Farmall Tractor Wiring "How-To" - Making Battery Cables, Circuits, & Wiring - "Preparation H" Ep.39

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

Awesome work!! I do have one bit of advice to offer: Tin your battery cables (coat the bare wires with solder) before you put them into the terminal. You are plunging cold copper into hot solder and that, at best, creates a joint where only the outer strands of copper are soldered to the terminal. At worst you are creating a "cold solder joint" because the solder sets before it bonds to the copper wires. If you tin the cable, all the strands will be soldered to each other so when you plunge the cable into the hot solder, you create a positive electrical and mechanical bond.

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

I never got deep into tinning wire, I do know NFPA (and that is really 120 volt on up) has changed its view and no longer thinks its a good idea (disallowed) . Hot junctions though it may not apply to lower voltage systems. I just crimped per the manuals (even on 12-24 volt DC systems). Again more a thought than any criticism. If you have terminals that are designed to be crimped and you have the right tool, its a bullet proof system (my brother worked on Helicopter electrics and that was not only used but fully approved and if anything rattles and vibrate like crazy its a Helicopter)

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

@@gregoryschmitz2131 NFPA doesn't like soldered connections at all. I think that stems from the fact that not many sparkies learn to do it properly and arcing will melt solder and leave the connection in a bad way. You are correct, a crimped connection is just fine because it holds the copper strands under compression. But, there is also nothing wrong with a soldered connection in this application.

[@gjetips]

Hi Squatch . Perhaps I have missed it but I would be keen to see how you make the cable clips. Very neatly done.

[@stewartpeterson9090]

Yes, I would like to see how you make the clips also

[@helgevad5909]

@@stewartpeterson9090 - yes especially now that we might have an episode with no fold-over locks :)

[@arthurirwin8235]

Your hand drawn schematic was a great technique to simplify and educate, and you're as much an artist with pencil and paper as you are with a tractor wiring harness!

[@jackpierce5354]

Hi Squatch: I have really enjoyed watching your videos over the last few years. Clearly you are a very skilled mechanic, and show tremendous attention to detail in your work. As I watched the wiring of Preparation H, I thought I would make a few suggestions for your consideration. Back in the day when I was a pro wrench, I bought a lot of material from Waytek Wire. They are located in Chanhassen MN. They have a wide variety of electrical materials and tools. I noticed that you used insulated connectors that you remove the insulation from. I think you would benefit from buying non-insulated connectors, but with a brazed seam on the sleeve. If you put the connector in the crimper with the solid side toward the spike of the crimper it tends to cause the wire to be fully surrounded by the connector sleeve. This eliminates the need to fold each leg of the split sleeve over the wire. Also, I noticed that you use a bolt cutter to cut the battery/welding cable. A crossing style cutter makes for a very nice clean cut end. Then, the use of “magna lugs” make for an excellent battery terminal end. I know these cutting tools and battery crimping tools are very expensive, but they make the process of making battery cables so much easier. No soldering required. I’ll attach a link to their website. Specifically I used the “Hexcrimp” tool and made many, many battery cables over the years. www.waytekwire.com/

[@markdavich5829]

This is why I love your vids - When it comes to detail, you don't mess around.

[@bhinkle530]

The smaller number of viewers just means that those that do watch appreciate it all that much more.

[@halsnyder296]

Love the “Brand Name” on the battery in your sketch !

[@Bellboy40]

That detail slipped by me. Glad you caught it and mentioned it. I went back and checked it out. Nice!

[@digitalrailroader]

“Squatch” Batteries, being Right Correct and Proper since 19xx!

[@randy5411]

I never had an interest in the restoration of tractors until I found your channel over here in Washington state. Now I watch every video.

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Excellent episode. You made a seemingly complex job very straightforward. Superb tuition, Squatch

[@41Zman]

brillman carries some of the best old style wire that has the cloth covering

[@johnnymorrow63]

I wish my hand drawn schematics were that nice! I'm probably the only one who could read my schematics! Very nice job as always!

