airbournein2001
Forum Newbie
Posts: 64
Loc: central ms
Reg: 06-28-12
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07-07-12 08:48 AM - Post#2245388
Hello all,
I just ordered the AAW 22 circuit wiring harness for my 55' Delray Club Coupe. 90 percent of the wiring in the car is original and in terrible shape. There has been some add on's and splices here and there. I want to strip it all out and run a complete new harness.
My question is...Where do I start when the new harness arrives? Do I totally strip all existing wires out now or risk getting confused with a "crows nest" of wires installing and removing as I go?
I personally am thinking of dividing the car into three sections (theoretically, front cap, cabin area, and trunk section). Removing one section at a time and running new harness.
What are some tips that others have found that help the process? Removing seats or body parts, best type of wire shielding for heat, etc..? Would love to keep scraped knuckles, bad body positions, and frustration to a minimum!
Thanks for any help
Brad
| Kick the tire light the fire! 55' Delray Club Coupe, a family icon for 40 years. |
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 george88gta
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1675
Loc: new york
Reg: 04-23-03
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07-07-12 03:05 PM - Post#2245508
In response to airbournein2001
Decision was made for me, my car was completely stripped when I purchased it. I would think that working with a clean slate would be easier. Just remove all of the old wiring so you can run the new wires without interference. Of course, I am assumimg that you wont be using any of the original wiring. If you have to run wires thru a bulkhead, raceways, etc. I would tie a string on the end of the old wire, pull the wire out and use the string to pull the new wires in. AAW sets come with instructions. I havent wired mine yet, no where ready for wiring. Have fun!
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 farrel 57
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 59
Age: 65
Loc: Winchester,Tn
Reg: 11-23-08
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07-07-12 05:55 PM - Post#2245538
In response to airbournein2001
I just got done with my cars wiring.I have been a electrician for over 40 years,and was amazed how good AAW instructions were.The first thing you do is mount the fuse panel,then all the other harness{engine-front lights-rear lights etc} plug into that.If you run into trouble or don't understand just ask,somebody on here will be glad to explain. Farrel
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airbournein2001
Forum Newbie
Posts: 64
Loc: central ms
Reg: 06-28-12
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07-08-12 12:10 PM - Post#2245738
In response to farrel 57
Thanks guys, I have since ordered some wire sleeve in addition to the kit. Starting at the fuse box seems like a good point to kick it off. I built houses for 6 years prior to getting into flying, and I always let the electricians do their job! HA.
I noticed your seats were out. I bet that help a a lot when trying to get under the dash. I, however have a 69 camaro center console that I don't think I will remove right now. Bucket seats will be easy.
How long does the job usually take? I mean, for a newbie?
| Kick the tire light the fire! 55' Delray Club Coupe, a family icon for 40 years. |
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george88gta
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1675
Loc: new york
Reg: 04-23-03
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07-08-12 02:41 PM - Post#2245786
In response to airbournein2001
My suggestion would be to set aside at least one full day, maybe two. Biggest thing is getting the wires laid up neatly and out of the way so they dont rub. Take your time and neatness counts. Dont forget to tie a string or a spare piece of wire when you are removing old wires that run to things like the domelight. Make sure you have an ample supply of tie wraps to help with the install. Its also a good idea to leave generous bend radii, there is no need to kink or pinch a wire. Leads to problems later on. I would also suggest that you purchase some plastic wire loom ( NAPA, etc. sells it). They come in various diameters and it makes for a nice/neat looking install as well as providing protection for the wire.
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farrel 57
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 59
Age: 65
Loc: Winchester,Tn
Reg: 11-23-08
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07-08-12 03:48 PM - Post#2245806
In response to airbournein2001
I would think maybe three or four days,if you don't have to many upgrades.I had to deal with AC,power windows,delay wipers.digital gauges,duel fan controls,and remote disconnect on the battery.I had to do mine in stages as I finished each project.Yes you'll need several sizes of wire looms and some good 3m elect tape.Yes,I did have the seats out and it made it a lot easer to work under the dash. Farrel
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airbournein2001
Forum Newbie
Posts: 64
Loc: central ms
Reg: 06-28-12
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07-09-12 05:47 AM - Post#2246018
In response to farrel 57
Awesome info guys. I have some braided wire sleeve and convoluted tube on its way. found it pretty cheap online. the only "add on's" that I have are electric fan, electric fuel pump and an aftermarket set of Sunpro gauges..oh and the automatic xmssn. I'll have to figure out the reverse lights, because they have quit working. Perfect time to get them working.
When I return from offshore, I will be installing a pertronix ignition system in place of the points. Hopefully after that, I can drive it a day and then pull it right back in the shop and start the new wiring harness.
Thanks again guys. "tie on a wire before you pull the wire out", Got it! 
Nice seats Ferrel57. I think I have the same ones or close. Believe mine came out of a 64 super sport
Brad
| Kick the tire light the fire! 55' Delray Club Coupe, a family icon for 40 years. |
Edited by airbournein2001 on 07-09-12 05:49 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 WagonCrazy
"7th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 2313
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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07-09-12 09:22 AM - Post#2246102
In response to airbournein2001
Welcome to CT Brad.
