"Universal" Wiring Harness

DesertGuy · Post by **DesertGuy** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:40 pm

While searching around I found these sites (among many) that sell a "universal" wiring harness:

http://www.painlesswiring.com/webcatalo ... rchField=3

http://www.ezwiring.com/

My questions are:

Is it better to purchase one already made, or could a novice with "some degree" of common sense build one?

Would it be cost effective... sometimes after purchasing all the parts separately, you end up spending equal, if not more? (keeping in mind the "average joe" doesn't have a wholesale account)

Plastermaster · Post by **Plastermaster** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 4:43 pm

I spent a lot of time deciding how to clean up that rats nest of OEM wiring behind the dash. The task of ripping it all out and starting it over seemed like a recipe for disaster since I really do not understand how it all works well enough to use any logic. So what I ended up doing was going to my FLAPS and purchasing a 14 fuse, fuse block that uses the spade fuses. This worked well for me because I could just figure things out as I went. What I did was run a hot wire from the ignition switch to power it and then proceeded to disconnect anything from the OEM fuse block that operated only with the switch on the on position, and connect it to the new fuse block. This allowed enough "space" to see better where everything goes. Especially when you start adding extra gauges and stuff it becomes much cleaner with an extra fuse block.

This doesn't really answer the question but is just another option. Really it is a matter of what suits your project best. If you are doing a full "pan off" project you might want to start from scratch. Watsons streetworks had harneses specifically for the acvw.

Ron

MedicTed · Post by **MedicTed** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 5:01 pm

It depends on what you need for your vehicle. If it's for a sand rail, it would be very easy to create your own harness. If it's a stock body, with alot of circuits (wipers, radio, turn signals, etc.), it would be much harder.

Post by **2088 bob** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:02 am

One thing you need to consider when buying a universal type harness ,is that these kits for the majority are setup for conventional vehicle layout ....so front engined, they usually require the modification of wire lengths to suit our vw dubs, something you need to take into consideration

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:09 am

On the newbie sticky... I posted the Earl Duty Book.. since you're local, I can lend it to you.

In the back.. in plain english (without engineering schematics) they take you step by step on building a custom loom.

Bob2088 can probably help you with the exact suggestions for materials etc.

In a rail, I always custom wire with bulk materials... normally lengths etc can be updated etc.

T.

DesertGuy · Post by **DesertGuy** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 8:20 am

MNAirHead wrote:On the newbie sticky... I posted the Earl Duty Book.

Not to "hijack" my own thread... but would it be possible to have a sticky for recommended reading concerning electrical issues. Not necessarily the "super-techy" stuff, but good foundational reading...Thanks Tim

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:39 am

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=106056

The earl duty book is probably the most basic...

DesertGuy · Post by **DesertGuy** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:44 am

MNAirHead wrote:The earl duty book is probably the most basic...

Thanks

bte_3 · Post by **bte_3** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:01 pm

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/vw.html

i used this kit in my car. its been daily driven for over two years now and i havn't had any problems with it...

Ben

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:16 am

Ben...

How much was the total budget?

Post by **2088 bob** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:19 pm

i have just taken the time to read info, presented on watson streetworks website , particularly their tutorial on the installation of their vw specific kit, very well presented and well worth the read

Post by **2088 bob** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:55 pm

here area few more sites for your wiring needs

www.centechwire.com

www.wiringproducts.com

www.delcity.net

www.haywireinc.com

www.americanautowire.com

bte_3 · Post by **bte_3** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:22 pm

total budget for what?

the whole restoration was about 5 grand... the suburu conversion ended up around 1500ish (i just rebuilt it by the way along with some cosmetic stuff. its lots cleaner now)

Ben

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:32 pm

Please post back with some progress etc... there are some known tricks to improve your budget and the quality of your loom etc.

bones · Post by **bones** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 7:31 am

I used a 12 circut trunk mount painless universal harness on my 73 ghia vert. The installation wasn't bad at all and turned out very clean. Painless has tech support that is excellent. They helped a lot and successfully answered every question and problem I had. Even helped me wire up a Hobb switch fuel pump relay setup that turns the engine off when there is no oil pressure. I highly recommend them and of course Speedy Jim's excellent help.