Has anyone done one that could give information on one to make the process simple.
I totally agree. First, welcome to the forum. Second, you need to know that 67Dart273 is truly a Mopar electrical expert. He is almost always the first to jump in and help with the most difficult wiring problems. That being said, his comment is actually quite humorous. To say, "How can I rewire my car and make it easy" is kind of like saying "how can I get poked in the eye with a sharp stick without it hurting." OK, to be serious:LMFAO!!!!..............Sorry I could not resist
I recently purchased a new wire harness from American wiring. Has anyone done one that could give information on one to make the process simple. Its for a 67 cuda
you got the American AutoWire A-body kit? or a generic kit?
If you got the A-body kit, it is EASY. Don't let these guys stress you. I'm a complete idiot with wiring, and I had no real issues.
my suggestions:
1. Get a nice set of ratcheting barrel crimpers. I used the ones from Klein PN: VDV200-010KIT
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTHF2MC/?tag=joeychgo-20
2. Get a nice set of compound wire strippers. I used the Klein Katapults PN: 11063W
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC39YFQ/?tag=joeychgo-20
3. Use F6 split loom cover on the harness. I installed the whole harness just using big cheap white zip ties. Then drove it for a few weeks to ensure everything was right, made updates as needed, then pulled the whole harness out. I used the tiny black zip ties and the F6 loom cover, and reinstalled it
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=industrial&field-keywords=F6+split+loom
4. Use F4 self galvanizing harness tape instead of plain electrical tape or the factory style non-adhesive harness tape. This stuff is ROCK SOLID once in place. Looks very very clean
https://www.amazon.com/F4-Tape-Self-Fusing-Silicone-MIL-SPEC/dp/B01IVNQ7RC/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519657499&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=F4+harness+tape
5. Print American AutoWire's instructions and make a flip book, read it like 10 times and look at the pics closely.
6. Take your time with the bulkhead stencil
7. The kit calls for you to re-use a few bits from the factory harness. Inspect them well, clean the contacts, and assemble it all with dielectric grease
8. The kit is intended to be used with a "1-wire" alternator, so no provisions to run the factory VR or alternator. I run a little 3-wire Hilux denso (good time to upgrade) and just used the keyed hot circuit for the electric choke to excite it, ran a sensing wire to the starter relay stud, and a charge wire direct to the battery.
9. Kit doesn't come with door switches, so I picked up a new set for piece of mind.
10. Snap harness routing pics. The factory manuals or schematics won't help you know how to route the harness cleanly. TAKE GOOD PICS
seriously, the install was simple, the hardest part being wear and tear on my back working in the cramped spots, but pulling the front seats and steering column really made it easy. Feel free to message me if you need any help along the way, good luck!
. Relays are my wiring bane.
In what way? Maybe we can dispel some of that bane?
1...."Ford like" starter solenoids.........Many guys use these, and for various setups but you do have to understand, you cannot just "look" at them and figure what they are. Some have the coil grounded (Ford) some have an additional post for NSS (AMC/Jeep) and some aren't "Ford" at all, they are "continuous duty" meaning they have a coil magnet which can put up with being on for "constant" use. In short, these solenoids are wired differently and might look alike
2....."Bosch" relays......slang term for the cube relays you see in modern cars, these kick *** because they are SO available, BUT THERE ARE some caveats........They are NOT all the same. Some have heavier connector terminals and some have these paralleled for more current
Regardless of 1, 2, above, ALL relays have a magnet coil which may or may not be rated for continuous use, and which may or may not be grounded to the mounting. Therefore it turns on and off.
All relays have some sort of contacts, but some are "normally open" like a horn, starter relay, and others are "normally closed" meaning that you turn on the relay coil to "drop" the circuit."
Questions?
The Mopar typical starter relay is a GREAT example of how relays "get used." They put the NSS / clutch in the ground lead which makes the circuit somewhat more simple, and the thing made a really handy place to jumper the starter LOL
Right now I just about have it done although yes it is from American wiring. It is a really nice kit and have most of the tools also. I am a body man by trade so I am not the average Joe. However I am not very good at being patient. I am having a little trouble with the wipers they are wiping the wrong way I just bought a new motor and wondering if it is wired wrong. On the back of my switch the letters are rubbed off so I am not sure. If anyone can Send a diagram of one so I can double check. I am also dealing with a car that was restored by someone in Ichigam. People here in ohio don't use the first letter. The car was an electrical nightmare very few things worked. I should of purchased all new switches I did get a new dimmer switch, turn signal switch,blower motor switch, and all new bulbs and sockets for dash, and wiper motor. Good for me I was able to get the convertible top to work.