How To Layout The Wiring For Your Hot Rod - 1939 Ford Forgotten Hot Rod

We know we have been slow with updates on the 39 Forgotten Hot Rod, but its time to start laying out the wiring. We are starting off with a 12 circuit harness from Speedway to help get us started. Mike gets started with separating out the wiring we will not need to help thin out the harness. We will be keep the wiring up under the dash so anything can be added in the future. While Mike gets the wiring routed in the car, Matt works on creating a simple bracket to hold the fuse box. We also installed a pair of Eastwood Weather proof connectors for the headlights to allow us to remove all of the sheet metal with ease!! Let us know if you would like to see more detailed videos on the wiring for the car!!
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Tools Used -
Eastwood Crimp-Right Weather Connectors - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood Air Body Saw - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood 2" Surface Prep Tool - www.eastwood.c...
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19545
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[@RichieCat4223]

Tip: Using shrink tubing comes in handy in small pieces to bundle wires together when doing lengths of wire instead of electric tape. For those who want to know, the connectors being used are Delphi Weather Pack. The big thing is the crimp tool. $$ but needed to do the proper crimp.

[@DDSpeedShop]

good tip!

[@RichieCat4223]

@@DDSpeedShop Hey, didn't know you followed Matts stuff. Hello. How you making out with your chop top project ?

[@DDSpeedShop]

@@RichieCat4223 this channel is super helpful! haha im getting there, day by day

[@RichieCat4223]

@@DDSpeedShop Got to go see your buddy. Watch out for his attack dogs. Lol.

[@WiredCustomsSpeedShop]

RDF they have kits with the crimp tool and the weather pack and connectors that’s pretty affordable

[@philliprowell6588]

NICE JOB EVERYONE IS AT HOME SO YOU CAN SHOW US THE WHOLE WIRING PROCESS

[@jsshayes1]

HA HA agree. I built my harness for my 51 Shoebox. It wasnt easy.

[@moparnut6933]

This video was more of a hang out in the shop while we work vid than a how to. We need a whole series on this and a step by step checklist.

[@keen0515]

This isn't boring guys. It's great to see these parts of the build.

[@srose9810]

Thanks for your efforts to keep the dream and reality of the old, rusty, ant infested, flea bitten yet brilliant old cars alive, My favorites of Iron trap include 32, 34, 36 Ford and 39 mercury. I had a 39 mercury coupe in about '95. I thought I had a job with a mostly dry and funk free but junked and dilapidated North Dakota car . After I saw how you guys brought the 39 out of a terminal bog with serious oblivion going on and made something out of it, I had it easy. Good luck to you and your projects

[@patmclean1951]

This car has the best lines and stance. A buddy of mine has a 40 standard that looks so similar to this. Just so cool.

[@kurtludwig4783]

Thanks wiring has always been something I’ve never got neat, if it’s not it’s a real problem trouble shooting

[@darrenv7929]

It’s good to see Mike doing some of the hands on side of things. I’m lovin all your builds guys. Stay safe from Oz. D

[@TrueNorthModels]

Good thing that Mike knows what he is doing with the wiring, knowledge and experience is key. Cheers

[@1936fordcrazy]

Yes a wiring video! I'm looking forward to the next one

[@joell439]

You may think they would be boring to watch, but every episode has at least one golden nugget of information or tip. This one was chock full of them. Thanks 🙏. 👍👍👍👍

[@DDSpeedShop]

that speedway kit is super handy and affordable!

[@waynespiteri122]

Something you don’t see “wiring”, look forward to the next one.

[@mkbarber65]

The wiring is really cool to see, yes it’s tedious but very necessary. Thanks for showing this part of the build, I actually didn’t know there were prefabricated wiring harnesses so very valuable to me. Stay safe

[@ronnyinwaxhaw]

I didn't find it boring at all. I have the Painless 18 circuit harness for my El Camino and I've been watching videos of people wiring their projects trying to get the motivation to do mine myself rather than pay someone else. It was a good episode!

[@j1m3by]

Get a pair of flush cutter pliers for trimming zip tie tails.

[@jesseowens2864]

For sure, nothing worse than zip tie tails scraping up your arms when working

[@leonardwalters154]

Great video! I like that idea of putting the lighting circuit in a separate plug so the front end is easier to pull

[@craigcaggiano431]

Nice wiring job Guys. I hooked up most of my wiring to a block similarly using disconnects male/female for my lights & turn signals. Also wired up floor mounted High/Low Beam switch to step on like the old GM cars used.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Great idea on the high low switch!