[@johnnyroberts6291]

Man, that was impressive work. I worked in an electric motor shop for 10 years, and even the guys that had been there for years didn’t have the skill that you possess. Keep up the great work. I look forward to each video you make. Also I pray for your vision, it seems to have improved greatly,

[@chadmcconnell5318]

Look at that drawing! Compared to members only napkin version 1 , that's impressive! And fancy 253 EDITION battery your running, your lights will never have have had shined so brightly !

[@eaglewi]

I personally don't want the electrical portion because I frankly won't learn anything unlike your typical episodes. It's more of a been there done that

[@stevenrapp3217]

As an old aircraft electrician, I LOVE'd your drawing....right down to the battery decal. (smile) Very GOOD video as always.....enjoyed it!!

[@willostiguy1213]

Great job as always. I would like to add that it would be better to crimp the lugs on the battery cables and then solder if you like. In my field the USCG has regulations that only allow a mechanical connection (crimp) on any battery cables so that you don’t melt your terminals right off of the cables. Please don’t tale this as a sleight in any way

[@erik_dk842]

Yeah. Crimping after soldering ruins the soldering

[@jacksonjohnson9953]

I will watch any squatch253 video electricity or not!

[@cmh1984]

It's stuff like this that inspires me to go full ham on my H. Engine, transmission, hydraulics, I'm not afraid of that stuff at all, but the black magic voodoo of electrics??? It's had me spooked.... UNTIL NOW. Now I possess the powers of black magic and voodoo! And so do a whole bunch of other people, and this video (and the others) are now manuals all on their own and anybody can get into them and understand. That's what this is all about, passing on hard won knowledge for the future.

[@MikeV-p7m]

I will pay you if you would send me a wiring diagram for a cub with neg, ground and 6 volt gen.

[@snljames]

Dude! I love those wire harnes hangers. I would love to see you do a quick clip on how you support and bend all thise styles. I’m always struggling with clamping and holding for making tight bends like that in a vice. Would love to see your method or tooling

[@wrenchingwithrob6001]

Wiring old cars and tractors is my side hustle. I really enjoy seeing another do the same work. It’s all about being ascetically pleasing, longevity, and most importantly, functional.Thanks for taking the time to walk through it all, always enjoy the show!

[@ericcorse]

The idea of filling HD battery cable terminals with solder is awesome.

[@gn5673]

Squatch I'd like to see how you make your clips. You sir are a perfectionist !

[@johna7661]

Those are good looking clips and I’d like to see how you made them as well.

[@lukestrasser]

Squatch, your cable and wire clips are beautifully crafted. It reminds me of gold over locks of yore. Which led me to think, how did you craft such beautiful bends. Would you be willing to share with us how you made those?

[@lukestrasser]

I’m a little bit disappointed with your drawing. With all the time you had to draw that, you didn’t even accurately represent the 90° adapter and vertical Delco Distributor. Surely the wiring will not work if the diagram will not work to depict the wiring on your H with a vertical distributor. You’re going to need a horizontal distributor or a new wiring diagram Squatch. Luckily I caught this before you attempted a first fire up and saved you from a horrible electrical fire.

[@merylpelosi8485]

Where's the ECM and CAN buss on this poor thing? I don't see the requisite info-tainment screen for the back up camera. Where's the automatic climate control and ABS sensors? Where are you going to put the selfie camera mount? The ALDL is also missing along with the SRS fault and check engine light. Only a Barbarian or a Viking could operate a machine bereft of all modern features.

[@rickbrandt9559]

I'm confused , my sketches never look that neat, - my squiggly lines wonder like my brain Neatness counts when wiring Typical Squatch HoF , never fail wiring.. 😇 (House of over Kill)

[@bobbg9041]

Don't take offense to anything i said. I am pointing out differences In how i would have done this and i got way into it before i knew it is a positive ground system and not negative ground this poses a problem the chassis won't rust and you don't get corrosion at the battery instead the cabling Cordes If i recall what the VW bus did i worked on some 35 years ago. But that was a 12v system. You do know current flows from negative to positive in a dc circut Most people don't get that.

