Wiring Harness Preferences
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 357
Likes: 11
From: Roanoke, VA
Hey all - I think I've made the decision to get myself a universal harness, but here's a question for you experts.
Do I pull out the old harness and then "match it up" to the new harness, and transfer the 'clips' over, or just hardware it?
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks in advance!
Do I pull out the old harness and then "match it up" to the new harness, and transfer the 'clips' over, or just hardware it?
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks in advance!
Once everything is connected and tested I remove the harness and begin to wrap it. I've fully taped them to match original harnesses before, or tape sections close enough to keep them together and wrap with wiring loom.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I start by laying them out together, and doing a rough routing of each group to match the factory. Then I'll start installing the new harness with the sections temporarily taped together. From here, I'll start cutting the factory connectors/plugs that need to be reused (gauge cluster etc...)(I always use new light sockets, headlight plugs, etc... where possible) Then I'll start connecting the new wires onto the connectors/plugs. I prefer solder and heat-shrink wrap. However you can use quality crimp on butt-connectors. I would still heat-shrink over the connectors.
Once everything is connected and tested I remove the harness and begin to wrap it. I've fully taped them to match original harnesses before, or tape sections close enough to keep them together and wrap with wiring loom.
Once everything is connected and tested I remove the harness and begin to wrap it. I've fully taped them to match original harnesses before, or tape sections close enough to keep them together and wrap with wiring loom.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 357
Likes: 11
From: Roanoke, VA
First, you need to figure out where you will mount your new fuse block. This may be much larger than what came with your truck and require a different location. Then you can determine what lengths you will need for each circuit and add the appropriate plugs etc. DO NOT be surprised if you end up running the harness to its specific location and then start the splicing inside, or under the truck.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Coquitlam, BC
Oh man, total noob here with respect to wiring....bought a http://www.johnnylawmotors.com/asset...COMP12_12B.pdf kit (as on sale for only $150 CAD locally!) but am now realizing it's missing some bits I really feel I should swap out.
The ignition switch is a mess (will load some pics soon) and I'm thinking I may just get a basic aftermarket switch.
Wish me luck! FML.
The ignition switch is a mess (will load some pics soon) and I'm thinking I may just get a basic aftermarket switch.
Wish me luck! FML.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
Luck indeed. Before you go and get the aftermarket switch. Check out a stock one for your 78. I installed a 79 in my 75. The biggest reason was for the extra wires out that I could use for future items like amps, light, etc.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Coquitlam, BC
Fair point. I may end up keeping it. It works, I know that, just such a mess.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
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I've been contemplating changing out my 1977 F100 fuse block for a newer style one that uses blade-type fuses.
A couple of you have mentioned using generic blocks (which I'm leaning towards), but I have a 35 amp heater/air conditioning fuse and can't seem to find a generic one rated above 30 amps.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
A couple of you have mentioned using generic blocks (which I'm leaning towards), but I have a 35 amp heater/air conditioning fuse and can't seem to find a generic one rated above 30 amps.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
New User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I had really good luck with my centech harness. I called and talked to Jim for about 10-15 minutes about my trucks specific electrical needs and plans for future upgrades. I had to mail one piece of my factory harness into him and he built around that. Their harness uses the factory conections and ignition witch, head light and wiper switch and foot dimmer peddle. Also plenty of additional circuits to add on to later.
I didn’t need and special tools just wire crimpers and strippers. The diagrams where easy to follow and their wires are also labeled clearly every couple of feet. I couldn’t have been happier with my harness.
I didn’t need and special tools just wire crimpers and strippers. The diagrams where easy to follow and their wires are also labeled clearly every couple of feet. I couldn’t have been happier with my harness.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I've been contemplating changing out my 1977 F100 fuse block for a newer style one that uses blade-type fuses.
A couple of you have mentioned using generic blocks (which I'm leaning towards), but I have a 35 amp heater/air conditioning fuse and can't seem to find a generic one rated above 30 amps.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
A couple of you have mentioned using generic blocks (which I'm leaning towards), but I have a 35 amp heater/air conditioning fuse and can't seem to find a generic one rated above 30 amps.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Last edited by 84espy; Oct 7, 2018 at 09:32 AM. Reason: Additional info
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I had really good luck with my centech harness. I called and talked to Jim for about 10-15 minutes about my trucks specific electrical needs and plans for future upgrades. I had to mail one piece of my factory harness into him and he built around that. Their harness uses the factory conections and ignition witch, head light and wiper switch and foot dimmer peddle. Also plenty of additional circuits to add on to later.
I didn’t need and special tools just wire crimpers and strippers. The diagrams where easy to follow and their wires are also labeled clearly every couple of feet. I couldn’t have been happier with my harness.
I didn’t need and special tools just wire crimpers and strippers. The diagrams where easy to follow and their wires are also labeled clearly every couple of feet. I couldn’t have been happier with my harness.
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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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