[@craigcaggiano431]

IronTrap Garage thanks... also added 3 led lights to Dash 2 for turn signal indicators and one blue for High Beam indicator

[@bobbycraig309]

I really enjoy your videos and the way you explain everything. I'm currently watching the play list videos and I'm almost through all those videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm 54 yrs old and have been messing with cars since the late 80's. No one is ever to old to learn different ways of doing something.

[@shocker998md3]

Hey guys, the next time your looking for a simple harness check out rebel wire. Very simple instructions with drawn out pictures, labeled wires, very customizable, and get ready for the best part. Its very affordable with AWESOME customer service. Rebel wire has helped me out with a few projects and ive always been impressed with what I get for the money.

[@stevewalden3814]

Thank you for showing this wiring process.

[@dougwebb6193]

Best episode ever! I hope that Eastwood is taking care of You Guys! I am wiring My homebuilt airplane at this time and those tips are going to help. THANKS!!!

[@davelowell3008]

35 years as a heavy truck and tractor wiring harness technician. Excellent job Mike with the weather pack's. I must say the Eastwood kit was a big plus.

[@alien4x487]

Tattoos=check, Cool shirt=check, Wiring harness=check, VERIFYING SCHEMATIC LAYOUT AND OPTIONS FIRST!!. . Hey man, these guys knows what's up!! Dig the channel man and looking forward to the end result as usual.

[@Ecosse57]

i appreciate these videos. the less glamorous stuff gets overlooked but tips you guys point out go in the memory banks.

[@michaelstagar525]

Not Boring: extremely Important and many times not prioritized by DIY-Garage

[@Dave_Boyer]

I love those weather pack connectors, I didn’t know Eastwood had kits. Awesome!!

[@thomasst.martin3308]

Well done on the wiring. Having spent my Army career working on radars for missile systems, I can appreciate what you are doing to wire the '39. Back in the day, there were even times that we needed to manufacture our own harness from scratch. My sergeant would be proud of you Mike. Watch your head!

[@TrendsbySterling]

Nice to see the two of you getting some more work done on the 39. Great team work Matt & Mike!

[@jasonrackawack9369]

I was honestly expecting a repo period correct cloth covered wire harness, glad to see you went with the modern plugs for better reliability and function over looks and correctness. A hot rod that breaks down all the time is a bummer to drive. Love this project keep it going!

[@sandraadkins3139]

Love the details with the wiring hope there's more to come

[@jeffreylevin1266]

Honestly thought you guys were nuts when you dragged that car home. Now I can’t wait to see you get it on the road. Stay safe and healthy.

[@richardt2k1]

Thanks for sharing. It can be boring. But is necessary in a build. Some good tips. Thanks again.

[@neil6212]

As usual, your approach to any projects is thorough and workman like. And yes, wiring can surely be time consuming to those who have not made it a profession! Having done electrical work, including controls systems for over 50 years now, I can appreciate the headaches! Nothing beats experience...but then, I would not consider ANY of your vast metalworking skills something I would venture to try! But if it is wires, count me in!

[@robewalk2]

I'm glad to see you and Mike are replacing all the wiring. An old mechanic friend I knew Matt used to tell me with wiring if you start with crap, and try to repair that crap, you're left with crap. Two craps don't make it right. Just like you said at the beginning of the reason you're changing the wiring. I reckon Carl's adage holds true for some things. Stay safe y'all and looking forward to your next episode. I also wish you'd have some pocketed tee's available in your merch. Cheers from Tennessee.🍻👍😷

[@mbfitness5249]

Great video, in the process of re-wiring and converting my 47 dodge from 6V Pos ground to 12V Neg ground.

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

I very much enjoyed what you thought may be a boring video. Thanks. Now you two need to sit down and do a fireside chat discussing the story behind all of the arm art. I'm still trying to get Matt to sit still long enough so I can read his fingers. Ha! If you have no fireplace in The Iron Trap Garage, you may have to improvise and make it a heater core chat. Thanks again, Keith-

[@19reedCharles44]

no, not boring at all... wiring is always intimidating for me so it was good to see this and the steps to follow.

[@ajperotti2551]

Wiring can be intimidating. Its nice to see that you can pick up a DIY wire kit for whatever your needs are, follow the directions and you have done something that you can be proud of. Thanks for the videos guys. Happy Easter.

[@alloutofbubblegum8165]

I really like the weatherpack bulkhead connectors.

