Wiring Harness

[inovermyhead]

So I have an 81 GMC C15 2wd that I would like to rewire. My question is, is the Painless 18 circuit universal GM column harness a good one to use for the truck for fitment and connections or am I really better off using the stock replacement style set-up? Wiring is not an issue for me btw.

thanks,
Brad

[beastie_3]

If you hate wiring, are no good at it, or dont want to spend more time on the project, then get the stock replacement. The only good thing I can see about the universal kit, is just that. Universal. If your going custom, then it would be ok, but if your going stock, get the stock replacement.

[inovermyhead]

Yeah I guess my main concern using the universal harness would mainly be the fitment of the fuse block and bulk head at the firewall. That and I would like to save the extra money compared to the replacement. That's extra money for some other goodies. 

[bigblock73]

Get the 73-87 version, worth every penny IMO.  I have one in my 73, went in easy!

[bigblock73]

BTW - Chris sells them right here on the site.

[Captkaos]

Actually I don't have the Painless right now.
I do have American Autowires kits right now though.

[FritzA]

On the American Autowire harness....what is the fuseblock like? Does it upgrade to the plug in fuses or is it still the glass ones (my truck is a 77)?

[werewolfx13]

I'd like more info on the AAW kit you handle as well, I really ripped into my trucks wiring today to see what all damage was done by the meltdown, and it isn't pretty..nor is any of the intact wiring..

[Captkaos]

Depending on what you order and the year you order it for it could be either.
They have a replacement series that is identical to what came factory and each portion is available separately, so for the years that had glass fuses the replacements have the same.

I am talking to them about their Classic Update series for the 73-87 trucks but nothing is listed at this time.  When I know more I will let you know.

[inovermyhead]

Hey Capt, how does the AAW compare to the Painless? Does it have the factory bulkhead connector? Are the wires labeled as good as the Painless? Thanks for doing a great job on this site btw.

[VileZambonie]

curious what's available for my 74 as well

[Captkaos]

AAW has all the connectors, Painless does not.  American's uses the GM specs as they bought them so it is spot on for the GM vehicles.  You basically can replace a whole section of your harness if you only needed one portion.  ccz145a Just got a Engine harness from me and he should be able to give his feedback when it arrives also.  He had a harness meltdown and needed it replaced.

Vile, I sent you a PM on some options, but pretty much it depends on what you want.  Their replacement harnesses are EXACT duplicates so if it had glass fuses before it will have them in the replacement.

[jaredts]

You say they have factory replica plugs?  I want new power window switch connectors--p.o. soldered the wires to the switches and the solder is breaking off.  Are these available separate from a complete harness?

[Captkaos]

Just the switches, or connectors?  If you are talking about the connectors no.

[VileZambonie]

jaredts you just need a pigtail