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T-Rexblown57409
03-13-2018, 09:11 AM
I'm trying to figure out what wiring harness to buy I need to know how many circuit's to get.This is what I've got MSD 6BTM box,PerTronix conversion electronic,head light's,tail light's,turn signals,brake light,back up light,horn,electric fuel pump,wipers,dome light,gauges 5 and tach,stereo,alternator,cig lighter for acc,ing switch,sending unit on 16gal fuel cell,squirt can, I believe that's it. Any help would be appreciated

chevynut
03-13-2018, 10:32 AM
A Lot of guys like the American Autowire classic update kit for tri5s. They added circuits for newer stuff like you describe. I'd take a look and see if you think it meets your needs. I have so much stuff I built mine from scratch.

TrifiveRichard
03-13-2018, 04:08 PM
I’ve also used the Painless Wiring 21 circuit harness. You will need to use a number of your original connectors, as I recall, only the headlight connectors are included.

Rick_L
03-13-2018, 05:47 PM
I think the AAW kit is the way to go for many. It will replicate the original but with upgrades. More wires are terminated which helps if the car is fairly stock and stock length wires can be used. Use the custom kits when you need more circuits or want to relocate the fuse panel. Three options to think about with relocation, one is the Ron Francis kit that mounts the fuse panel on a clip in bracket, along with a pigtail - so that you can pull the fuse panel away from the bracket and get better access/visibility. Next is to mount the fuse box in a console. The third is Painless has a harness with extended leads so that you can put it just about anywhere including the trunk.

chevynut
03-13-2018, 07:33 PM
If you're doing something "close" to stock with some add-ons I think that AAW update kit will work even if you have to add a relay or two. I actually bought a Hot Rod Wires custon wiring kit/panel that turned out to be a POS so I don't recommend it. Most kits limit where you can put your fuse panel because of the length of the wires.

Because I have so much electrical stuff going on, I made my own fuse panel out of "stackable" fuse block section from Waytek. You can add 4 fuse increments to make a panel as big as you want. I ended up with 24 fuses. I have 5 breakers, something like 16 relays (4 under the driver's fender, 2 under the dash, and 10 in the console), two power window controller modules, a door lock controller, a retained accessory/auto headlight/dome light controller, a 2-speed fan controller, a keyless entry/alarm box, a Wideband O2 controller, an ECM, a Spark controller, all crammed into the console. No way would a "kit" do what I needed to do :geek:. I'll probably be adding even more for electric cutout control as well, and maybe need another breaker or two. The 4-way flasher and turn signal flashers are under the dash with the horn relay, and the 3 fan relays are under the fender with an electric hood release relay. Lots of stuff to try to hide. :) I bought small rolls of GXL wire in various colors and gauges I needed. I guess the point is don't necessarily feel you need a "kit" if you can handle designing electrical stuff from scratch. Plus you can save a bunch of money imo.

8479

8480

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55 Tony
03-14-2018, 07:05 AM
I bought the Painless basic plus, or something like that. It was supposed to have all the stuff they came with plus a few extra circuits. That's OK, I thought, I don't have a lot of extra's. But then when it's too late I find out that according to Painless, TriFives didn't have a generator light/exciter circuit, cigarette lighter, and a lot more I can't think of now. Painless is Painful! I've used up all my "extra" circuits on basic stuff.

55 Rescue Dog
03-14-2018, 08:15 AM
I used a Ron Francis setup, and it worked out great. It was nice to have the option of terminating wires at the fuse panel, so you can run wires either from the device, or the other way. It has a lot of flexibility, and they have several different options to choose from. I just needed basic circuits so I went with their smallest fuse panel. Plus it just unhooks from the mount so you can pull it out from inside the dash.
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T-Rexblown57409
03-14-2018, 10:25 AM
I want to thank y'all for the help what I really need is should I buy a 21 circuit harness will it do?

chevynut
03-14-2018, 10:37 AM
I want to thank y'all for the help what I really need is should I buy a 21 circuit harness will it do?

Which harness are you considering? The AAW Classic Update kit is 18 circuit.

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/classic-update-series/complete-wiring-kit-1955-56-chevy

Count up all of your things that need power to determine that. Keep in mind that you can put more than one thing on a circuit....i.e. the glove box light doesn't need a fuse of it's own.

busterwivell
03-14-2018, 02:51 PM
I'm no electrical guy at all, in fact I hate wiring. That said, I really like the AAW kits. I did my 56 with one, and my son-in-law's 67 Chevelle with one, and we made it thru. I thought the instructions were good, and their customer support is good, too.

