American Autowire

[1stchevy]

Just ordered the classic update kit from American Autowire part 510089. How many of you guys have installed them yourself and how hard was it? I have only done very minor car audio wiring so this has me a little scared to tackle by myself. Any insight or pointers are greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Already Gone]

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[Kungfoogrip]

I posted a similar thread on the subject..this may help you some..I am starting on this tonight! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651043

Kungfoogrip

[1stchevy]

Originally Posted by Kungfoogrip

I posted a similar thread on the subject..this may help you some..I am starting on this tonight! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651043

Kungfoogrip

Thanks a lot! Good luck with your install, I'll keep my eyes peeled for updates.

[1968aj]

keep us posted. im going to do the same thing very soon. never done it before either. is this autowire the best kit to use? I am just east of Houston . just getting started on a 1970. headed to theswap meet in Belton TX. TOMORROW morning looking for some factory bucket seats

[1971 K10 shortbox]

Mine just showed up today. I can tell you the first part, carrying the box from the front porch to the garage wasn't to bad. LOL. Sorry could resist.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by 1stchevy

Just ordered the classic update kit from American Autowire part 510089. How many of you guys have installed them yourself and how hard was it? I have only done very minor car audio wiring so this has me a little scared to tackle by myself. Any insight or pointers are greatly appreciated.

Chris

American Autowire spun off from M&H. Both of those harnesses match the original wiring. Get a copy of the factory assembly manual and your fears will melt away. Since that harness is a very accurate reproduction of the factory original, it is routed and connected as it is shown in the manual. If the line monkeys could get the truck wired in just a few minutes you should be able to do it with that book in a day. Or three. It took me a day to install my M&H harness. Everything worked on the very first try, including the horn!

[rwade]

This is the kit I used. Great instructions and thorough. I'll buy another for my next one. And BTW, I hate electrical, but this kit was great.

Wade

[1stchevy]

Thanks for the feed back guys. I've looked over AAW's instructions online trying to prepare myself. I've read nothing but positive reviews about AAW's products, they seem to be great. I probably do need to buy a factory assembly manual also. I can't wait to receive it so I can do some more studying before I dive into it.

[scottybaccus]

Just to add to the positive feedback...

I run a small custom chassis shop, specializing in updating older cars and trucks with modern suspension, brakes and power-trains. There isn't much about such cars I don't do.
When it comes to wiring, I am asked to do a lot of complete replacements. I typically quote $500-$750 to install any American Autowire harness, and that varies based on whatever sort of customizations there are, like gauges or A/C, aftermarket power accessories, whatever.
When the customer insists on using something cheaper, I warn them in advance that the savings won't justify the added labor, and quality is surely less. When they don't reconsider, I only agree on an hourly rate, so that any overage in labor is billed, and it usually costs $750-$1000, at minimum. The AAW harness is just superior in layout, labeling, schematics, and alternative scenarios. Too many less expensive harnesses won't even come with instructions, much less a full schematic.
As to how long it takes to do one? Every vehicle is different, but 10-12 hours is on the low end, for an experienced hand. Better call that 20 for a novice that has a clue. The clueless..., well, they should call me.
AAW is good stuff. Have fun!

[Bob B.]

Installed AAW harnesses in my truck and 8 years later have never had an electrical issue. Just take your time and you shouldn't have any problems.

[1stchevy]

Originally Posted by Bob B.

Installed AAW harnesses in my truck and 8 years later have never had an electrical issue. Just take your time and you shouldn't have any problems.

That's the plan! This is definitely something I want to do right the first time.

[Kungfoogrip]

Little disappointed in the little I accomplished today..I ordered the 2 crimpers from AAW and they were supposed to show up yesterday and they didn't. You absolutely have to have the crimpers if you are going with a full replacement (which I am). So all I managed to finish today was pull the harness under the dash and I basically went over every wire under the hood and compared it to the kits replacement wire. (basically laying out the game plan). Looks like its very straight forward as long as you have the crimpers. Here is a pic of the 43 year old harness

PS My refurbished dash bezel from TBONE1964 should be here Monday as well!

Rock on dudes

Kungfoogrip

[Kungfoogrip]

Made some progress today. I wired the headlight part of the kit, rewired both headlights, turn lights, parking lights, and the horn. It wasn't nearly as scary as I thought.

My 1st impressions with the kit are TAKE YOUR TIME. Route the wires and plan ahead before you cut any of the wires, lay out all of the connectors that you have to crimp and read the wiring diagram until you understand what you are supposed to do. So far so good!!!

