Wiring Harness? Choosing one?

[Jordan Goodwin]

Looking at complete wiring harnesses for my ‘85 k30. American Autowire lists only one complete option on their website for an ‘85 chevy truck- their “classic update” kit, MSRP $1,069. Classic Industries has this same harness listed under “Universal Harnesses” for $883. Haven’t priced it anywhere else just yet. LMC does not have that specific kit, but does have an AAW harness “designed specifically for your vehicle”, that appears to have just a couple slight differences, don’t know what the difference is in plug and play abilities. That harness is $1,016.

I’m planning to keep this truck mostly stock. Which harness is going to be the easiest and quickest to install? Is there another option that’s easier?

 

[Tonimus]

Not sure what you were seeing, but I see the $1,016 at Classic Industries. https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1985/chevrolet/k30/parts/510706.html

The classic update kit is mostly plug and play and replaces nearly everything. It's a nice kit and worth the extra money, IMHO.

 

[Tonimus]

Keep in mind that I'm a cheap son of a gun, too. The wiring harness in my race car is basically the cheapest AAW kit you can get. But I did their kit in my '84 C30 when I had it and that was one of the easiest kits I've done. And I've done too many.

 

[CalSgt]

Looking at complete wiring harnesses for my ‘85 k30. American Autowire lists only one complete option on their website for an ‘85 chevy truck- their “classic update” kit, MSRP $1,069. Classic Industries has this same harness listed under “Universal Harnesses” for $883. Haven’t priced it anywhere else just yet. LMC does not have that specific kit, but does have an AAW harness “designed specifically for your vehicle”, that appears to have just a couple slight differences, don’t know what the difference is in plug and play abilities. That harness is $1,016.

I’m planning to keep this truck mostly stock. Which harness is going to be the easiest and quickest to install? Is there another option that’s easier?

Unless your stock stuff has been burnt up or badly damaged, I recommend just tidying it up and staying stock. The GM harness and fuse box is every bit as quality as anything available on the aftermarket

 

[Dleslie212]

I went with the Painless kit myself when i did mine. The difference being the documentation and instructions in the book

 

[Doppleganger]

I almost bought the OE replacement Painless kit - $700ish. What I wound up getting was a Painless kit for a GM column (the hardest part IMO) for <$400 as I am replacing the entire harness myself with relays, etc. Even had many more circuits for adding power windows, locks, etc.

 

[Matt69olds]

Unless your stock stuff has been burnt up or badly damaged, I recommend just tidying it up and staying stock. The GM harness and fuse box is every bit as quality as anything available on the aftermarket

Agreed! Even if you’re starting from scratch, you could buy a couple good used harnesses and build one far cheaper.