Time to re-wire my car - Lateral-g Forums

av8or32 · #1 06-16-2009, 09:04 PM

I'm really dreading this. Mostly because I've never tried it. I'm wondering what the main differences are between the kits. For instance, when someone says that an AAW kit terminates it's wires, what does that really mean? Do they just add terminal ends or is there something else like specialized ends that'll cost me extra to add to a cheaper EZ kit? And if they just add terminals (like spade connectors) why are they so much more than say an EZ kit? In the end, will it cost me just as much or more to go w/an EZ kit @ $185 vs. a $500 AAW or Painless due to missing parts? How "universal" are these Painless universal kits. Are they so much so that they don't fit anything well? I have a factory manual with all the wiring diagrams since I know that's the place to start. I'm keeping my car as simple as possible since it's my first build. I won't be aading power window/locks etc. but I will be adding a/c and a sat radio set-up. So, how many circuits will I really need? Thanks for being patient w/a newbe.

youthpastor · #2 06-16-2009, 09:12 PM

I've ran AAW - the owner Michael is a gearhead who loves G-machines. his products are worth the money and so is your time- every wire is labeled and he builds in provisions for everything. Don't skimp on wiring- hanging your head under a dash sucks bad enough- hanging it under trying to get stuff to work is just frustrating- good luck - keep us posted!!

Cread01 · #3 06-16-2009, 09:34 PM

Have you looked into the ISIS kit? that's the way I am going to go. it's more expensive but very cool.

av8or32 · #4 06-16-2009, 10:18 PM

I haven't , but I will

swollen · #5 06-18-2009, 03:06 AM

Terminated wires should mean just that, rather than the end being just wire, it comes with a terminal (hopefully the correct one to just plug in) pre-attached. Wiring isn't that hard as long as you have the right tools for the job. A test light, multimeter, ratcheting strippers, soldering iron, and patience is all you really need. It will be very helpful to have that factory wiring diagram, but also try not to remove all the factory wiring. Just take it one at a time. One final piece of advice I can give is get the best kit you are comfortable with. You don't want to change your mind on power locks down the line and have to add in unsightly wiring, its much easier to get a kit that exceeds your needs and just cap whatever you don't use for later.

Just one last thought, you may want to buy a bunch of loom to cover the wires to make them appear, or rather dis-appear a little easier. I prefer cloth loom over the cheap plastic split loom, but cloth is also more difficult to install. Oh, and disconnect the battery before you go messing around with the wiring. Good Luck!

JamesJ · #6 06-18-2009, 07:26 AM

The terminated ends have the factory connectors on the ends that are the correct length. I will be installing an AAW kit in just a few weeks, I will be using all the original dash gauges, counsel gauges, tail lights, marker signals, etc., so this kits works great for me. If you are installing all aftermarket stuff then it may not be the best choice for you.

The ISIS kit is something to look at, has many neat features and can be used in about everything, but to me its not that much cooler and does not make anyting work better. And like I said before you have to cut the wires and install terminals, not that hard but still takes a long time and is just about boring.

av8or32 · #7 06-18-2009, 05:36 PM

Great info. I'm leaning toward the highway 22 set-up for it's ease of install and expandability. I was just trying to figure out the main diffs between the kits. I see that it's mostly the level of completeness. Looks like the hiway 22 is everything I need.

Vegas69 · #8 06-19-2009, 12:03 AM

The AAW kit I installed was fantastic!

av8or32 · #9 06-19-2009, 07:25 AM

awesome,
thats the way I'm going

James OLC · #10 06-19-2009, 09:24 AM

RE the ISIS System...

It actually makes a lot of stuff (or everything) work better. The ISIS system also simplifies troubleshooting, utilizes grounds for switched inputs (reducing the number of hot leads under the dash) and is fully programmable - allowing you to do some really unique things. With the key fob that comes with the kit you get the ability to control all of the wired loads in the car and has an ignition lock out (security system). The best part is that it installs in about half the time as a "conventional" universal system. I've personally used Painless, Ron Francis, AAW, and ISIS and the ISIS System is hands down the simplest installation and packs the most punch.

Just my 2 cents...