Wiring Question
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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Wiring Question
Ok, I am a Newbie. Be Kind.
I am starting the tear down on a 48 f-1. I have got the inside of the cab torn apart.
Question? If I am going with a new wiring harness, can I just cut everything and start over? This may be a stupid question, but I am new.
I am starting the tear down on a 48 f-1. I have got the inside of the cab torn apart.
Question? If I am going with a new wiring harness, can I just cut everything and start over? This may be a stupid question, but I am new.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
Hi Mitch, there aren't any stupid questions in this game.
I did exactly what you asked about - my truck was such a mess under the dash I couldn't trace anything anywhere. The aftermarket harness is really slick and just about routes itself. You may want to make some diagrams as you cut things free, but the schematic that came with mine was very clear including stock colors and locations. I also suggest you pick up a copy of the '48 operator's manual and shop manual - '49-51/52 supplement.
If you haven't found Sacramento Vintage Ford yet, you should. They're online.
There is also some things available on this site at motorhaven and anything purchased there helps keep this site up and running.
I did exactly what you asked about - my truck was such a mess under the dash I couldn't trace anything anywhere. The aftermarket harness is really slick and just about routes itself. You may want to make some diagrams as you cut things free, but the schematic that came with mine was very clear including stock colors and locations. I also suggest you pick up a copy of the '48 operator's manual and shop manual - '49-51/52 supplement.
If you haven't found Sacramento Vintage Ford yet, you should. They're online.
There is also some things available on this site at motorhaven and anything purchased there helps keep this site up and running.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Re: Wiring Question
Originally posted by mitch_h
Ok, I am a Newbie. Be Kind.
I am starting the tear down on a 48 f-1. I have got the inside of the cab torn apart.
Question? If I am going with a new wiring harness, can I just cut everything and start over? This may be a stupid question, but I am new.
Ok, I am a Newbie. Be Kind.
I am starting the tear down on a 48 f-1. I have got the inside of the cab torn apart.
Question? If I am going with a new wiring harness, can I just cut everything and start over? This may be a stupid question, but I am new.
From your gallery, I assume this is a stock truck and you are using a reproduction OEM harness. If this is true and you have not done wiring before, I would definitely NOT "cut everything and start over". Take your time and remove a little at a time replacing it with the new harness as you go. If this were a modified truck and you were using an aftermarket harness, I would "cut everything and start over", but it appears that is not the case. As Tim recommends, make diagrams...and mark old wires with masking tape if it will help...
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Feb 15, 2004 at 07:10 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale, Florida
If you're restoring with an original style harness then be very careful as you remove the old harness and note how and where it is routed. Make as many notes about connection points as you can as it will make it much easier to install the new harness.
If you are resto-rodding the truck and making changes to the motor or ignition, lights etc etc etc then you may elect to pull all the wires out and start over. This is pretty easy with many of the aftermarket harnesses.
For my own 51 F-1...after spending the better part of a day under the dash tracing mystery wires that went nowhere I ended up pulling out a whole rats nest of misc. wires that were doing nothing for me. This influenced my decision to buy an aftermarket harness and start over. I'm in the process now (when I get time) of pulling all the old wire out in preparation of installing the new (Its A Snap) wiring harness. Take you time and get a good wiring diagram for your turck - it's really not that hard.
If you are resto-rodding the truck and making changes to the motor or ignition, lights etc etc etc then you may elect to pull all the wires out and start over. This is pretty easy with many of the aftermarket harnesses.
For my own 51 F-1...after spending the better part of a day under the dash tracing mystery wires that went nowhere I ended up pulling out a whole rats nest of misc. wires that were doing nothing for me. This influenced my decision to buy an aftermarket harness and start over. I'm in the process now (when I get time) of pulling all the old wire out in preparation of installing the new (Its A Snap) wiring harness. Take you time and get a good wiring diagram for your turck - it's really not that hard.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 955
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis USA
I replaced the wiring in my 1950 truck a couple of years ago and it's not too difficult. I would say the most difficult part is the first step -- removing the old stuff. The second most difficult is getting everything grounded good. Everything in between is just like connect-the-dots. I went with an original-style harness from Sacramento Vintage -- if you use an aftermarket harness and have to add your own fasteners and cut the wires to length, of course that will make it harder. As others have mentioned, take good notes and a few pictures beforehand, and just take your time and check everything twice. Good luck!
Edit: Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. If the truck runs, or if the battery is at least good, take notes of what all works (lights, generator, horn, etc) before tearing everything apart. Or I should say note what doesn't work!
Edit: Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. If the truck runs, or if the battery is at least good, take notes of what all works (lights, generator, horn, etc) before tearing everything apart. Or I should say note what doesn't work!
Last edited by jeffh; Feb 17, 2004 at 08:58 PM.
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