Wiring Harness

[Dennis46PU]

I completely rewired my 46 WC in the past year with cloth covered wire trying to closely follow the factory specifications.  When I added turn signals and some other accessories that all went out the window as far as color correct, but I stayed with cloth covered wire on everything and it's totally done from connector to connector.  Have anybody considered using a reproduction harness from any source?  Knowing how much I spent on wiring, terminals, shrink tubing, etc., and how much got wasted I'm not so sure I wouldn't have been better off with a harness already built and complete.  I've been told this company is about the only one that makes point quality harness yet.

http://www.riwire.com/

[Reg Evans]

Here's another company that supplies wiring harnesses.

http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/catalog/classic_wire_harnesses.html

[Bobacuda]

I did all the wiring in my B4B using cloth covered wires from Rhode Island Wires, including the cost of adding directional signals, for roughly $270.  Took me two weekends and several hours a day after work.  You won't find a "drop in" set of wiring harnesses, specially with cloth covered wires anywhere near that price.

[RobertKB]

I have used YnZ complete wiring harnesses on three vehicles and been very satisfied obviously. Service and advice are also excellent. I am only a satisfied customer and have no connection to them. 

[ggdad1951]

I used the RIWIRE set up and could not have been happier with the ease of install and speed of install.

[Bobacuda]

One other thing, if you are going to continue with a 6 volt system and you plan to use a rewire kit, make sure the wires are the proper gauge for 6 volts.

[John H.]

Bobacuda,

 

     Was the $270.00 you spent for a complete kit, wires only, wires and connectors, or what? It sounds too good to be true as everything I see with cloth wiring comes in around the $800.00 mark. Thanks in advance for a reply.

 

John

[NiftyFifty]

Really depends on what your plans are, if you plan to shift away from complete stock, then a reproduction harness will end up not being really all that helpful.  I re-wired my truck twice, first time a basic 12 volt conversion and the second time to accommodate the many many additions to the electrical system, and it was just easier to start from scratch again, then to use what I had already done.  You may consider ditching the cloth wire and going to cloth tape for a roughly "vintage" look, with a huge savings in wiring costs.  I got my last cloth tape from Johnny Laws...very happy with it

[Chris Wiehe]

Are the riwire harnesses a simple plug in or a real pain the trace and adapt?

[Reg Evans]

They are well marked and easy to install.  Just not cheap.

[ggdad1951]

7 hours ago, Chris Wiehe said:

Are the riwire harnesses a simple plug in or a real pain the trace and adapt?

 

simple and easy...expensive but worth every penny

[Bobacuda]

John H -

Sorry I did not see this earlier.  The $270 was for wires, connectors and the directional signal.  I copied my old harnesses to make the new one.  I had a wiring schematic provided on this site that gave me the correct wire sizes and colors.  I was also able to peel back old electrical tape and confirm the wire colors.  Do a search on my name, I have posted photos and descriptions of this several times.  If that fails, PM me and I will see what else I can add.

Bob

[JBNeal]

additional information - Bobacuda's Wiring Project 

Edited October 17, 2019 by JBNeal
revised link

[John H.]

Bobacuda,

 

Thanks for the info you gave, and for the follow up from JBNeal. It will prove useful as I have not started wiring yet.

 

John

[B1B Keven]

https://enginebarn.myshopify.com/

[Joeys41]

On ‎1‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 7:49 PM, NiftyFifty said:

Really depends on what your plans are, if you plan to shift away from complete stock, then a reproduction harness will end up not being really all that helpful.  I re-wired my truck twice, first time a basic 12 volt conversion and the second time to accommodate the many many additions to the electrical system, and it was just easier to start from scratch again, then to use what I had already done.  You may consider ditching the cloth wire and going to cloth tape for a roughly "vintage" look, with a huge savings in wiring costs.  I got my last cloth tape from Johnny Laws...very happy with it

Where did you get your basic 12 volt kit and which kit did use use the second time?

[Dodgeb4ya]

I prefer RI Wire and have installed several of their harnesses. All were spot on.

I buy all my cloth wiring and terminals from them as I make up factory correct harnesses too.

[White Spyder]

I used RI for my car and was pleased. Their live assistance on the phone is worth the extra that you pay. 

[52 work truck]

I drive my truck nearly every day therefore not everything is period correct. I bought the basic wiring kit from Kwik wire. Very pleased with it plug in circuit breakers, shut off switch, every wire labeled as to where it goes ie right rear brake etc. I believe it was under $300.