[@jasonlakomy9565]

I kinda laughed Matt when you were explaining the bracket with the “wear your respirator” sign in the back ground. A nod at these crazy times we’re in.

[@guillermonieri4203]

Awesome detailing of the wiring. Thank you.

[@michaelguinn5736]

Hey Matt & Co. another great video, the first time we put our 65 mustang fastback together we used a Painless wiring harness, when we took it out of the box & laid it out on the floor next to the car I must admit it was intimidating, you mentioned a very important word in your video......patience, this goes from start to finish on your hot rod, if you don't have any of this....get a fishing pole, go drown some worms......looking forward to your next video!! Build on Dudes!!!

[@gregjobson4844]

Matt i think you picked the the best job to do with the bracket, I find wiring a bit confusing at times especially when it gets complex... it's good to have a sparkie as a mate. Cheers

[@henryg683]

Cool content wiring shows the detail that goes into your build awesome 👏 keep up the good work!!!

[@juancarrasquillo6139]

Awesome video. Is good to see how companies are so useful by marking all the wires

[@Chevyv8man1]

Hey guys, I would rather pull and rebuild a motor then wire a car. You have to be in the right mind set to do it and have plenty of time. Let's admit it wiring sucks. As long as I'm ready to do it and in the right mind set, and I have to be left alone and not have anything else to do, in order to do a good job. I loved how you guys separated each zone and what wires you are/are not going to use, organization is the key. It's the only good way to do a good job. Thanks for making this video for us. - Later

[@radders50]

The firewall access panel really comes into its own 👍😎 good job guys

[@billmaulding4042]

There is just something about this car.... Really dig it

[@mattomon1045]

Matt you were reengineering a part to fill your needs loved it. Have a Great day

[@WiredCustomsSpeedShop]

Wiring is always my favorite part of a build! The correct weather pack crimps are a must! I usually use Waytek for my wiring supplies, if you haven’t heard of them check them out and order a free catalog, way more in the book than online

[@davidhillman7004]

I love these types of videos from y'all thank you for showing it

[@terry3665]

Great video, wiring scares most people but the colored and labeled harnesses make it much easier. For the zip ties I use finger nail clippers, they don't leave a sharp edge. And FYI the weatherpack connectors are only good for about 20 amps so don't use them for anything like the alternator or starter. Keep up the great videos!

[@ImTheJoker4u]

Like he said, wiring isn't that bad as long as you break it down to smaller systems. It looks confusing and overwhelming but just about anyone can do it. A few special tools (like he uses) makes the job a cinch. My question is are you running any relays? And your advice on running them

[@jamespinckard4210]

I love all the old cars and trucks. Keep 'em on the road and remember..........social distancing.

[@reuben1974]

Nice work! I’ve just finished wiring my coupe and a tip I have is to add notes to the wiring diagram as you go so you or future owners can track circuits down. For example the extra wires bundled under the dash, I added where they were terminated and why and the same if I used an unused circuit to power something else and what size fuse it would now run. Keep up the great work!👍👍👍

[@johnapel2856]

It's frustrating how a "simple" job like wiring (and it is simple, not easy) becomes hairy. But like you said, get the big harnesses run, then it's just a bunch of little jobs; the rear lights, the head lights, the horn... Knock out each job and voila! It gets done. Thanks.

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Timely video I'm about to get started on wiring my 41 pickup Thanks guy's

[@danmay9728]

Thanks guys for the updates. Be safe. Peace.🇺🇸

[@chriscornelius27]

Gring with fear! Now you guys have given me hope

[@panzerleader49]

Thanks for the update, great job. So, yeah, the mundane glamorous jobs are actually interesting as well!

[@scottcarter90]

Your getting things done! I'll eventually have to rewire my 48 Chevy pickup. It's good to see how to get through the process.

[@bigbfelts]

Awesome work.Glad to see you back on this one.This is the car that got my attention for this channel.

[@luvstruck2733]

Very good wiring video.

[@mikesonneson2824]

Enjoyed. I saw the off set rear slide locks on the fuse panel while you were making the bracket and kept talking to the screen. You didn't hear me.

[@tombob671]

Finally a detailed video on wiring, THANKS!!!!!

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Love this car and the philosophy behind the build. Wiring is like eating an elephant…you do it one bite at a time 😉

[@BlueRidgeJ79]

Excited about this one. Will be rewiring a 53 Dodge half-ton sometime in the future (definitely NOT a hot rod), but I need all the instruction I can get!

