73/79 wiring harness
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 17,559
Likes: 1,081
From: Central Delaware
Welcome to FTE.
There are a couple forums that might be able to help you. Try looking at the Electrical systems/wiring, under Miscellaneous and your vehicle year groups(s) under Older/Classic and antique trucks section. Both can be found by clicking on the Forums block in the upper left hand corner of your screen.
Don't forget to check out your state chapter too.
There are a couple forums that might be able to help you. Try looking at the Electrical systems/wiring, under Miscellaneous and your vehicle year groups(s) under Older/Classic and antique trucks section. Both can be found by clicking on the Forums block in the upper left hand corner of your screen.
Don't forget to check out your state chapter too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,602
Likes: 1,174
From: San Jose, CA
Didn't know about those sections either, and I've been here long enough I should have browsed further!
And no, the two harnesses are not the same, but yes, I would think your '79 harness would easily retrofit to the '73. The frames are the least "wiry" of the sections of truck and most of the business is done in the cab and engine compartment.
So in theory, it should be a relatively easy swap with a few custom tweaks.
Good luck! Got a pic of this rig?
Paul
And no, the two harnesses are not the same, but yes, I would think your '79 harness would easily retrofit to the '73. The frames are the least "wiry" of the sections of truck and most of the business is done in the cab and engine compartment.
So in theory, it should be a relatively easy swap with a few custom tweaks.
Good luck! Got a pic of this rig?
Paul
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,194
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I do not know about the overall swap working out, but I do know that both trucks will need to be instrument panel matched with either all gauges or warning lights. The is a difference in the wiring for that much from what I understand.
Meaning if the 73 truck has all instrument gauges (fuel level, temp, oil pressure and Alt) and the 79 has warning lights (for those 2, OP & ALT) then the warning lights cluster will need to be moved to follow the 79 harness. Make sense?
Meaning if the 73 truck has all instrument gauges (fuel level, temp, oil pressure and Alt) and the 79 has warning lights (for those 2, OP & ALT) then the warning lights cluster will need to be moved to follow the 79 harness. Make sense?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,602
Likes: 1,174
From: San Jose, CA
And along those lines, the alternator regulator wiring is swapped around a bit between the two cluster styles. So there are under-hood changes as well.
But nothing that can't be done or undone, and you're most likely going to use the cluster that came with the truck anyway, or you may be in for some serious re-wiring behind the dash.
Paul
But nothing that can't be done or undone, and you're most likely going to use the cluster that came with the truck anyway, or you may be in for some serious re-wiring behind the dash.
Paul
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
There is also the difference in ignition switches. I used an ignition from a 79 in my truck, because it had more leads on it.
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Moderator & parts slinger
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