[@steenlassen5718]

Looks like my way of wirering: Always solder, if you can get away with it. Use heatshrink. Make sure that you have a reliable ground. And if I may add: Use fuses close to the power source.

[@curtislowe4577]

Back in the 80s I installed an electronic ignition conversion on a vehicle. A requirement was the replacement of the original points-type voltage regulator with a solid state voltage regulator. The vehicle was a 1970 model and thus had an alternator rather than a generator. Does the voltage regulator have solid state components in a vintage case? If not is there something different about generators as opposed to alternators that the Pertronix circuitry can accommodate even with a points-type voltage regulator?

[@WrenchHead]

Connect the dots....man, you just gave me a flashback to the mini pages that used to come in the Sunday paper when I was a kid. Good times.

[@boe4448]

Thanks Squatch, Very nice work as usual. Was there no rear facing implement lights on these tractors? Boe

[@squatch253]

The rear facing light was an option, if so equipped it included a simple bent bracket that attached to the back of the rear end that the light would mount to. The wire for it would route up to the power control box and attach to the same output lug of the light switch that the forward facing lights use. The rear facing light also had a second switch that mounted to its housing that would redirect the power to a red bulb on the inside which made it double as a tail light when on the road.

[@blackhouseengineering5386]

I think both my eyes twitched when you opened your box of terminals. Man was I relieved when you pulled the plastic off!😂 Great job Squatch.

[@mikelretegui6075]

Great job, you are a master doing the work and explaining how to do it. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

How many comments on. How u bent your wire clips😂 I say lots

[@randybuck2320]

Not to be an ass but schematics tell you how a circuit works whereas a wiring diagram which is what you drew shows how to wire a circuit. Two very different things. But man what a great looking wiring diagram you drew!

[@mabmachine]

I have say I am once again amazed by your attention to detail. I'd like to see a video specifically on making those sheet metal cable clamps.

[@jimsgardensandrabbitry]

That old girl looks amazing. You explained and shoed the wiring very clearly. Thank. Many blessings.

[@bobbg9041]

2:02 you made an perfect diagram Of the system anyone can understand If you make it hard to read its too much for most people to understand. The factory digram shows wire routing thats unnessary as long as you make sure wires are secure and won't get caught or melted on any motor parts are not too long too tight or too loose and held in place safely.

[@StubProductions]

Would love to see a video on how you make those clips. Man those things look perfect! Thanks for the videos!

[@danwhiting4399]

This is wiring porn, it looks so good you can’t look away. Ever considered an indoor paint booth?

[@DrBlood-cq2cm]

Try finding that kind of wiring detail on an allis chalmers 175. Its non existent.

[@davesanford4798]

Awesome way tao do the wire connections The one thing I have a question about is why is there no mechanical connection on the battery cable terminals ? Only soldered if it was to get hot it could come apart without the crimp Just a thought

[@squatch253]

Check the specs for 6 volt, they aren’t capable of building as much heat as higher rated systems. If you ever did have a direct short positive-to-negative you could melt the solder, but then it’s a good thing because it’ll aid in breaking the connection.

[@rustyul]

A fantastic job in keeping with your wonderful tractor restoration. I've seen many restorations. Some equal but never better than what you do! Love your vids! Looking forward to seeing the wrap.

[@larrymilliken288]

Wiring is a work of art when done properly, as you demonstrated-simply beautiful-and Scotch 33+ is the best electrical tape, in my opinion. Your professional work is very satisfying, educational, and fun to watch.

[@brianforson2630]

What about all the new vehicles in tractors that have 18 different grounds during the one spot

[@squatch253]

I worked with modern automobiles for 25 years when I was still a mechanic at the Ford dealer, and although numerous grounds often met at the same point, there was still some separation between electronic network/communication module ground circuits and the “dead load” ground circuits that just supported the other basic electrical functions. The two harnesses could both ground into the same chassis component just inches apart and still operate properly, but if you incorrectly grounded them both directly at the same point, the electrical interference would cause the communication circuits to pick up electrical “noise” and break down.

