My engine's in the shop atm, and the more I look, the more I'm thinking I should rewire everything... This is starting to look like a full rebuild project, rather than the rebuilt engine it was supposed to be.

I've been researching wiring, and pre-built harnesses for awhile... seeming like the easiest method to go with would be one of the painless wiring harnesses.

However they only make those for up to 1977. I called, they said they hadn't tried one on a 79, so didn't advertise it for that year.

I'm wondering, are there any major differences in wiring between 76-79? anyone know? And if there are, would the differences be small enough for it to be worth modding one of these harnesses?

(my vehicle is a 1979 f-150, 4wd, manual, no ac, 300 L6)
Also, they're offering 100$ rebates right now... sumit racing has details on how to cash in on that.

 

couldn't you just get one of their generic harnesses and adapt it?

 

I just bought the Painless 10118, didn't know it was made to stop at '77. Somebody here must know what the electrical differences were from '77 to '78 F series trucks? Can't just be square headlights!

 

I think the only reason they stopped with that year is the fact that they didn't have a 78 or 79 to do a test install in... at least thats what they told me when I called em.

I figure the mods required (if any) wont be too extensive, and I'd like my wiring to at least somewhat resemble the stock wiring diagrams (makes things a bit easier down the road... dont have to keep track of a collection of notes that I haven't looked at since I wrote em)

I'd consider building one myself based off the harness that's currently in there, except for the fact that it was a farm truck... Current wiring harness has about 4 extra plugs, and theres a couple that have been "re-purposed"... no idea why, but most of the electronics work, although you do sometimes have to smack the dash.

 

Another option to consider is a company called Centech. They use the original Ford connectors where they can, but do use an updated fuse panel. All of the wires are clearly marked, and they provide you with the schematics and pictures that explain everything (as well as incorporate information on original Ford wiring). I believe the gentleman you'd want to talk to is named Jim, but I could be mistaken on that.

The setup isn't cheap, but it's good quality and easy to follow (especially for a 'tard like me). Anyway, it's another option to consider.

 

I like that... about how much did it cost?

 

I can't recall specifically without digging through receipts, but I think it was in the $500-600 ballpark for everything. If you get in touch with them they can probably give you a more detailed quote depending on the specific setup for your truck. They don't just send a generic kit, they'll want to talk to you directly about what options your truck came with, and what items you've added to it.

For example, I've added a Powermaster one-wire alternator, and they sent an adapted harness to be able to use it with the factory gauges. It had an integrated shunt in the harness to be able to mate up to the gauge cluster. Every sub-harness has a diagram and schematic, and every wire was labled clearly as to where it's supposed to go. Like I said, if a ding dong like me can do it, anybody can.

 

I used Centech and it was a nice harness. I believe it was just over $500. I've heard Ron Francis makes a good harness too. You can make a generic wiring harness work, you'll just need some good diagrams geared toward your application. Most generic harnesses won't supply the Ford connectors so you'd have to use your old ones. I found it much easier to spend a little more and get something with Ford connectors and Ford diagrams. I know Jim and Centech will ask you about your truck and what you have so he can make the harness for your truck and not just a universal one. Like mine, my truck is 77, but have 79 steering column, gauges, voltmeter, DUI distributor, 1 wire alternator and he made up my harness. He even offered to make a pigtail off the gauge cluster to accomodate aftermarket gauges. I didn't take him up on it at the time, but ended up making my own anyway.

 

just called centech, think I'm gonna go with them... he said around 450ish.
They seem like good people.

 

I havent personally used them,but I have also heard great things about Centech from guys who used them in their old Fords.

 

I never thought about it at the time when I ordered mine, but you should ask for a discount being an FTE member and here is where you and others have received referrals. That's just my 2 cents.