I am starting to tackle the wiring on my truck. Initially I am just fabbing the engine harness but will eventually need to find a spot for the fuse panel and a relay panel.

Where are you locating your fuse panels, relay panels, etc.?
Where are you passing though the firewall?
Anyone using a firewall bulkhead connector?

Bobby

 

I used the passenger kick panel area on my 56. It seems to be getting more difficult to get up under the dash each year. I did install a section of 1/2" plywood on the inside of the firewall and mounted relays and grounding bus bars there. I used one large firewall hole with a grommet behind the engine to route all the engine compartment wires through and tried to keep everything as low and out of sight as possible. The wires to the headlights are under the fenders and pass through the air dams up high and out of sight. On my in-progress 56 BW project I may look at alternatives to the kick panel because it is rather cramped. I'll be interested to see what others have done.

 

I've certainly not done anything usual with my truck, so why start now. I'm looking to put both my battery (or 2) under my seat in a recess in the floor as well as my fuse panel.

 

I used the stock grommet (LEckart, your idea running thru a grommet behind the engine sounds interesting). The fuse panels (2 x 4-fuse universals) are directly above the steering column, about 3/4 the way up the firewall. Close to the grommet, and most of the loads (very simple system).

If I were to do it over, I'd go down to the Pick N Pull and find an OEM with a couple feet of wire attached. Don't forget a circuit for an alarm!

 

I have a complete fuse block wiring harness from a early 80's Caddy that I think I will use. I'll have to thin it out quite a bit but its free and its here. I also have 2 engine harnesses from the same fintage Caddys that I was able to get all the engine wiring from, complete with fusible links.
I was thinking that eventually I might like to add AC so I'm trying to leave room on the passenger side firewall. There is a 1" hole going through the floor board right about the top of the slanty part just to the right of the tranny cover that I might use as a pass-thru.
I was contemplating trying to fabricate a center console and maybe have room under that for the fuse block, or maybe behind the seats.
For the battery, I'm thinking of restoring and converting an old ice chest into a battery box and placing it in the bed.

I did consider the kick panel areas. Kinda of depends on what I do with the stock fresh air system and aftermarket ac.

Too many decisions, thanks for the input
Bobby

 

I have mine mounted behind the dash on the firewall. It uses the factory hole for the wires to enter the engine compartment. I can take some pics if you would like.

hotrod48

 

You don't need to go through the trouble of taking pics. You're using the EZ harness aren't you? The fuse block I have is the same as the large 21 circuit EZ block, which a a standard type item used by alot of the big car makers.
That migth be the easiest route.

Thanks
Bobby

 

Most of the standard EZ wire type kits assume you will mount them on the drivers side of the firewall; if you are too far off from this you might have to lengthen your dashboard area wires.

 

Yes, it's the 21 circuit EZ-Wiring harness. It's mounted about 3 inches below the hole that goes to the engine compartment.

hotrod48

 

Thanks man, I'll take another look in that area. Does it leave you enough room to work on it (add circuits etc)
I'm thinking way in the future I might add power windows and door locks.

Gman, thanks, I'm building my own so I have some flexibility as to where I put things

 

I think it leaves enough room. It's about 3-4 inches from the kick panel if I remember right. I knida wish now I would have used the fuse block out of our 79 Chevy truck, so I could make it how I wanted it (Hindsight is 20/20). I have all of my extra wires that I "might" use tucked away behind the kick panel. I need to tie the wires together for a cleaner look (I like my wiring very clean). Good luck and any more questions ask away.

hotrod48

 

I just installed the EZ wiring harness and I thought alot about where I wanted to mount the fuse block. I finally decided to mount it behind my gauges facing downward. I bent some aluminum up to make a frame that ran from the bottom lip of the dash to the ledge on the top of the firewall. The frame is bolted in one place to the dash. This clears all my gauges, wipers, etc.

I created a photo gallery, so you can see what I did.

 

That looks good blueoval. You have got me scheming on an upgrade over the winter now.

hotrod48

 

Yes, that is a very clean set-up. Got me to thinking, my son's TBird (1990) is set up that way. Comes installed in a metal bracket that screws into a lip on the dash.

Bobby, are you talking about the choke/throttle hole? Doesn't seem like you'll be needing it with that Caddy.

 

Nice work blueoval. I wanted to do the same and have seen others mount in the same area.