[@charlesward8196]

Great video. Do you flux the 2/0 battery leads before pushing them into the pool of solder in the lug? Or was that a pool of rosin floating on the pool of solder in the lug? 60/40 PbSn solder? I am going to step up my game on placing ring terminals on wire, thanks for the play-by-play.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Very much needed episode on how to do your own wire harness. Love the detailed, hand drawn out diagram for the Farmall H.

[@alanbare8319]

Farmall H wiring is FAR simpler than F-15 avionics wiring.

[@daddoo100159]

I make new wiring harness for various auto scrubbers, rideing scrubbers, buffers ,electric burnishers ect. very often. 12v.48v,36v,and 120v. its just like you said one wire at a time. solder joints and tinning wire .I find it kinda like a puzzle and very calming.

[@ronchappel4812]

Your wiring map is neater and more detailed than my tiny-house plans😄

[@Junkboy888]

Great video again. That is another thing my pore Low boy need is rewired. PO rewired it all in red wire and all the same gauge. lol

[@williamhastings7182]

Im liking the S253 battery rendering in the diagram...id buy one...lol...bet that makes Rick Bork jealous...lol

[@thomasheaney2087]

Excellent, thanks for all the video’s prep work.

[@deanscherer687]

You can get the terminals with out the insulation and with a solid barrel

[@neilshep50]

A little bit simpler than my first car ( 51 years ago ), but not much! Excellent explanation. Now if you really want to scare people, rewire a modern car.

[@geneard639]

I worked on aircraft avionics in the Navy, and connector and wire repair was my nerdy jam. So I enjoyed this video!

[@lancelandis227]

I'm color blind and have a very hard time with wiring.

[@BrianHorton1]

Can you make this diagram for an original Super A!?

[@KStewart-th4sk]

Why not just buy non-insulated terminals, if you don't plan to use the insulation? I have a pair of Thomas & Betts WT 1300 ratchet crimpers that do a very nice job of crimping non-insulated terminals. For insulated terminals i have Panduit CT-500 and CT-550 ratchet crimpers. Had all 3 Sets for many years. They do a far better crimping job than the style shown here. Yeah, i did use that style at one time too BUT i wouldn't go back to them. Nice job overall though wiring the old girl.

[@squatch253]

Because I inherited 3 of these insulated terminal sets, and I would never let myself have any peace at all if I bought any more terminals before getting all of these used up first lol!

[@HillbillySailor]

Thanks for the how-to video. Interesting way to make the connection on the 2/0 wire! I usually use a cable crimper for wires of that size. I'll have to remember that one. A question on the choice of wiring: if memory serves me correctly, the H and X-231 would've originally had cloth-covered wiring installed at the factory. I definitely understand why you would use plastic-covered wiring on the H, as you intend to use her for occasional work and plastic-covered wiring would be the best choice for that kind of intended use. With X-231, will you use plastic-covered wiring for her as well, or go with cloth-covered wiring for a more original look? Thank you for your time.

[@haydnstevens3108]

I appreciate the extra time It took you to make this video. Thanks Squatch one day I hope to own a H

[@blueboatone5653]

I've never seen anyone who goes to such lengths on the details. Incredible job! I do have one question. Why no red shrink wrap on the positive battery cable? Hopefully, I didn't miss something. Also, as someone who rebuilds 2 cylinder Deeres, I appreciat the John Deere green tape. Hopefully you'll leave it on the completed project. (HA!)

[@squatch253]

When IH painted these tractors at the factory, they sprayed the red all over the wiring and cables, so everything ended up being the same color anyway. Between the battery terminal ends being different sizes to fit the posts, and knowing that the positive lead is the short one that fastens under the starter bolt, its easy to know which is which 👍

[@ThisOldFarm]

Hey Squatch. Is there any chance you would be willing to show how you do your two wires into one wire splice for the headlights? Any time I've tried to do that split off I end up just making a mess! Thanks.

