Universal or Custom???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma Tennessee
Universal or Custom???
Wire harnesses that is.
I'd like to replace the dash wiring on my '77 coupe because appearantly bubba just loved to cut things to see what they do.
I'm also going to hook up some new autometer ultra lites. I wondered which way will require the least "modification" since the console gauges will no longer be able to use the circuit board wiring.
If I go with a universal harness do I have to replace all the wiring for the entire car? Also, I've heard good things about painless performance but as far as I can tell they don't offer a '77 harness; is this true? I'd really appreciate your imput on this subject.
I'd like to replace the dash wiring on my '77 coupe because appearantly bubba just loved to cut things to see what they do.
I'm also going to hook up some new autometer ultra lites. I wondered which way will require the least "modification" since the console gauges will no longer be able to use the circuit board wiring.If I go with a universal harness do I have to replace all the wiring for the entire car? Also, I've heard good things about painless performance but as far as I can tell they don't offer a '77 harness; is this true? I'd really appreciate your imput on this subject.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I put in the Painless 12 circuit keyed universal harness with no problems. You must have all the term ends from the old harness or you will have to make your own. Very easy and lots of savings.
All wires are marked clearly every 6" for each circuit.
All wires are marked clearly every 6" for each circuit.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Onley VA
Painless is the way to go. I used an 18 circuit kit on my 72. Easy to install, works great, easy to customize for your aftermarket stuff, ect. Just invest in a good set of crimpers, make sure you use them right, and buy extra quality connectors and fittings, don't skimp with dime store, spin rack junk.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If you are going to do this with a universal harness, do yourself a favor and don't crimp anything. Solder and shrinkwrap all connections. You can buy the type 56 female (and male) connectors in bulk and re-use the plastic plugs. On the ones with odd connectors, you can solder in a "pigtail". Be sure to buy a version with the GM ignition wiring and turn signal wiring already completed. You will not be able to use the engine, forward lamp, or rear lamp harnesses in the car-they all have to go. You will have a large hole in the firewall where the wires come through and the bulkhead originally was to deal with. I still say that a factory harness is the way to go. Sounds like your major difference is for the center cluster; you won't use the circuit board, but you still need all the wires to get there. I have used a universal Painless harness in several resto-rods for customers and they work fine for that, but for a car with relatively minor mods I would stick to stock. My .02
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
heres another option depending how patient you are. i yanked my guage cluster out and pulled back the covering on the harness. bout 2 inches before the 12 prong plug i snipped everything. go to radio shack and get a custom 12 prong block male and then 2 females. rewire the current wiring to the custom block and then wire up the original harness to the female end of one of them. take the other female and set up all the wires for your autometers. you want back to stock, switch harnesses.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
I had e-mailed Painless a while back to see if they were ever going to put together an upgraded harness plug'n'play with the C3 and never heard back. They already do so for other Fbodies and such, the c3 aftermarket industry is growing, they should jump on it.
Especially with everyone wanting to run stronger headlights and rediculous stereo's and cell phone chargers and satelite radios and such, the power demands are much higher than 30 yrs ago. Too much of a risk to use stock wiring with the new technology accessories.
If you go with Painless universal, take lots of pics and write up a paper so I can follow it when i upgrade to autometer gauges in the next few years.
Especially with everyone wanting to run stronger headlights and rediculous stereo's and cell phone chargers and satelite radios and such, the power demands are much higher than 30 yrs ago. Too much of a risk to use stock wiring with the new technology accessories.
If you go with Painless universal, take lots of pics and write up a paper so I can follow it when i upgrade to autometer gauges in the next few years.