Streetrod wiring help question

txcr13 · Dec 11, 2013

Finally getting started on my '46 Studebaker. I have changed a few wiring harnesses, but haven't really wired a car before like this will need. I will have an experienced guy doing most of the work, but I want to understand more about what goes into it.

The car has the original 6volt system which will be changed to 12 volts. Will have a small block chevy engine, with very basic electrical requirements, no AC, no power windows or seats, no stereo, but will have electric wipers. My question is are there pre-made harnesses available for the starter or alternator that could help with the overall wiring process ? Any tips on bulbs and sockets for stop lights, turn signals, etc? What suppliers might sell the type of items that will be needed.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bounder · Dec 11, 2013

Try an find a shop manual it will tell you how many bulbs are in your car. And when your done and hook it up you'll see a bright flash and hear a pop cause you missed one. Didn't know I had a bulb behind the ignition switch. Whole thing ain't that bad though.

Oldb · Dec 11, 2013

There are some good books on the subject. It can be quite intimidating the first time. You are lucky to have an experienced person to work with on it.
Before you start read up on cross link wire. Far and away the best to use, less likely to melt a harness in the event of a dead short. If your guy is a expert he will most likely already know about it. Get high end terminal ends with heat shrink to seal the crimp. Companies like Waytek and Dell City offer lots of great stuff for making your harnesses, shrink tube, stress reliefs, grommets etc.
Also to really make a custom looking harness there are shrink tube printers that let you make shrink markers for each wire.

Good Luck,

B

fordor41 · Dec 11, 2013

also operate each component after it's wiring is complete, then move to the next component.

manyolcars · Dec 12, 2013

txcr13 said: ↑

'46 Studebaker. /QUOTE]

geez, where to begin??? This is not a streetrod forum
a 46 Studebaker is not a traditional hotrod

Its not possible to instruct you how to wire a car in a post but place one wire at a time and verify that it works, repeat as needed
Click to expand...

JeffB2 · Dec 12, 2013

This is a good guide and can be used as check list:http://www.ebay.com/gds/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford-/10000000001571127/g.html Try to keep it simple the 9+3 wiring harness from our fellow H.A.M.B. member is a good start: http://rebelwire.com/rebel-wire-products.php?cat=Wire Kits You can find replacement bulbs and sockets for about every thing at your local NAPA,like the ebay link states "keep it simple" by using a one wire alternator just run a 6 gauge battery cable from the alternator to battery positive and you will eliminate a lot of under the hood wiring clutter.Give this a read also:http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/? and read the "Tech Tips" the section "current topics" is something to incorporate into the plan as I am a big fan of relays after using those tips.

txcr13 · Dec 12, 2013

Gents- Thanks to all of you who posted helpful information. I do appreciate it.

tfeverfred · Dec 12, 2013

Here are some simple wiring diagrams that I used to wire my T Bucket. Each section is broken down separately. This should get you started.

http://www.tbucketeers.com/threads/wiring-diagrams-for-a-gm-system.5996/

1971BB427 · Dec 13, 2013

fordor41 said: ↑

also operate each component after it's wiring is complete, then move to the next component.
Click to expand...

Operating each component after it's wired isn't always possible. A good meter or test light will allow each wire to be checked before it's final connection, and then once the whole car is wired the total system can be checked for each component's function.
I hate getting everything completely wired and final connections made, only to find out there's something that requires a nice finished solder joint to be cut open.

nmpontiac · Dec 13, 2013

I recently did a 12V conversion on a friends '48 Stude Champ that he didn't want to redo the whole thing - I would suggest you take a close look at the wiring under the dash. The mice had been at his pretty well and there were a lot of bare spots and potential shorts that I finally got insulated but it might have been easier to have just pulled it all out and redo it. I also found a very nice laminated stock wiring diagram at www.classiccarwiring.com that was pretty useful.

59 brook · Dec 13, 2013

there is a really simple inexpensive almost cartoon lookish book called "how to wite your hot rod" under $10 and it makes things a lot easier

ago · Dec 14, 2013

It really is not that complicated: Take each section at a time. 5 wires to the front, 1) right turn signal,2) left turnsignal, 3) parking lights,4) low beam,5) hi-beam. rear end 3 wires, 1) left turn signal,2) right turn signal,3) parking lights and license light. (The rear brake lights work off the turn signal wires from the brake light switch). Take the charging wiring separate to simplify things. Starter and ignition separate.

Ago

summersshow · Dec 14, 2013

I would recommend making your own harness and starting with an aftermarket fuse box. Vendors popup at car shows with them all the time. Do one thing at a time.

Try using a 1 wire alternator and youll have less wires to mess with.
As far as sockets and things your stock ones should be fine to use

oldschool66 · Dec 14, 2013

I'd check with Rebel Wire here on the HAMB. There's a couple of guys selling the harness ( I got mine from Tugmaster ) . The 9 + 3 harness I put in my roadster was very complete and very easy to install myself. All done I was in for around $ 200.00, fuse block, wires, relays, and the wires are labeled every 6 inches with what it's for.

Nevadavic · Dec 14, 2013

Ive used the Speedway Economy 12 Circuit Wiring Harness from Speedway Motors:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Economy-12-Circuit-Wiring-Harness,2352.html

Its relatively easy to install and inexpensive at $144.99. The installation instructions are on the page so you can read them before you buy the kit to see if it meets your needs. Speedway has $7.99 flat rate shipping for a while on orders of $125. or more.

mt shasta steve · Dec 14, 2013

Wiring is a lot like plumbing. If you pour water in one end, it's supposed to come out the other end. I rewired my '41 from bumper to bumper, and the hardest part was getting up the nerve to start. I think you'll find it to be easier than you thought, once you get started.
Steve

txcr13 · Dec 15, 2013

Again, thanks to all for the helpful advice and encouragement. I really do appreciate it. I will probably get started on the job right after Jan. 1.

REBEL43 · Dec 18, 2013

Here is a good link for 6 to 12 volt conversion.
www.oldengine.org/unfaq/six12.htm

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Streetrod wiring help question

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