I have a 1953 with original flathead

it was converted to 12 volts about 20 years ago.

it has 12 volt gauges out of a 56 ford.

Question. How easy is it to rewire the truck with Painless wiring?

I see there is no kit for ford trucks-just some generic package.

Are all the wires in this kit labelled on the wire for idiots like me?

I'd like al new wires, and want to do it myself, but the easiest way possible.
Keep in mind I'm a novice times 5. So labelled wires are a MUST.
Thanks
todd

 

I rewired my 56 last November using Ron Francis Bare Bonz. The instruction are specific to your truck, alternator and ignition system. You must give them this information and they will send you a kit.

I had never wired anything before this. It was very straight forward and my truck started right up with everything electrical working at the first try. However, it is time consuming and expect to spend 30 to 40 hours.
Total cost with regulator was $389.00. I also took the opportunity to add a new ignition switch, new headlight harness, lights, gauges. I did not want to later replace any of these other electrical items after installing the new harness.

Tacoma

 

my dad also has a '56, as do I. his truck was the first one other then his ('28 A) that he has redone. but this was the first that both of us have actually had to think about putting in a bit more extensive wirring into a truck.We just got some wire labels that slip over like shrink tubbing and on both ends of the wire you have a label. I still have yet to wire my own truck but i'm going to do the same. i don't know if it will be the same for you but it was cheaper for us to do it our selves and it still looks as good as any other wirring harrnes you can buy out there.

 

thanks tacoma and finnly
Hey Tacoma, did the francis kit have every wire labeled on the wire axactly what goes to what?

The Rod Francis kit might be the way to go for me.
thanks
Todd

 

Painless was a pain in my wallet, so I used EZWire kit; actually have another due in here today for my 55 pickup; this is the 5th or 6th one I've used. It is a generic kit, which means they give you longer wires and you have to cut down some wires to correct length, and you'll have some extras if you don't have power windows, 3rd brake light, elect. fuel pump, etc... I like having the extra wires for add on stuff, and I have never had to extend a wire because they had it too short, which is nice.

They include a GM steering column connector with the kit. Ignition switches, dimmer, wiper, light switches are extra. I usually buy the light switch; it is a GM, but has the same threads as the Fords if you want to attach your stock bezel.

Interesting point: Every older american car light switch I have ever tried has the same bezel thread patterns, regardless of car manufacturer. Same with the wipers.

I would give them a B on instructions, and the price is ok at $169 or so for the 21 fuse kit. They have a choice of GM colored wires or all black. Both have the circuit name printed on the wire about every 8 inches or so. I usually use the black ones cause they look better; I have tried the colored ones, which are easier to follow for me, since I'm getting older & need reading glasses part time now.

From what I understand, the Ron Francis is the best all around kit but you pay top $ for it, which is fine for those so inclined. I have never skimped much on prices, and I would get the R.Francis kit if I thought it was more than just a little better than the EZ wire kit, but I don't. Maybe I just don't know any better.

For what it's worth,
Paul

 

thanks paul
I'm afraid of generic because I'll need to labeled wires as to what goes-to- what on the wires itself.
I want to replace all the wires on the truck. I want a kit so they come grouped together.
Todd

 

I went with the EZWIRING harness @ $160.00 on my 51, I was at the end of my allowance. I would have gone with the Painless if funds would have allowed. I think you are pretty safe with any of the top brand harnesses. Sure beats the old way of stringing wires.


Rod

 

my concern about Ron Francis kit is that it looks generic.

It says classic truck series (1947-66)

XP-722 kit is 1947-57 with ford engine
Dont get me wrong, but that span covers 6 volt to 12 Volt!!!!!!


isn't that to generic of a kit for a wiring idiot like me to rewire?

 

Ive been looking at different wiring kits for a while now. The one thing that has been told to me time after time is "Painless is a pain in the a**". EZ wire looks good, but Im going with the kit they offer at Bobs F100s in Riverside. They made the kit with wires the same color as ford used, so I will be able to follow the instructions, and if needed just follow my trucks wiring diagram. This kit also comes with a GM column adapter.
From what Ive read and heard of their product and pricing, this will be the one I go with. They will also go over everything on the phone with you.
Nice guys there.

