Wiring Up Our Engine! 1963 Chevy C10 Restoration Day 101

[@Road_Rash]

Wiring is my most hated of jobs, I'll have to do it eventually, but it'll be a minute... I did finally get my passenger side floor all welded in...still gotta do my B pillar before I go to the driver's side... gonna wait till I finish my doors, so I can hang them before I do my outer rocker & cab corner so I can get them all aligned & gapped right... got some major progress done this week, but there's still tons more to go...you know the drill...all that cab welding you were doing for the past several months, that's where I'm at now... and while some of it does suck, I'm loving every minute of it, because, that's how you get it done, one patch panel at a time...🖖🏿😎👍🏿

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

That’s awesome. Can’t wait to see it done.

[@Road_Rash]

Oh, that will be a glorious day when it arrives! But I've still got at least 3 more years to go on it, possibly 4, due to financial restrictions, but slow progress is still progress! 🖖🏿😎👍🏿

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

@@Road_Rash it still is and that’s all that matters. We are past two years here!

[@Road_Rash]

I'm in the middle of year 7 myself... you've made extremely rapid progress by comparison, but it still takes a while... Lol!

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

@@Road_Rash it definitely does. Wish I could work on it every day

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Coming along nicely, amazing that we are wiring our trucks about the same time, nice!

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I know it’s so cool. I’m probably a little behind though cause mine is still in a million pieces.

[@DarrylzssDarrylG]

Hi Chris. You made a good choice going with American Autowire. Good product and easy to install. Fire it and let's ride.

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I’m so ready to fire it up from the keys!

[@bbay1977]

Okay it was a good start and cant wait to see her all finished. Just dont forget to use grommets when installing the wires through the firewall when installing for the kast time and using dielectric grease to ensure to keep moisture out for the future. One thing I would have done different would have been to install that fuse block up and out of the way of moisture, debris and also made ot easier to switch the fuses out when needed. I'm also big into car audio and would have ran the battery cable to the frame under the battery box. Then ran a ground strap to the manifold to the frame. Then also ran a ground to the alternator. That way there are plenty of grounds running all different ways so there is plenty. I'm a big fan of never having enough grounds 😂. Not sure what gauge wire they have going to the alternator from the battery but I always upgrade that also on my cars and trucks in case I run audio later on. 😂 I have a 3/0 gauge wire running to all my builds. Sure it's a over kill but if I ever run audio or like my expedition with its electric winch it makes it worth it.

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I am most likely going to get all the wires in covers and cover that fuse block with the cover. I will use the grommets but don’t want paint on them and I’ll use the grease as well

[@skulltyrant2]

so glad i went with the oe style harnesses, just watching you do this makes me feel overwhelmed. looks good though keep it up

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

IT allegedly is the OEM style harness just upgraded for 12v. IT looks overwhelming buts coming along.

[@skulltyrant2]

@@RESTORATIONRESCUE it's definitely not the same as the OEM one, there are a lot more wires the fuses are different and you have to make your wires. I mean yours is nice you can add extra stuff right in. The harnesses I got are all exactly the same as the factory ones. Very simple but not a lot of customization

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

@@skulltyrant2 ahhh yes that might be better but I did go with advanced if I changed anything

[@bbay1977]

😂 oh okay I'll bite and watch the struggle completely.

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

Haha it was a struggle. Nothing went our way haha

[@GrandsonofKong]

Okay...I've done a fair amount of wiring and have a couple of suggestions...... 1) Move that Mega-Fuse Block up on to the Firewall someplace above your Starter and you can easily reach. Down inside the frame it's going to get wet and hit by mud, gravel, rocks..the cover is just snap on and could get hit and come off too leaving the fuses/connections exposed to the elements 100%. Plus do you really want to lay on the ground and reach under the frame to change one of those fuses??(Note: I'd be sure to order a couple of spares for the Mega-Fuses as well...not sure parts shop would have them) 2) Don't use the Exhaust Manifold bolts for grounds. It will work for a while but Exhausts get hot and rust. Rust "jacking" will create resistance and could cause poor starter performance. Also, the heat from the Exhaust Manifold could heat the connector and then some insulation on your Battery Ground. Tie your Grounds to the Engine Block! 3) Related to Grounds. Be sure to have Ground Straps from Engine Block to Frame, Engine to Cab Firewall, Frame to Pick-up Bed, Frame to Radiator Core Support(for lights) ..this is a minimum and could be others that would help. Counting on Body Mounts mounts to supply ground will fail over time as corrosion and bolts loosen. Simple insurance. 4) You got the need to route wires away from heat. You should see if you can get some metal clips that bend and have insulation to run wires through, to make sure they stay on place and not onto a Exhaust or Fan blade or... If you use wire loom or will wrap in tape, just some clips to hold the "bundle" will work too Engine Blocks have lots of place on them to connect these clips. 5) Look into getting some Silicon Grease for connections that are exposed to weather.....if can prevent corrosion inside the connectors. Just things I've learned over time after chasing "gremlins" that will show up after a year or so on the road...even when everything works fine at first.

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I definitely will be wrapping the wires and trying to clip them in places they won’t get touched and grease once I finish painting the firewall so I don’t get paint on the grommets. Thank you for the tips!!!

[@Matthew-q3z6u]

😅😅😅

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

@@Matthew-q3z6u thamks