[Tyoung68]

Any suggestions on whats the best way to put one in ?

 

[matcox83]

Are you doing aftermarket or stock replacements?

 

[gc19662007]

The only experience I have in a full replacement is with an old lifted 78 Chevy 1/2 ton truck. I layed the entire thing out as it would basically go into the truck but next to the truck and just started pulling wires through the firewall. Just ran it neatly and plugged in as I went. Painless is the wiring kit I used and was as simple as simple could get as far as rewiring the whole thing.
Not a bad investment at the time considering the tail lights would only work with the dash lights out, hit a bump and the headlights would go out and the blinkers would work, or hit a bump and the headlights would go out. Then the interior lights would turn on whenever they wanted. That truck was only a toy and only saw road on the way to go mudding but it was the back up for my 71 chevy LWB that I used to race. Worst of both worlds there, I don't think either one was drivable at the same time.
But then I got married, had a couple of kids and couldn't afford to keep both running for what they were built for. Life happens. Which is why I bought my 66 project to build as a stout, powerful, potent and reliable 5.0 powered daily driver.

 

[Tyoung68]

Im getting the american autowire one and yeah that sounds like a good idea probably what i am going to do

 

[matcox83]

I put a Ron Francis kit in a '54 Ford once. Make sure you plan what you want to do. I didn't have time so things like soldering terminals etc got skipped and had to be redone later. Try to make sure you can do it all right the first time. Don't forget to wrap or use convolute for abrasion protection. You can do it. Make sure you keep your wiring diagram handy so you know where all your components are.

 

[Tyoung68]

How important is soldering the wires?

 

[matcox83]

If you just use butt connectors you may end up with problems. If the kit is really good you might not have to make connections.

 

[gc19662007]

Yes, a good harness will need no splices. It should fit with little to no slack.
Butt connecters are not bad just so long as the wire is prepared correctly, crimped correctly, the proper connectors are used and in the event of moisture being an issue, heat shrink tubing or liquid electrical tape can be used to seal the splice.
While new wiring is going in, make sure all the holes you are pulling through have a grommet to avoid tearing or nicking the wire insulation as well as developing a cut over time.

 

[Tyoung68]

Well i hope i don't need to i dont have time yo do all that!! I need to get my car done already!!

 

[Tyoung68]

It does need all the connections soldered on ;(

 

[Tyoung68]

do you guys know which wires are which for the neutral safety switch are?

 

[Tyoung68]

Or what the new alternators are? Like do they have a voltage regulator built in?

 

[Trojan Horse]

How important is soldering the wires?

VERY important. Most crimps do not properly crimp the terminal ends and over time they will loosen causing you no end of grief tracking down the issue. Crimp and solder each connector and you won't have those problems in the future.

Or what the new alternators are? Like do they have a voltage regulator built in?

Most newer alternators do have built in regulators.

 

[Tyoung68]

How do i wire my alternator then?

 

[Trojan Horse]

How do i wire my alternator then?

Well that I don't know, as I don't know which alternator you have or what its wiring requirements may be. Post a picture of the alternator connections and tell us what brand, model and amperage it is.


You'll have to do some adaptive wiring to make a newer alternator work.

 

[Tyoung68]

Well i have a new alternator with a built in regulator i got it from autozone so its just a stock replacement

 

[Trojan Horse]

Well i have a new alternator with a built in regulator i got it from autozone so its just a stock replacement

It should have a connection diagram with it?

 

[matcox83]

I haven't done it yet, but a lot of people use a GM style one wire alternator when they upgrade. Instructions are everywhere on the Internet for that swap

 

[Tyoung68]

It did come with a diagram just not a clear one but i think i got it now. I didnt have a wire going to the stater but i think i have it charging now

 

[Trojan Horse]

I haven't done it yet, but a lot of people use a GM style one wire alternator when they upgrade. Instructions are everywhere on the Internet for that swap

Some time back I ran across an article that detailed why you should not use the one wire alternators in a Google search I had done. I no longer remember the exact reasons, but personally I would no longer consider using one on anything other than an old tractor maybe. :good: