AAW Kit Question/Review

[Jahloha]

I am seriously considering rewiring my entire truck while the front clip, engine, trans, bed are off the frame. At least I am looking at like wiring a home when there just frames, no drywall.

Anyways, do these kit literally come with EVERY wire my truck will need?

I.E., if I am sold on using this kit, could I just rip out every wire, without concern of missing a wire once the kit gets here?

I wouldnt tear wires out until the kit got here, I just wanted to make a black/white example.

[benny70]

I did the same for my 67, the instructions are pretty clear and the kit is complete. They also leave the wire long, so after you cut it you have a lot left over if you need more. The only thing you might need are some more splices and connectors, depending on if you waste any.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by benny70

I did the same for my 67, the instructions are pretty clear and the kit is complete. They also leave the wire long, so after you cut it you have a lot left over if you need more. The only thing you might need are some more splices and connectors, depending on if you waste any.

Thanks for sharing bud. How much electrical experience did you have, prior to install? About how many hours went into it?

And so you ripped all the old wires out, then started the install?

Mahalo!

[benny70]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

Thanks for sharing bud. How much electrical experience did you have, prior to install? About how many hours went into it?

And so you ripped all the old wires out, then started the install?

Mahalo!

I didn't have a whole lot of experience. I've wired headlights and tail lights but nothing to that extent. It would take at least a weekend, maybe two. Our truck was just a bare cab and chassis when we started, so there really weren't any wires to speak of. On a side note, the truck is finally going to paint this weekend!

[Tom Vogel]

The AAW Classic Update series kit comes with every wire you will need, and then some. I did mine easilly with no real experience, you can too.

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

The AAW Classic Update series kit comes with every wire you will need, and then some. I did mine easilly with no real experience, you can too.

Yes, very nice, very complete. Order based on what you have, need. Like internal reg alt, HEI, etc. call and discuss with them before ordering to make sure you get the kit you need. You will need to proper crimpers, either rent them from AAW or buy them, you can't do a proper job without them. As part the the kit, there is a practice kit of various terminals to get you started. I found the crimping primer on their web site very useful.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Yes, very nice, very complete. Order based on what you have, need. Like internal reg alt, HEI, etc. call and discuss with them before ordering to make sure you get the kit you need. You will need to proper crimpers, either rent them from AAW or buy them, you can't do a proper job without them. As part the the kit, there is a practice kit of various terminals to get you started. I found the crimping primer on their web site very useful.

Awesome insight. Did you buy a crimper or rent one? If bought, which one did you buy? Were you happy with it?

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by benny70

I didn't have a whole lot of experience. I've wired headlights and tail lights but nothing to that extent. It would take at least a weekend, maybe two. Our truck was just a bare cab and chassis when we started, so there really weren't any wires to speak of. On a side note, the truck is finally going to paint this weekend!

Congratulations!

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

The AAW Classic Update series kit comes with every wire you will need, and then some. I did mine easilly with no real experience, you can too.

Thats the insight I was looking for. I have a good electrical background, just never applied it to a vehicle. So rather then assume I will be competent, best to look at it like a newb. Thanks!

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

Awesome insight. Did you buy a crimper or rent one? If bought, which one did you buy? Were you happy with it?

There are two different sizes. I bought both.

[JWPOORE]

If you decide to tackle this project, be sure to take some pics and give updates on your progress. I'd love to see your step by step progress to see what I have in store for myself this spring.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by JWPOORE

If you decide to tackle this project, be sure to take some pics and give updates on your progress. I'd love to see your step by step progress to see what I have in store for myself this spring.

Absolutely. I have been reading a ton of information on the AAW kits and am excited to place an order, albeit a couple months away. I have been reading that the crimpers are key for this project.

[suspect]

I did the complete AAW kit. It's real nice. Color coded and every wire is printed with what it goes to. You'll have extra wire and terminals left over. I didn't buy the crimpers. It would've been real nice and quicker to have them, but I just used my standard crimpers and needle nose pliers.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by suspect

I did the complete AAW kit. It's real nice. Color coded and every wire is printed with what it goes to. You'll have extra wire and terminals left over. I didn't buy the crimpers. It would've been real nice and quicker to have them, but I just used my standard crimpers and needle nose pliers.

Exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for sharing. I am thinking that renting the tool will work just fine, seeing as this would be the only job where I needed a solid crimper.