[@squatch253]

I will do that on the next Behind The Scenes episode 👍

[@ThisOldFarm]

@@squatch253 Great! Thank you!

[@chuckmayerchak3071]

Great comprehensive wiring video. Very nice work. I would love to see how you make those clips! Please! Also, a coating of Plasti Dip Rubber coating would be a nice touch on the clips.

[@mattdeckert6150]

These tractors are stone simple... Not like PWM, P.I.D, duty cycle etc in modern vehicles.

[@tinygriffy]

I totally expected you to use a pneumatic crimp tool for the battery connection terminals.. but yes.. soldering, why not :) Is that cable original spec ? .. seems quite beefy for that "little starter " 🙈.. I really love wiring stuff, on these older models less is kind of more.. good old times ;)

[@squatch253]

The 6-volt systems require massive battery cables, because the current flow is a lot weaker than 12-volt. Small battery cables will act like a kink in a garden hose with 6-volt, whereas 12-volt has enough “push” to use smaller diameter cables without trouble.

[@stephenkupfer7962]

What year is this tractor my son owns a 1940 farmall h And your voltage regulator isn't mounted where mine is up on the generator And you're distributor is vertical where mine is horizontal Are you twelve volt or six volt I know lots of questions.But I need answers trying to learn with a sixteen year old son that owns this tractor

[@squatch253]

I’ve actually answered every one of these questions in-depth already in the prior episodes of this series, and the best way to view them is to click on the “playlists” tab on the main channel page here and you’ll find that I’ve assembled every episode for this project in order from the earliest to the most current to save people from having to hunt around for them. But for the brief answers - 1945 model year, 6 volt positive ground, the voltage regulators were either mounted on the generator or remote like this one (or it could be a cutout relay instead of a regulator, depends on if your panel switch is 4 position or 3 position), and if you’ve got a horizontal mount distributor it’s the IH design, but if it’s a vertical distributor it’s a Delco-Remy design, and there are a lot of differences between the two. For the full story and ALL of the details, they’re all found in the prior episodes 👍

[@terrycannon570]

Toby I have an old Caterpillar temp gage that someone gave me. The bulb tube was cut instead of unscrewed from the engine so it does not have a bulb. My question is are this type of gage repairable sch as buying anew tube or should I just consider it junk. Its dang near impossible to buy good affordable gages anymore the ones I bought from Azone are junk. The white stuff that holds the lenses in has cracked inside the gage and interferes with the sweep of the needles.

[@squatch253]

Yes they are repairable, but actually finding people that can still do it is getting next to impossible. I wasn’t able to locate any of the “old guys” that were still doing those types of repairs when I was into the D2 rebuild, so I ended up rigging up a hybrid of a modern gauge tube with the original gauge mechanism and face.

[@scottcollins4361]

Squatch, Could you please do a video on how to properly convert the farmall H to 12 volt using a 1 wire GM style Alternator.?

[@squatch253]

I’ve never been a 6 to 12 volt conversion guy, but all you really have to do is replace the starter, generator, and lights with 12 volt compatible pieces. I’ll never, ever replace a generator with an alternator though, that’s taking a huge step back from the dependability and serviceability of a generator. Alternators aren’t very user friendly when it comes to repair, but I can stay completely self sufficient with generators so that’s what I’ll always be running 👍

[@charlescastle5566]

Hey Toby, just have a quick stupid question. Do you not put a peice of rubber in the cut outs on the battery box? I know some people don't but I was just asking.

[@squatch253]

Yes, rubber grommets were included with this new repro battery box 👍

[@owen33333]

Excellent!

[@seniorelectrician6831]

Very good explanation of the wiring,

[@transmitterguy478]

You guys can use the welding copper ends that Harbor Freight sells also. That's where I get mine for welding cable grounds and battery cable making. FYI. Toby, great job in your wiring explanation, it is so important in the proper operation of any equipment. People make it more difficult than it needs to be.🚜

[@AB-nu5we]

That's what I wanted to see, how you make your battery cables. I'm glad you make them, not buy them. Very cool. Your hand drawings are also excellent.

