Aftermarket wiring harness

[mbzaungst]

What harness are you guys using? AA looks and sounds nice but is it? Any pictures would be great help. Painless seems popular but nut the fan favorite.

[Darthbaker]

I rewired my 71 with the American Autowire Classic update series kit. I've never rewired a vehicle before but this kit made it a breeze. Plus is has most of the original factory style connectors which was big plus on my list.

It took around two days total (15 hours) to complete. Keep in mind I had the proper crimpers, soldered, and shrink wrapped every connection. Everything worked first try after the project was done.

[DjS71]

I used a universal one from AAW on a buddy's datsun 510. Didn't have any problems that weren't caused by retro-ing a GM harness into a positive ground japanese car. No experience with painless or ron francis but we were happy with the AAW kit.

[Jason Banks]

Having used both the AAW and the M&H ... I prefer the M&H. The AAW front light harness was twisted to put it in the bag and I had a hard time straightening it out. I don't recall having any problem like that on the M&H. The AAW also had to much of whatever black sealant they put on the firewall connector.

Someone else can tell you the story, but apparently whoever owns AAW split off from M&H. They were brothers?

[GASoline71]

I've used both AAW and M&H as well. Prefer the M&H. The M&H front light harness and engine harness in my 1972 GMC was a plug and play with all the correct clips, connectors, retainers and wrapped with the correct "tape". Also came with the plastic wire channels to go along the firewall gutter and between the radiator and core support. Got them from Wes at Classic Heartbeat.

Painless is anything but...

Gary

[TheRocket]

We used the 28 circuit Painless Performance. Bought their PowerBraid wire loom and Easy Install Tool to make it easier to put the wire in the loom. We are very pleased with all of it.

[novapower]

We installed E Z wiring in both our old cars.They both went in easy and one has been working for 12 years .when we get another project we'll install ez wiring again

[Zeroman]

I installed a Painless harness in my truck 19 years ago. It took two weekends, but I tend to work deliberately.

Soldered and shrink wrapped every connection.

Just finished a 3 1/2 year frame off and removed/installed the same harness.

I made some modifications which required some re-wiring, but it was pretty simple. Swapped out to LEDs on all of the side markers and front turn signals. Also installed the upgraded headlights which required the relay harness.

19 years ago there were not as many options available, but I cannot discount the fact that it is still gong strong without any issues.

And remember, Grounds are your best friend.

[jeffahart]

You need to make some decisions about what you're doing with the truck. You just want replacement, or are you doing custom stuff with lots of accessories. I used the classic update, in that you ditch the ammeter and external voltage regulator. I'm pretty sure it's setup for points or HEI too. Read at their site, AAW has all the instructions posted on their site in PDFs. I'm not an evangelist or anything, but the kit was complete and was actually a fun upgrade... beer drinking busy work. I liked the kit a lot.

Get: good wire strippers, crimper, assorted heat shrink sizes, loom tape, assorted zip ties, and firewall grommets, and I did a fair amount of soldering too.

Have fun!


j

[shoveldug]

Very Happy with M&H. Bought through GMC Paul.

[cypressbog]

My choice, and the first choice of many restorers, was M&H.