The engine harness is next.

Later

Kungfoogrip

[1stchevy]

Nice start and thanks for the updates.

[truckdude239]

Thats the kit i used i hate electrical work and i did it all so far so good. I w3nt w step farther and solider all the connections

[1stchevy]

Had a friend quote me $500-$600 to install the AAW harness. He has been doing stereo installs and other wiring for about 15 years. He has rewired a few other cars and trucks so I'm confident this should't be an issue. I figured by the time I bought the proper crimping tools and the time I would have into it I could pay him and have it finished faster.

[jacmac926]

Also looking to do a complete rewire after the holidays been looking at several different topics on here and everyone seems to like the automotive auto wire over the painless I am debating between the 2 since the painless has almost 10 more circuits you and add and it is pretty much the same price. What is everyone's expierence with the painless harness?

[1stchevy]

The reason I went with the AAW harness is because all the factory terminals are replaced by new factory style terminals. All the connections will be new and it comes with new ignition, headlight and high/low beam switches. Just seems like a more complete harness than the others on the market.

[Lee H]

JMHO, as I've used both. Painless harness is an oxymoron like government efficiency.

[57larry]

I used AA 2times, once in a 57 chevy and the other in a 56 chevy truck, still have both vehicles, both have no electrical problems. good kits, just take your time

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by 1stchevy

Had a friend quote me $500-$600 to install the AAW harness. He has been doing stereo installs and other wiring for about 15 years. He has rewired a few other cars and trucks so I'm confident this should't be an issue. I figured by the time I bought the proper crimping tools and the time I would have into it I could pay him and have it finished faster.

I hate to sound like an E. Scrooge, with all this happy, happy, happy stuff about the great wiring harnesses..But, what's the deal? You've already purchased the harness.
I didn't look at the AAW catalog, so I'm not sure what you bought. But you really need more "attaboy, go get 'em's", and "how to's", than nods to AAW or M&H.

Not that it matters for this thread, but on the *really* happy side, M&H and AAW seem to be of equal quality. I use M&H exclusively, but would look at AAW based on
what everyone is saying. If they have the same excellent customer service as M&H and a similar price, you have a winner.

Now, for some REAL info:

Your truck has ...Lets see: An engine harness with a firewall plug, a front "light" harness, an under dash harness with the fuse box and all the interior and dash goodies,
a long harness to go to the rear along the frame, and a rear harness for the tail and brake and rear side markers and lic plate lights. Maybe an a/c harness, too.

Do you have an HEI dizzy and/or an internally regulated alternator? I'm sure those questions would be answered if I looked at the part number you ordered....
...Okay, I just did. But I'm a little confused and too lazy to dig in, so I'm still not sure about those questions.

Point: If you are replacing all of it, you can easily do this yourself. One harness at a time.

If I'm replacing everything, I start with the light harness, then the engine harness. Then the under dash harness, etc.

Unless you have some sort of head trauma, or lack of patience, or similar malady, this is about the most fun thing you can do on your own truck, IMHO.
That's why I pay for the good harnesses. No guess work.

A couple of more things:

Make yourself an extra ground to go to the steel of the dash. Connect it to the bezel (the metal part that carries the gauges).
Make it long enough that you can pull out the bezel (after you disconnect the oil line).

Loosen the steering column (and probably e-brake assy...mine's a '68) before screwing up your nice bezel (DAMHIK...several times).
Don't screw in the bezel until you're sure EVERYTHING works. Remember how the light switch comes apart.
If the Ign. switch is staying, good. If not, know how to take it apart before you ruin it.

Get one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/lmqwqhm

My $.02

[1stchevy]

Thanks magwakeenercew2jh I think lol! I'm very nervous and unsure about doing this myself. My confidence goes from yes I can to what the heck am I thinking on a daily basis.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by 1stchevy

Thanks magwakeenercew2jh I think lol! I'm very nervous and unsure about doing this myself. My confidence goes from yes I can to what the heck am I thinking on a daily basis.

I guarantee that you can do it yourself.
But only do it if you think it will be fun.

If you have any questions along the way, a bunch of us are only a keyboard away.

[1stchevy]

I think it will be fun and I'll understand more about my truck when it's done. Plus I can do things the way I want it. Do I need the crimps AAW sells or are there alternatives that are cheaper? Thanks for the help!