[@squatch253]

Another recommendation I have is backing up the soldered lugs with a mechanical crimp of some sort, for a “belt and suspenders” approach if you’re not familiar with soldering or are running anything with a greater capacity than this 6-volt system.

[@gearsnstuff7330]

How did you go about splitting the wires for the lights so cleanly? Also nice play on the AC/DC logo with the S253

[@squatch253]

I just recorded a Members’ video today showing how I did that wiring, if all goes well it’ll be ready to put up tomorrow afternoon 👍

[@bobearl7859]

Why don't you just get a regular set of crimping players of multiple changing dice that crimson once and you're done folds the ends over automatically and even me.

[@squatch253]

Because I’ve already got the crimping pliers that I like - you know the saying about old dogs and new tricks? That’s pretty much me more and more every day lol 😂

[@pipefitter1728]

I’m one of the 50 percent that are not scared of electricity and have been watching these series of preparation H videos. I was wondering if there are any advantages or disadvantages to positive ground vs the now standard negative ground?

[@squatch253]

I don’t know the answer to that question 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@turbo_veryfast4388]

I wonder where I can get a 253 battery. It must be special. Might be an interesting video of how those clips are made.

[@squatch253]

It’s actually quite simple - flat strap in vise and hammer a 90* bend in it. Clamp any round metal object over the top of it to act as a guide and wrap it around, then cut both ends off to length and drill a hole. Takes about 60 seconds - or a full 2 minutes if you drill the holes too. There’s been a lot of inquiries about it in the comments here, but I think people are putting more into it than there actually is 👍

[@stephenstrohacker7863]

The muddy water is now able to be drunk its so clear. Thank you Squatch.

[@jazzerbyte]

Nicely simplified wiring diagram layout!

[@bigears4014]

You ought to see the wiring on my wifes forester it would be 50mm round with probably 120 wires in it and that's only one of the numerous harnesses

[@squatch253]

I can imagine, back at the Ford dealer the new vehicle wiring diagrams were books that were 1-1/2” thick and had 5 to 10 times the amount of wiring on each page than what is on this entire tractor 👍

[@andyzumwalt3632]

Id like to see how you bent thies wire clips up

[@douglasmcclain2974]

Where do you buy your voltage regulator

[@squatch253]

I told everybody where I buy them at the 3:42 mark of this video - but to recap, Brillman Co. They have a “cheap” line and a “premium” line of regulators, trust me when I say the premium regulators are worth every penny. The “cheap” regulators are the same Chinese junk that barely lasts a few months.

[@davidgibson5756]

Blowing up the circuit diagram to 11x17 or greater can also help tracing the wires , and you can highlight things a they get installed

[@squatch253]

I like to use my cellphone for doing just that, its really handy to snap a picture of a diagram and be able to blow it up to see the details better 👍

[@bhinkle530]

As a KZbin Creator you could definitely get Starlink internet and write it off on your taxes as a business expense.

[@squatch253]

I’m already business-expensed to the max as it is, with parts, materials, computer/camera upgrades, software, drone, batteries, chargers, tools, equipment, etc. Still growing the channel though, slowly but surely and things get a little bit better every day 👍

[@raygrimaoldschooltrucking3100]

Nice work and well explained you made it look so simple. I’ve never seen those rubber battery terminal protectors , my question is what brand are they and where did you buy them from? Cheers Ray from down under 🇦🇺

[@squatch253]

I order them all from the McMaster-Carr website, they have all sizes and types 👍

[@paulsilva3346]

5:10. Squatch, are you going to use Di-electric grease on that brass nut for the ground?? ...😊 on Final assembly 30:40

[@squatch253]

Yes, at final assembly every connection gets a small dose of the electrical grease 👍

[@littlejason99]

I too would like to see how you made your clips. It also looks like some you coated. Did you use paint or liquid electrical tape or what?