[@xozindustries7451]

Matt was playing Project Binkey, one video on a bracket! I like the video because I've been looking at this wiring kit for my car

[@robbieautrey3158]

Wellllll MIKE, you did a great job on showing us how to go about separating the wiring harness. Good idea MIKE, on putting the different colors of wires together, so you know they go to certain areas. Nice job MIKE, on using those fancy connectors to. Note to self MIKE, watch out for the window crank, that's gonna leave a mark! Oh can't forget Matt, NICE BRACKET!! :o) I really enjoyed this video and I'm sure a lot of people found it very informative..

[@charlesost7497]

Great content and a part of the build that often goes undocumented. Yeah the body work and metal fabrication is interesting, but bringing it all together and powering it is awesome. Terrific video..loved seeing this.

[@jakespeed63]

That weatherpack kit is the bomb!!

[@N-Scale]

I know this is not the fun part but I loved the video. HAPPY EASTER !!!!

[@caryevans8598]

Yup we like these videos 🙂

[@rumrunner1756]

I loved this upload and I can’t wait for the next part of this. Love this channel. 👍☮️

[@williamcarey6592]

The one crimp Mike did was done with a tool that does flat crumps this tool makes crap crimps that may come loose. Rather use an electricians crimping tool that folds up the crimp so it can not come loose.. My brother who is a absolute wiring expert taught me this. when I go to my shop later I will send you a picture. Love the program keep it up

[@IronTrapGarage]

The crimping tool we used is meant for these connectors. It has special dies that fold the fingers over.

[@69z28]

Nice video guys. Wiring my 69Z28. Those little bundles will help a lot.keep up the good work.

[@shfr1747]

good watching mike

[@ronwood7040]

Thanks Great info. I was dreading running the wiring my 31 chevy. Ron

[@chriscornelius27]

I have a brand new wiring harness for my dart and look at the box and bring this helps alot

[@edwardwerick2420]

Wiring a car is one of the worst P.I.A. jobs ever. I love the harness kit. Finding enough wire colors in the wire sizes needed is a real challenge. In the past I would take a harness from a scrap car (usually GM) strip it down and re fit it to whatever I was wiring. Untaping, untangling ,cutting,splicing, re wrapping takes hours and hours and the harness kit eliminates all of it. Speedways kit is much simpler than the Painless and easier to install. Thanks Matt and Mike for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. By the way where is the meat wagon?

[@keithhaycraft3765]

Are you planning to rust treat & paint the firewall?

[@terryjones5798]

Good job guys

[@robertmartin317]

HAPPY EASTER FROM ITALY

[@kenswitzer4133]

It is a little boring but very useful. 👍 Thanks Guy’s 👍🇺🇸🤙😃

[@shanewright6958]

Great job and video guys 👍👍🇨🇱

[@rilling100]

great content I have to do the same job on my 50 chevy truck and great camera great picture

[@emilianobarone2737]

Muy buen trabajo felicitaciones saludos cordiales desde Argentina

[@newagaingospel]

Matt needs to require Mike to wear a hard hat while working in the garage...

[@leestimson12]

ouch!!!@^$#)&E#

[@paulgunter1538]

Nice video guys. Love this project. Stay safe, Happy Easter !

[@buza1300]

Hi from Northern Norway, Appreciate your video's, this whas a nice video🤗🤗👍🇳🇴

[@jamiewaddell1598]

Brilliant guys well done mike Matt you are sneaky you must be like me don't like wiring lol

[@jasonkocinski2387]

Almost there. Sweet

[@bradcarlson9564]

Thank you!! Happy Easter

[@dennisschickling5759]

Great Video. HAPPY EASTER. #STAYSAFE

[@zacharymichael4282]

Repaint the firewall. I like that shade of green.

[@Bass2010]

Very helpful thanks

[@davidwestmoreland3909]

Good “how to” video. Why didn’t you paint the firewall before installing the wiring?

[@armitage1950]

I use Rebel Wire myself. Prices are really fair I think. Customer service doesn’t gripe when I ask dumb questions either. 😂

[@rogermiller8262]

Mike you did say something about a gromet for the hole in the fire wall. I guess you know the gromet size since you drilled the hole but shouldn't the gromet be in place before you pass the wire thru the hole? Good video and helpful. Matt's part, ehh ok job. Just kidding...✌

[@kristofftaylovoski60]

Typically these grommets are "split" so they can be installed around a wire bundle after instillation..