Wiring issues
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: Up-state New York
Wiring issues
So when I tore my '54 F-100 down I found some old wiring, some new and some new modified wiring. I want to start new so I've been trying to locate a source that I can buy the wire I need based on the schematic in the book and measuring the lengths on the truck but I'm having a heck of a time finding where to buy. Most places sell wire in amounts that I will never use and I haven't found one that offers the various colors to match the diagram. Is my solution to buy a new harness? and if so where do I get it? Do they cover the entire truck or just under the dash and the rest is still up to me?
Still have to repair the rear fenders and the box but hope to have it back on the road this spring (if I can find some wire).
Still have to repair the rear fenders and the box but hope to have it back on the road this spring (if I can find some wire).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 5,348
From: Central PA
In 1999 I got a stock wiring harness from MidFifty. If you are not adding a lot of electric accessories this would work for you. Now they are going out of business. But there are others that sell something like this. All the wires are the correct length and are color coded.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
There are several vendors that sell original type wiring harnesses made from factory blueprints with correct wire lengths and proper terminations. If your goal was to recreate a stock harness from bulk materials, as you noted, it's going to be tough to find anyone to sell you bulk wire in odd, custom lengths. Especially the old style fabric insulated type with all the stripes and colors that came from the factory. Your best bet will be to buy a complete harness kit from someone.
Shop around and do your research. Know what you're buying. Beware of cheap kits that use copper coated aluminum wire instead of true copper wire. If you see anything in the ads or descriptions that says CCA, run away quickly. If you're still running 6 volts, make sure your kit has the correct, larger gauge wire that's compatible with 6V instead of the lighter gauge 12v kits. Ask to know how complete their kits are. Depending on application, a lot of kits come in pieces; under dash, under hood, and rear harnesses, lighting and accessory pigtails, etc. Make sure you get all the parts to make a complete harness.
Shop around and do your research. Know what you're buying. Beware of cheap kits that use copper coated aluminum wire instead of true copper wire. If you see anything in the ads or descriptions that says CCA, run away quickly. If you're still running 6 volts, make sure your kit has the correct, larger gauge wire that's compatible with 6V instead of the lighter gauge 12v kits. Ask to know how complete their kits are. Depending on application, a lot of kits come in pieces; under dash, under hood, and rear harnesses, lighting and accessory pigtails, etc. Make sure you get all the parts to make a complete harness.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 46
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
I had great luck rewiring my 50 F1 with a stock wiring harness from Chuck’s trucks in CT. All the wires are color coded and match the original harness. Very easy to install as someone already mentioned replace one harness at a time.
Good luck,
Tom
Good luck,
Tom
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,992
Likes: 420
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,960
Likes: 260
From: East KY
I did the same thing when I re-wired my truck. It was $100 more than the EZ Wire, etc. systems. Best $100 I ever spent. Just plug and play like you said. Everything is already cut, crimped, color coded and ready to go.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 415
From: Monmouth County, NJ
I've heard several good things mentioned on various forums, about places like Rhode Island, Tyree Harris, Bauer etc. But I also happened to buy mine from Chucks Trucks, and it came with schematics, it was a great product. I really trust Chuck for the highest quality authentic parts that are available and good advice. It was all original type cloth covered wire but has the vinyl underneath that. It's a good idea to get that old stiff wiring replaced.
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