New wiring

[jakeman]

Hey guys, my truck runs pretty well surprisingly because when you look under the dash you can see an array cut wires hanging out, things not plugged in, just a real crappy wiring setup compliments of the previous owner. I'm sure I could repair it but I like shiny new stuff and due to the lack of availability of wiring harnesses I was thinking about making a new on. And by harness I mean all the wiring thats behind the dash. Problem is I don't know anything about electricity or wiring. :-laf

So my question to you guys is if this is even worth thinking about. I have no idea the amount of time a project like this might take or how much money it would cost or if it would just be a better idea to try and repair what I have now. I have the service manual with all the wiring diagrams it just doesn't give length and stuff like that. So I figure I'd rip mine out and using that and the manual how hard could it be right?! Thanks!

 

[RSchwarzli]

Welcome to the funny farm! Sounds like you have a fun project on your hands!

My 2 cents would be you are a lot smarter to find a harness from a bone yard or a person parting their truck and use that. Even if you had to fix a few things on it, you would still be further ahead. I have had my entire harness out. There is a lot there and one small move can cause a electrical short and a fire. Not to mention, the connectors are going to be a challenge to find.

Good luck either way you end up going!

Robert

 

[jakeman]

I figured that would be the best route. Thanks for talking some sense into me! Maybe if your build threads weren't so awesome I would stop thinking about this stuff!

 

[RSchwarzli]

I figured that would be the best route. Thanks for talking some sense into me! Maybe if your build threads weren't so awesome I would stop thinking about this stuff!

No problem! Happy to share my experiences with other 1st gen guys!

LOL NEVER stop thinking about this stuff. The key is to think about them but learn from my mistakes so you don't go down the same roads I did. LOL

 

[mwilson]

I am pretty good at electrical work but now use my smart phone to take pictures before I begin. It helps a lot to have photos for reference later on, even better if complete years go by before you get back to it....like Robert.....

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Good to see new blood to keep us all on our toes I can't blame the previous owner because when I look in the mirror I see the previous owner staring back at me.:-laf

Bob

 

[RSchwarzli]

years go by before you get back to it....like Robert.....

Holy lawn dart! :-laf

Good to see new blood to keep us all on our toes I can't blame the previous owner because when I look in the mirror I see the previous owner staring back at me.:-laf

Bob

Bob is right. Last winter I almost rewired the entire 1990 from all of the hack jobs I did over the years. I just didn't know any better 10 years ago. As I had a few questionable wiring issues, I redid it all. And that wasn't fun or easy and I was the one who did all that hack job over the years!! lol