567chevys
03-14-2018, 03:06 PM
Summit Racing has this kit cheaper with free shipping




American Autowire 500423 - American Autowire Classic Update Series Wiring Harness Kits

Wiring Harness, Classic Update Series, 18 Circuit, Front Mount Fuse Block, Standard Length, Chevy, Kit



Part Number: AWW-500423

Instock

$503.10

TrifiveRichard
03-14-2018, 03:43 PM
T-Rex - 21 circuits will handle the items you have listed. If you use a Painless harness, you will probably have to use some circuits for loads different than they are labeled for. The other item that comes to mind is you will need some relays also, for things like the the electrical fuel pump and other higher current switched loads. If you end up needing more circuits, you can use the same fuse blocks as ChevyNut has.

At the risk of giving you too many options, there is another that I am using on a 56 Chevy I'm currently building: it's a system called Infinity Box, and is computer based. I have never used it before, am an electrical engineer, and thought I'd try it. It has some nice features, although it's pretty pricey. Attached are a few pictures of my installation.

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55 Rescue Dog
03-14-2018, 04:18 PM
Those are some pretty cool wiring setups, but all I know is the simpler you keep it, the easier it is to troubleshoot and repair when something doesn't work. Late model new cars are a prefect example. The OE tri5 wiring is about as simple as it gets. I=E/R

JT56
03-14-2018, 07:31 PM
I did the AAW Classic on mine. Invest in a good crimp tool

BamaNomad
03-14-2018, 07:34 PM
I'm with you on that RD... :) Keep It Simple Sam!~ ;)

Rustaddict
03-15-2018, 04:38 PM
I did the AAW Classic on mine. Invest in a good crimp tool

Did you use the tool AAW recommends or something different ?

scorpion1110
03-15-2018, 04:46 PM
Kwikwire.

Love the kit and its made nicely with an incorporated kill switch. Have one going in my 55 wagon. I installed an AAW harness for a guy last spring, and in my opinion it couldn't compare.

S

WagonCrazy
03-17-2018, 07:16 AM
I did the AAW Classic Update kit on my 57 9 passenger wagon (before I sold it). First time ever doing a complete rewire of a car. It was easy, as long as you follow the instructions and stay with it circuit by circuit until you are done. It came with all the new end fittings needed....some of the other kits dont have the end connectors specific to your year.

Invest in a good crimp too. One like this...described as WHPT-18E - Delphi Weather Pack Metri-Pack "Easy Crimp" Crimping Tool 24-14 AWG - Made In USA
8510

chevynut
03-17-2018, 07:21 AM
Kwikwire.
Love the kit and its made nicely with an incorporated kill switch. Have one going in my 55 wagon. I installed an AAW harness for a guy last spring, and in my opinion it couldn't compare. S

Interesting that the Kwikwire harness uses the same universal fuse holders that I'm using. ;)

http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server4900/wbg7d4r/products/36/images/676/22_circuit_2_1200x1200__60201.1460434111.500.750.j pg?c=2

scorpion1110
03-17-2018, 12:36 PM
Cant comment where they buy their parts Chevynut. But if you and Kwikwire are sourcing the same block then I'd say you both are in good shape.

I am not an expert but I put a Lectric Limited harness in a 65Vette, a Painless harness in a 66Nova, a factory fit in an Impala (I think) an American Autowire Harness in a 48 Chevy Pickup, and then Kwikwire harnesses in a 68 Chevy Pickup, a 46 Chevy Coupe and now the 55 Handyman. Have used Ron Francis stuff also.

Not an expert but have done a fair amount of wiring, and again IMHO Kwikwire is the best most complete kit.

.02

S

55 Rescue Dog
03-17-2018, 02:42 PM
There are lot's of good options out there for wiring, but I just wanted to add that for troubleshooting, that is one advantage of the Ron Francis panels. There is a screw terminal power strip with every circuit after every fuse, and relay, making a convenient place to make voltage/ohm checks on each circuit. One thing I want to get for my next wiring project is a good label maker for unmarked wires. The better descriptors you can put on wires, and drawings, etc., the better from my experience. Just don't use wire numbers 6 and 9. Even though Francis wiring wasn't the greatest of friendly customer service, or pricing, they have a lot of interesting options, and they did help me. I was able to make turn signal circuit using only 3 wires to a simple toggle switch using their relay panel, plus I have 4-way flashers, and a 3rd brake light. I also have an engine kill switch on the console that can be hit from the driver, or passenger seat. And an easy to reach battery disconnect behind the driver seat under the fire extinguisher in the lower B pillar area. Another tip is to always verify you have a good ground to everything.


https://www.ronfrancis.com/departments.asp?dept=315

markm
03-17-2018, 04:32 PM
I had good luck with a kit from Affordable Street Rods in Great Bend Ks when I did my Dads 46 Chevy pickup.