Hi, I would like to rewire my 53 f-100. I'm looking for recommendations on packaged wiring harness kits for this project.
The simpler the better for me.

It is also my understanding that with new wiring, I could convert from 6 volt to 12 volt someday?

I also spoke to a local guy that replaced his 6 volt battery with an 8 volt golf cart battery. He indicated to me that his vehicle cranked and started much better. Any ideas on that subject?

Thanks for your time.

 

 

Tom,

There are several companies making good witing harnesses these days. I've have very good luck with Ron Francis wiring kits. I've been the 8 volt route many years ago, and it worked out okay (had an old 52 Pontiac inline eight that just wouldn't start on 6 volts when hot), but the conversion to 12 volts is a better idea and you should think about doing it at the time you install the harness.

 

Tom

A couple of us here use Haywire brand harnesses. I like mine real well. They now also offer a cheaper line to compete with EZ Wire etc. I imagine most of the harnesses out there are decent. I think the final product is far more related to the installation quality. Soldering vs Crimp etc.

'fenders

 

I recently had a small (not quality) problem with a Ron Franis kit. They used (no longer) a Lucas voltage regulator attached to the fuse box. It took me quite a while to find this out when I needed to replace the VR. I did replace it with an OEM style VR and wiring harness.

Two thoughts - 1. make lots of notes and keep the instructions that come with the kit.

2. My experience with Lucas equipment is that it is all junk. If any of this stuff is included with the kit - replace it with something that works and is easy to get.

 

Greetings from Germany !

I looked (on the internet) at all wiring harnesses that would work and in the end I bought the Haywire for my 54 F100. Not because it is the best, but that was what SOCAL in Phoenix sells and I picked it up during a trip to Phoenix. I really like that it is all complete incl. ingnition switch, headlight switch, dimmer switch. The only switch I have to reuse is the one for the wiper which is already an aftermarket one (or from some other car, not sure).

Here's the links I looked at:

http://www.americanautowire.com
http://www.ezwiring.com
http://www.haywireinc.com
http://www.painlessperformance.com
http://www.itsasnapwireandcable.com
http://www.wire-works.com
http://www.centechwire.com

I agree with Dewayne, there's a lot good sources. However, less expensive kits have typically less features. I would also stay away from those which are just black (i.e. not color coded) and just have the wire label printed every 10" or so.

Certainly also important is the manual. What I really do not like with the Haywire kit is this cheap black & white copy stuff. Today you should be able to expect computer designed handbooks with color, etc. NOt sure if the other manufacturers have that.

Good Luck ! :-)

 

If you want a direct replacement I suggest Sacramento Vintage Ford (even have the cloth covering if you want). That's what I used and have been very happy with it.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Nov-02 AT 01:28 PM (EST)]Ron Francis' Wire Works. Bar none. DO NOT USE PAINLESS WIRING.
Ron Francis: 1-800-292-1940 or www.wire-works.com And go to 12-volt... for all the extra's, goodies, gotta-have's and ESPECIALLY because the majority of accutriments will be 12-volt.

Trust me on this, I speak from (bad) experience!
Daryl