About 6 years ago now, I rewired my 9 passenger wagon with an AAW UPgrade kit. First time ever doing wiring...
Best advice:
Follow the instructions, and stick with 1 part of the system at a time. Don't get ahead of yourself, or jump around in frustration...stick with wiring up the front end, or the engine, or the gauge pod, etc.
Give it a couple of days, so you can just focus on it and complete each section. AAW has very good instructions. With the universal kit you bought, you might need to reuse some of the connectors from your current harness...so don't' throw it away.
Good luck. Post pics and any quesitons, use the vendor forum. A tech person from AAW is on there asnwering questions all the time. The support is excellent.
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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07-09-12 09:32 AM - Post#2246104
In response to airbournein2001
Looks like you bought their Highway Series kit. Any particular reason you didn't get the Classic Update kit designed specifically for 55-57 cars? Just wondering.
By the way, Donny on CT's AAW forum gives us all great tech support.
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showforum.php?fi...
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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Edited by MikeB on 07-09-12 09:36 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Webfoot55
Senior Member
Posts: 1146
Loc: Keizer OR
Reg: 07-23-01
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07-09-12 09:35 AM - Post#2246106
In response to airbournein2001
The upgrade kit comes bagged seperately, engine compt. dash, rear, great instructions also, just follow them and you won't have problems, if you do just go in the AAW forum and Donny will walk you thru any problem you might have. 
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airbournein2001
Forum Newbie
Posts: 64
Loc: central ms
Reg: 06-28-12
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07-09-12 01:17 PM - Post#2246171
In response to MikeB
well, I thought the one I bought was for a 55-57 car. At least, that was what the description called said. Claimed to come with ignition switch, dimmer switch, and light switch. I read it as those would be the switches to fit my car and deduced that this kit would be a replacement.
I chose the 22 circuit to have room to grow. If it arrives and does not appear to be what I am hoping it is, then I'll return it and get one that does fit.
I wonder if this harness will come with most of the correct couplings to fit the electrical components of the car, ie headlights, taillights and so on?? I will keep the old harness to rob parts, but would prefer to have new parts.
| Kick the tire light the fire! 55' Delray Club Coupe, a family icon for 40 years. |
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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07-09-12 01:47 PM - Post#2246181
In response to airbournein2001
If you get the Classic Update kit, it is designed specifically to connect to your car's dashboard, lights, heater blower motor, etc. It even includes a new headlight switch, heavy duty ignition switch, and dimmer switch. And it includes wiring, connectors, and instructions for all kinds of aftermarket stuff, like HEI, A/C, gauges, etc. I used a Classic Update kit to wire a 66 pickup a few years ago, and have a big box full of connectors and wires left over.
The only drawback (for some folks) is all the main circuit wires are already connected internally to the fuse panel. However, there are some additional fused circuits that you can plug into for extras like power windows and door locks.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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bowtiefan
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2014
Loc: Vacaville, CA
Reg: 02-19-04
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07-09-12 09:01 PM - Post#2246404
In response to MikeB
Not to hi-jack this thread, but when I get to the wiring on my Nomad, I want to run the wires to the headlights etc. in the wheel well, and run some of the others so they will be less obvious. Do these kits come with enough wire to do this, or are they made to length?
Ken
38 & 39 2dr sedan, 41 coupe, 54 convertible, 56 Nomad, 57 210 2dr sdn, 70 Camaro RS, Corvettes; 57, 61, 65 396 coupe, 67 427 convert, 69 & 72 T-top, 88 coupe,91 ZR-1, 07 Z06, 07 Silverado, 09 BMW 135i convert.
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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07-09-12 09:09 PM - Post#2246407
In response to bowtiefan
Yes, all the underhood wires are several feet longer than standard. I can't remember exactly how much longer, but I'd guess it was 4-6 ft. Check with Donny on AAW's CT forum.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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bowtiefan
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2014
Loc: Vacaville, CA
Reg: 02-19-04
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07-10-12 05:26 PM - Post#2246740
In response to MikeB
Thanks Mike. That eliminates one question. I know there will be more.
Ken
38 & 39 2dr sedan, 41 coupe, 54 convertible, 56 Nomad, 57 210 2dr sdn, 70 Camaro RS, Corvettes; 57, 61, 65 396 coupe, 67 427 convert, 69 & 72 T-top, 88 coupe,91 ZR-1, 07 Z06, 07 Silverado, 09 BMW 135i convert.
http://www.picturetrail.com/ken58 |
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airbournein2001
Forum Newbie
Posts: 64
Loc: central ms
Reg: 06-28-12
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07-11-12 05:52 PM - Post#2247178
In response to MikeB
Thanks MikeB,
after doing more research, something I should have done to start with, I have swapped out the highway series for the classic update. Was really no hassle, but I did have to eat the shipping charges.
I should be in soon. This Mississippi heat might cause a two day job to turn into a week long project.
One again thanks to everyone.
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