Which wiring kit should I buy?

[jcal87]

I want to either get a pianless or AAW. I also want something that can run aftermarket accessories like power windows, radio etc. Also I want it to be able to run my carborated 350 but still be able to switch to an LS motor later on.

[Jay Hilliard]

I used the Painless 18 circuit kit on my 69 camaro a few years ago. Its nice, wire is labeled, but it did not include alot of the stuff the AAW kit has. For my wife's 69 camaro I am using the AAW classic update kit. Instructions are way better and it includes things like dimmer switch, headlight switch, and all the bulb housings. Painless did not include these in the kit when I used it. Not sure if they do now.

My vote is for the AAW kit. AAW has very good tech support.

[caper150]

AAW all the way none better IMO

[jcal87]

whats the model number on the kit

[camcojb]

I've done a couple of the AAW direct fit kits, and was very happy.

[Musclerodz]

500661

[jcal87]

500661

I can still put after market accessories and convert to an ls motor later with this?

[JMitch19]

I can still put after market accessories and convert to an ls motor later with this?

Yes, and it will make your upgrades easier due to the added circuits.

[jcal87]

where can i get the best price for this?

[JMitch19]

500661

where can i get the best price for this?

I'd buy it from the guy that took the time to post in my thread.

[John510]

You can do Hwy 22 as its about 100$ cheaper. Thats what I did

[killer67]

500661

Ships right away from Muscledodz

[jcal87]

How much is it with shipping?

[Musclerodz]

roughly $25-$30

[fesler]

Ron Francis Wire works makes the best one that we use in all the cars we build. I have used them all and by far the RFW is top notch.

[Ron in SoCal]

How much is it with shipping?

roughly $25-$30

That's a deal! Put me down for two...:lol:

[Musclerodz]

That's a deal! Put me down for two...:lol:shows you how good my speed reading is. $529 shipped

[BIGBEAUTIFULDOL]

AAW...the Painless is not even in the same ballpark

[jcal87]

shows you how good my speed reading is. $529 shipped

Is it pretty simple to install?

[JMitch19]

Is it pretty simple to install?

The instructions are well written and the kit comes with EVERYTHING you need and then some. It includes a harness for any option that was offered for your car that needs wiring. If you have some wiring experience and the proper tools I would say you will have 15-20 hours into it. I'm talking from the time you open the first bag to the time tape your last piece of loom. If you've never wired anything before add 5-10 hours.

[Musclerodz]

Is it pretty simple to install?

if you can follow instructions and a few essential tools, you can install it with little to no issue. if you do have an issue, there tech support is great or you can call us direct, we have installed dozens of their kits.

[killer67]

AAW all the way. Should take about 20-25 hours with clear schematics and a great tech line. I have seen it mounted behind the kick panel on driver or passenger side with an access door to get to it. Clean and easy to check fuses

[jcal87]

What tools are required?

[jcal87]

Also does it tell you how to conceal wiring?

[Ron in SoCal]

Also does it tell you how to conceal wiring?

Must control sarcastic urge...:captain:

[jcal87]

Is that a weird question?

[Ron in SoCal]

No JC. As usual, I was just teasing. IMO, plumbing and wiring in a resto is really an art form. Hacks like me can get it done with the help of buddies and beer, but if you want it to look professional you at least need guidance from a pro.

Most instruction sets don't include this info. Please don't let my light hearted comments deter you. You can do this! :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

AAW...the Painless is not even in the same ballpark

You can say that again. I put a Painless harness in my car about 4 years ago and I just ripped it out while I'm updating the car. Huh, Painless my a$$. :mad: It will be AAW for me from now on.

[jcal87]

What tools will I need?

[GregWeld]

I just put in an American Autowire Hwy 22 kit -- with a trunk mount extension kit.... it's pretty nice kit and the wires and instruction (for what they're worth - when you're doing everything custom...).

But when I was at SEMA I checked out the Ron Francis booth - and my next cars will run their stuff. I felt the wire quality was better....

In order to keep the clutter down under the dash - I built a rack that tilts down - and this area is behind an upholstered headboard...

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Rudys%20Camaro/IMG_1714-1.jpg



I made it tilt forward so if the battery needed to come out - you can just drag the battery over it... thus the components are all to the driver side.



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Rudys%20Camaro/IMG_1718.jpg


The key is that all the wiring is labeled every few inches... and it's all color coded.

After that - it's up to the "installer" to a nice neat job with good crimps and protection from chafing and making runs that don't end up looking like your mothers spaghetti. :unibrow:

[GregWeld]

What tools will I need?

Good crimpers... heat shrink tubing... a way to apply heat to shrink the tubing... a good SHARP pair of wire cutters.... and a plan.

Locate your fuse panel -- temporarily - then head all your wires in the right direction (layout) used some TEMPORARY zip ties - go back and straighten out your runs and get the wires laying correctly... then start to look for where you're going to attach the runs and hang them - loose - this is all temporary until you zip it home.... Then I like to run ONE wire "home" bring it down - whack it - terminate it - and move to the next one and so on. Once that is all done I go back and start to tighten it all up - with more zip ties and hanging it permanently.

Remember your GROUNDS are every bit as important as the power side... thus the name "circuit". Clean metal at grounds - use star washers between the terminal and the metal (they're designed to cut into the metal not to lock the nut like a lock washer - although they also do that but they should be under the terminal not the nut/bolt head).

[jcal87]

Thanks for all the info Greg! How much more difficult was it to move it to the trunk? Can you send me a link the that extension?

[GregWeld]

Well -- that's a difficult answer -- because for me - with all my tools etc it was easier to put it in the trunk than it was to hang it under the dash - and in the end it's more "serviceable" as well. Who wants to be upside-down under a dash these days trying to pull a fuse? Not me!

The trunk extension is all on the AAW website.... it's just longer wires for a few of the circuits. They're heavier gauge (because of the load/distance) but are the same color - same labeling - you just use them and pull out the shorter versions. OR -- Call MuscleRods... Mike will walk you thru it and order it for you. You may or may not need 22 circuits - maybe you only need 14 or whatever.

[GregWeld]

Here is what YOU DO NOT WANT (this was the wiring in my '37 Ford project!)



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/37%20Ford/IMG_0367.jpg



Here is what YOU DO WANT!



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/37%20Ford/mum33028_std_std.jpg

[jcal87]

That looks awesome! When I start I'll most likely be shooting you a few pm's

[Maximum Bob]

We have used a company called EZwiring, pretty straight forward and prices are great.

They dontated a kit to our project, labeled and colored wires, older style fuse panel but still functional...awsome customer service as well.

Just take your time, if you become overwhelmed, just walk away and find something else to do. You will be fine. Also try and set your expectations to perspective of what your project is used for. 98% of guys that build cars or work on them are not going to point and laugh...and if they do...Efffum...its your ride, and your the one who wired it, not some shop at 75.00 per hour.

For the most part the electrical current wont know the difference, that should be your biggest concern....and saftery of course. Try not to get tangled up in the latest and greatest thing going, most people wont even know.

Bob

[Select Motors]

Love the Ron Francis stuff. Especially like the switch on each circuit to select if you want it to be accesory or battery power.

[out2kayak]

Not to nit pick on the rather tidy wiring, but something to consider (instead of using zip-ties) is using wax string to tie the bundle.

Here is a decent site on how to do it:

http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/cable_lace/cable_lace.html

Just my 2 pennies worth. Something to think about.

:cheers:

[jcal87]

I ended up buying the AAW kit from a member on here. I will let you guys know how it turns out :thumbsup:

[jcal87]

Anything I should know before stripping the car of its previous wiring?