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Time to get back to electrical wiring

janschutz

Corn Hauler
It been over a year since I started rewiring my mustang. I had a Painless fuse panel that I mounted in the glove box a long time ago. I found my engine harness had 3 complete splices and I suspect the cause of my interment electrical issues. I tried to get a wiring company to just sell me wire but all of them said no.

So i bought as many colors (8) that my local Hardware company and and Off I go again.
 
I think painless and/or AAW will sell you wire by the foot. I know there are companies, maybe even some that do the printing as well.
 
I talked with everyone in the Painless booth during the power tour and the answer was a float No. They only wanted to sell the whole kit. AAW said they would sell by the foot but without the printing.
 
There are a number of sources for good automotive bulk wire and it isn't expensive. Hardware store wire will conduct electrical current but overall leaves a lot to be desired in comparison to "the good stuff". Automotive wire is designed to live in a different environment than the stuff running through the metal conduit in your walls.
 
Hold on partner, sounds like you've got too much giddyup for your own good. There are a bunch of considerations before you rewire anything. You have to know the gauge needed. Generally speaking bigger is better and its ok to oversize but never undersize. What most people don't consider is the insulation type. If its going in the engine compartment it should be 125C wire (257F). That's usually cross link, not PVC which is 105C (221F) and sometimes the hardware store variety is only 80C (176F). If thin, low temperature insulation melts off the wire you are in a world of hurt. Research this before you start, try www.awcwire.com/faq-automotive-wire, waytekwire.com, wiringproducts.com, and Delcity.com to name a few, or just Google "automotive wire types". In my working past I routinely used glass braided 150C and even 250C wire, and that should be available from "wire harness manufacturers". The guys I dealt with in LA would gladly supply you with lengths of wire in a variety of colors and gauges and strips of quick connect terminals.
 
Another path to take is to buy a cheap brand x "one size fits all" harness kit off ebay and use the wire as needed. Lots of those have coding on the wires (i.e. horn, tail light, etc.) as well. That way you get the coded wiring (f you want it) and also a large variety of different colors too. Hell, even some of the built in connectors could be used. I see them go for about $100. Which is not that much compared to buying a large variety of colored wiring.

Most all your inside wiring need only be 16 ga. Only heavy stuff needed is for blower motors and headlights. All the control stuff is low amp. I like to use 14 ga myself for almost everything. I run 10 ga for halogen head lights off solid state relays. You can run 12 if you locate the relays out by the headlights, near the battery. Like written earlier, heavier doesn't get you in trouble like being to light will.
 
Who are your guys in LA? Do you mean LA in Louisianan or just that city on the west coast?
When I was in the service a guy asked where I was from, and when I answered "LA" he said "Wheres that Lower Alabama?"
Amsco U.S. Inc.
15341 Texaco Ave.
Paramount CA 90723
Phone 562-630-0333
Mike Yazdi
Call before you go and explain the situation and see what he says. We regularly bought harnesses from him so he understood we needed supplies in order to design new products. I think he will be obliging.
 
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