New Electrical System

[gill finn]

Hello again, I also have issue with headlights not working, tail lights are on but seem dim. None of the gauges are working, dome light etc. I'm wondering if anyone has a ballpark on what it night cost to install an entire new harness, front to back? I'd even buy the complete kit and have someone do the install, I don't have a clue. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bennyt]

Start by checking and cleaning every ground front to back and top to bottom. Its free and easy and resolves many issues.

If you decide to rewire..

An original harness can be cost prohibitive as you have to purchase several different component harnesses. Both Painless and American Autowire both make somewhat application specific harnesses. They differ from factory in wire colors, connectors, etc. Both are roughly $750 for the complete harnesses and I have used coupons in the past with different sites from 10-20% off that price. Additionally, you will need to buy Packard Crimpers for the AAW kit, not sure the connectors on Painless, which are just under $200 for the pair to really do it right. I also have purchased additional packard connectors online for around $50 to tie in accessories.

It's not hard to do yourself if you buy the correct tools/ accessories and really not even that time consuming. If you don't buy the correct stuff, you'll be frustrated, annoyed and it will feel overwhelming. If its a custom truck, the challenges are aftermarket accessories, custom routing etc.

 

[CalSgt]

Rewiring these old trucks is one of the first things people look at when they have issues but often times it's not needed. Find a shop in your area that specializes in automotive electrical repairs and get an estimate to diagnose and repair your issue.

I have nothing against the rewire "kits" but they are not cheap and although they are relatively straight forward to install it is a labor intensive job. Besides, the factory GM wire and components in these trucks is actually quality stuff.

Some of the prices below do not include new switches, pigtails, or other hardware. It would suck to pay all the money for wiring to discover the problem was not the wires, but a serviceable wear part like a headlight or dimmer switch.
American autowire - $925
Ron Francis - $525+
Painless Performance - $560+

 

[Randy and Easton]

Agree with these guys, it was a big topic with us in our rebuild because of the PO’s mess just about everywhere front to back and the glass fuses. We looked at all of them including Kwik Wire.
We started slow with tackling each section, good grounds, good sockets and worked backwards. Here we are a year later and still have glass fuses and everything works as advertised for the most part. We have a few little things I have left to get after but we were exactly where you are and chose NOT to rewire not because of the money or time, but at the time we felt it was above our level of expertise.
We have proven with the help of the gang here and some research (you tube ect) you CAN do it. Only thing I have added last week was the American Autowire headlight relay kit and that is the bomb on light performance with old bulbs

 

[Elliot W]

Potentially dumb question here but.....have you checked for blown fuses in the fuse box, made sure the harness is plugged in and relatively clean at the firewall, or do you see any frayed wires in the engine bay or under the dash on the drivers side?

 

[gill finn]

Wow, thank you to this brain trust here, what a wealth of information! I'll definately take your advice and do a thorough ground check. I did pull and check all the fuses, they appear to be okay. This was a one owner truck, so it does seem to be in order in that respect, I'm just not very good with electrical, never trusted myself with it. But I'll take my time and if I have questions you can be sure I'll be back. Thanks again everyone for taking the time to respond, much appreciated.

 

[gill finn]

Hello, okay, I'm in the process of replacing vacuum hoses of which there are many. I'm also replace the nylon nipples and junctions where they're needed. On the engine in front of the carburetor and it looks like it's just above the thermostat housing, there's another one of these junctions which I'm holding in the left hand photo. The hose enters that junction where it just pulled away and I don't know how to go about re-attaching a new one. I don't even know what to call this thing, I'm waiting on a shop manual. I'm wondering if I can just purchase a new one and this hose comes attached to it? I don't know. Anyway, thanks again for any help!