American Autowire Harness on my build. If you have any wiring/electrical experience you should be able to figure it out by using their instructions that come with it. Get their crimp tool that they rent out. You need the proper crimp to terminate all the connections. Was my first whole vehicle re-wire and I managed to make it clean and it runs and drives.. LOL. Any questions you have I'll try to answer if you go this route.

 

they rent out the crimp tool? Dang, wish I knew that. I bought it. I'll be selling it on Ebay in the spring. I still have a few things to crimp up.

 

by the way, shop around for the american autowire kit. i bought it for a hundred dollars cheaper at carolina classics.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. All that info is super helpful to make an informed decision.

I'm going to go ahead with the American Autowire harness. Svolpone, did you ever contact the tech support for Carolina classic trucks? Reason I ask is because both Carolina and Summit racing are selling theirs for $566.10. Seeing if there is a preference there or not for customer service. I've heard of both but haven't done business with either yet. I'll ask each to see if they will rent that crimping tool - sounds helpful.

 

I got mine from Carolina Classics also. $506.00 but that was a year and half ago. Rent the tool directly from AAW

 

i just call american autowire for tech services. they are great.

 

I've found that crimped connections are prone to failure in the long run. (And I don't think they look all that good, either.) I bought some non-insulated terminals when I re-wired mine, soldered the ends and used shrink tubing to insulate. Cleaner look and a permanent connection--though it does take more time.

~Steve

 

I need to rewire the 50 year old rat's nest, patched, broken mess on my 1965 F100. I think I am going to go with Street Rod Electrics.
Wire Harnesses - Ford - StreetRodElectrics.com