[@squatch253]

Those two coated ones were rare items that I bought pre-made and happened to be exactly what I needed for that spot 👍

[@jimwoidyla5139]

What about the rear facing work/red light? Wouldn’t be a Farmall without that light.

[@squatch253]

That was a factory option, but none of the Farmalls I was ever around growing up had one.

[@DKTractors]

Love the 80s pointed S sketch. I’m guessing you had that on your notebook in high school.

[@squatch253]

That was a play on the AC/DC band logo, but not many people got the joke. You know, because AC-DC also relates to electrical too.

[@stevem3413]

Where do you get those batt. Terminals and covers I would like to order some for myself

[@squatch253]

The military style battery terminals are widely available online, I sourced my latest batch on Amazon. All of the rubber covers I get from McMaster-Carr, just order them off of their website.

[@steveolesen8033]

I'm guessing you have to wait for at least 40° before you can open a can of paint?

[@squatch253]

60F is best, but I’ve sprayed with good results as far down as 50F. Considering that most of what’s left is the sheet metal, I really shouldn’t cut corners because you can’t get away with anything when you’re trying for a glass-like smooth finish.

[@Thomasgarrick113]

Good video also excellent drawing probably took almost as long as doing the wiring I am a little surprised you did not crimp and solder the battery cables too whatever works for you is good also good choice in tape

[@libsrdum]

Beyond impressive. How did you make those beautiful clips?

[@GrantJohnston-dr9rt]

Had a early Cooper S that put me off auto electricals , thanks to your sage advice, I'm gonna go tackle a Ford 4000....coil I think!

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

It is amazing work. I had a reputation for being decent at wire runs, Squatch flat puts me to shame, his is a work of art. I do think we need to pitch in and get Squatch a good set of 2/0 wire cutters ala a Klein 63255 or to really cover the bases, Klein 63041 that gets you up to 500 MCM (mine is a no longer made Armstrong that does 2/0 as I used it a lot - work had the big one) I am shuddering at the bolt cutters! I don't think I could wire a negative wire system, its so alien. We had one guy that used a Klein like 63041 to cut steel wire, he got yelled at. All my work was crimp, work did not allow use of open flames if there was a way around it so I had the crimp terminals for the smaller wires and work had the stuff that got us up to 750 MCM. The 120 and up world would call the 2/0 two ought. As long as you had the 2/0 I could have cared less though some were all too picky.

[@andrewalexander9492]

" I don't think I could wire a negative wire system, its so alien. " Why not? A Positive ground DC system is pretty much the same a negative ground system, only difference is which terminal of the battery you connect to. You have to pay attention to polarity on devices where it matters, but you do on a negative ground system too.

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

Just too many years otherwise and I would have to force attention on each bit as I would try to revert to negative ground. I came off a weekend cleaning up a car system and went to replace a fluorescent ballast. Black wire is ground right? Nope, its a hot and white is ground (house voltage on up). Yep, I grabbed that black wire and proceeded to do the funky chicken up on a ladder. Concept is clear, execution for me? Not so much.

[@karlfischer1011]

I havent even watched yet, but you got a thumbs up from me. I think it's a great skill to have: wiring ignition, charging, and basic accesories. Couple wires and a paperclip, any non ecm tractor can start, run, charge, and light at night! Handy for those rare makes or secondhand imports with limited documentation. Heck some 70s and later tractors have complex wiring for no reason. I learned electrical when i worked in parts, and ended up on unofficial field calls a few times--sometimes i got steak dinner in trade!

[@W1LSU]

1000 thanks for “dumbing this down” for me…..connect the dots…….who would a thought!!!😊😊😊😊

[@flydieselair]

Love watching your channel !!! Just a question, why not use rubberized P clamps instead of the plain steel ones? Since you are not going for an all manufacturers Pebble Beach restoration

[@squatch253]

I explained that at the beginning, but to recap I’m usually not happy with the loop size, through-hole diameter, or leg distance of anything that I can find available new.

[@flydieselair]

@@squatch253 Thank you, sorry if there was any inconvenience. I wear hearing aids and don't often pickup on some things.