Hope this helps, and let us know what you decide to go with.

55forder

 

Snipa-
I used the Ron Francis kit in my 56. Like tacomlight noted before you give them information on the gauges, engine, etc. and they make sure the kit includes what you need. All the wires are labeled and the instructions are satisfactory. You can also add a security/alarm system and other items if you desire (its only money). I think most of the kits are pretty good. The Francis kit has all the circuits numbered/labeled and you just cut to length, add a terminal connector and attach to the correct numbered connection on the fuse panel. They start with the engine wiring and end with the lights. You will need a good crimp tool and several wire ties. They provide the connectors. I'm happy but it was pricey.

 

I have used EZ Wire, Haywire, and Ron Francis. All very good. The Ez and the Haywire were easiest to install because the panel ends are already terminated. However, I feel that I did the neatest job with the Francis kit. You can route the wires in any manner you like. With the others you have a pretty good bundle to deal with. They all have identity markings along their length. Really the EZ Wire quality was right up there with the others. Joe.

 

Don't be afraid of generic wiring kits like EZ, Painless and RF. Unless you are restoring a strictly stock truck there is no "this year and model body with this engine and these accessories" specific kit out there because automotive wiring IS generic, every vehicle uses the same basic circuits. Pick from one of the major kits that fits your budget and has enough circuits to cover any electrical equipment you have now and/or plan on adding in the future. Some sell modular kits with basic circuits and the ability to add additional plug together fuse blocks for additional circuits later. Usually one of the first things you do with these kits is to identify which wires you will be using, and which you definitely don't need. You then remove the wires you definitely don't need, and bundle up those you aren't going to need right away but will likely use in the future. From there you divide the rest of the wires into groups by where they go (engine compartment/front end, dash/passenger compartment, rear section and wire tie the group together. Spend some time figuring out where you want to mount the fuse box and where the wires will exit the under dash area (most place the fuse box under the dash, but you could also put it in a console or even under the seat, where ever is most convenient for you). String the groups into their main areas, deciding on how you want to run them to each connection point and how you will attach them to the vehicle neatly and out of the way. Looming them together with electrical tape or split corrigated tubing is kinda like building a tree. The main trunk is at the fuse block, and from there you divide out smaller and smaller branches until you get to the ends. That's the most work and decisions, from there the actual hook ups are easy! cut the wire to length, strip the insulation, crimp on a terminal and attach it to the device according to it's label and color code. Don't become overwelmed by the number of wires, just hook up one circuit at a time and test it before doing the next one. The EZ wire kit I chose has adequite directions for all the basic circuits necessary to operate the truck. You'll use the wiring instructions specific for any added accessories that came with that accessory, but if you leave those for last it will be a piece of cake, you'll be a wiring expert by then. If you've ever sucessfully wired up a lamp or installed a sound system you won't have any trouble rewiring a complete vehicle.

 

Thank-you so much for the very usefull information here. I'll look into the EZ kit and Bob's kit also.
THis is going to be a spring project for me so I have some time yet. I wired a lamp and car stereo already AX racer, so I hope it's as easy as you described! You make it sound very simple -which is what I like.

Last year I had trouble starting the truck. After some tinkering I finally discovered it was some kind of short in the ground battery cable.

Time to rewire the whole thing. the tail light wires underneath have a worn cloth wrapping around them, which might be from 53!

 

Hey Joe and AXracer,

EZ looks to be much more affordable than the other kits.
It looks like all the wires are al labelled to.

Half the price of the other kits looks GOOD to me.
Thanks

 

I used the ez-wire 21 circut kit last year in my 48f1. Instructions not the greatest but it worked out ok. it was easy to install with plenty of wire. all the wires were labled. Had never done any wiring like this before and every thing worked. most important thing to do is make sure all the grounds are good. no ground wires are included in th kit.