Also buy the AIM if you haven't already done so. It will be your best friend when doing a harness change.
Painless Wire Harness - Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: KC Kansas
Painless Wire Harness - Help
Ok, im at the next step - wiring.
I have never done a full wire harness.
I have read most of the Painless online instructions but I want to know if anyone has any hints, suggestions, tips, things to make my life easier, etc.
Jon
I have never done a full wire harness.
I have read most of the Painless online instructions but I want to know if anyone has any hints, suggestions, tips, things to make my life easier, etc.
Jon
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Monroe Washington
harness removal
installing the harness it will be a snap.
RonTech
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: KC Kansas
I think I have the AIM. But when I removed the old harness someone had bubba'd it so bad that I couldnt tell where alot of this stuff went to. I kept it anyway and it is on my work bench to use as a reference.
Thank you for the suggestions.
Anyone else?
Thank you for the suggestions.
Anyone else?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Did you label the old wires when you removed the harness? If you did, it will be much easier to match up the new leads. Use the AIM wiring diagram to verify all of the hookups. The AIM diagrams are not always complete but what's shown is usually right.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: KC Kansas
I labeled a few wires, the ones I knew what they were but most of the old harness was just trash. The wires are all brand new looking, someone has been in there recently but didnt do a good job at all at wiring it up. some wires just dead end, I found one loom that had one 20g purple wire feeding into 2 14g purple wires then going on to the rear harness. It was a mess.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I labeled a few wires, the ones I knew what they were but most of the old harness was just trash. The wires are all brand new looking, someone has been in there recently but didnt do a good job at all at wiring it up. some wires just dead end, I found one loom that had one 20g purple wire feeding into 2 14g purple wires then going on to the rear harness. It was a mess.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: KC Kansas
Yea im really really hoping it has all the plugs already installed as I would like to relpace the old ones anyway. I wont get the new Painless harness until Tuesday.
I have heard some people suggest that I lay the entire harness out on the floor and spread it out doing a mock up install.
Anyone ever done this? Does it help any? Any other hints?
I have heard some people suggest that I lay the entire harness out on the floor and spread it out doing a mock up install.
Anyone ever done this? Does it help any? Any other hints?
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Each circuit of the harness is labled every 6 or 8 inches. And yes you will have to use the old connectors. It really is quite simple. And you can save tons of cash over a factory harness. You will see that once you start on it everything will fall into place. Make sure you crimp and solder all your conns. and then shrink tube them for insulation. Also contact MAD electrical for your relays. He's hard to reach on the phone 'cause he is on the phone ALLDAY, but when you finally reach him(Mark,I think) he is a wealth of knowledge. And yes he will talk your ear off but if you are like me if i'm listening to someone who knows their stuff and has a passion for cars, you can gain alot of knowledge.
Good Luck!
p.s. Also get the good shrink tubing from MAD also, it's the best you will find.
If you have any other questions ask away and I'll do my best to answer them.
Good Luck!
p.s. Also get the good shrink tubing from MAD also, it's the best you will find.
If you have any other questions ask away and I'll do my best to answer them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Yea im really really hoping it has all the plugs already installed as I would like to relpace the old ones anyway. I wont get the new Painless harness until Tuesday.
I have heard some people suggest that I lay the entire harness out on the floor and spread it out doing a mock up install.
Anyone ever done this? Does it help any? Any other hints?
I have heard some people suggest that I lay the entire harness out on the floor and spread it out doing a mock up install.
Anyone ever done this? Does it help any? Any other hints?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Also if I needed any pigtails I had no problem finding them in a boneyard or make your own, most are all spade conns. anyway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
I replaced my entire harness with an 18 circuit column kit. All the wires are labled every 6 or 8 inches as stated above. Biggest thing is to route all wires before cutting any of them. You may find that after routing the wires you want to move them for a cleaner installation. As far as the connectors and sockets go bead blasting and dielectric grease works wonders. I am please with how mine came out. To me the worst problem on an older car is tracking down an electrical problem. I also invested in a heat gun and plenty of "heat shrink" to put over the soldered connections I made. Another thing to keep in mind is you may need to add some relays for fans headlights etc...
