What is the average amount of time it takes to install a complete 18 point Painless Wiring System (bumper to bumper) with the seats, dash, and everything else still in the car. Reason I ask is because I know a guy that says he can do it in about a day. Is this possible? Can I trust him?

i suppose anything is possible.but keep in mind like u said he does have to work around everything in the car.i just recently finished mine up.i didn't use the crimp connectors they give u, i soldered all my joints.with mine i did it over a period of time an hour here and there.just ask yourself how good of a job will he do in a day.good luck.......

yeah it seems like it might take longer than a day to work around all that. It is alot of work to change the wiring harness, but maybe hes done a few before and knows what hes doing. Id find out how much exp. he has working on Camaros and wiring before trusting him to do an operation to your baby like that.

He says that he has worked on several types of cars for many years and was also a mechanic for a Nascar racing team. He has several photos all over his shop of himself working on many different racetracks all over the country. From listening to him he sounds like he knows cars very well, Its just that I'd never heard of anyone doing a complete wiring job so fast :eek:

The guys at Painless told me a little over 8 hours but they have everything there and do it all day. It took me and 2 techs about 16 hours or so actually about 21/2 days, we did not use the supllied connectors either we used solder crip connectors. You still have to use some of your old connectors and we had to remove some of the pins out of the old connectors to salvage the plastic holders? Anyway it is alot of work that cant be rushed. It takes some head scratching here and there also as we rerouted some wires. Ask what he plans to use for connectors? Is he going to use connectors of your old harness? We had to use the dash lights, idiot lights and others.
Good luck,
Mike

What is the advantage of painless if you have to connect all of the ends. Why not something that is already to "plug" in? Is painless a superior system compared to lectriclimited.com and another brand that is mentioned often but is slipping my mind?

Rick

American Autowire has kits for 67's & 68's w/ all the connectors.

QUOTE:
Now, ONLY FROM AMERICAN AUTOWIRE/FACTORY FIT the 1967 and 1968 Camaro Classic Update Series Harness enables you to bring that classic muscle car into the 21st century and beyond. Imagine... being able to install a single harness kit that contains all of the correct connections to every piece of your original equipment; AC, interior lighting, wipers, column, as well as having the option to add any of the top name accessories being produced as well. All of this is included in one single wiring kit!

Because American Autowire/Factory Fit owns all of the correct connectors, plugs and terminals that are needed to make this a plug-n-play harness you can rest assured that you are getting the most comprehensive and adaptive harness system on the planet for the 1st Generation Camaro – bar none.

If you are thinking of adding any accessory to your original or modified 1967-1968 Camaro you cannot rely on your existing 30+ year old wiring to take the added abuse, however, you can rely on the knowledge and technical experience of American Autowire/Factory Fit and the proven craftsmanship that goes into every Classic Update Series Harness System.

Coming soon... 1969 Camaro Classic Update Wiring Kits!!! Call for details. (856)-933-0801.

I checked into the Classic Update Series when they first came out. They are a bargain compared to going all original, but if you are using the stock console gauges you are better off staying with an original style harness. The Classic Update Series is really for those who want to put in the aftermarket console and dash gauges.

I almost wish I was headed down that route just so I could use one... almost. :D

Rick - In my opionion, the Painless kits are really for those cars that have a lot of custom mods. Big stereos, aftermarket gauges, aftermarket power seats, etc. I could see installing one in a stocker just to get the new fuses, but that sure is a lot of work. I would really give the Classic Update Series a good look before going the painless route. Mainly due to all the new items that are included with the kit. Just my 2 cents.

www.wiringharness.com (http://www.wiringharness.com)

MytMini,
A quote from a Classic Update Series ad says:

"Complete guage connection system is provided. Not only for the standard aftermarket guage packages but also all the correct original connectors and terminals to reconnect your original guage cluster into your new harness without using the common butt splice."

I've been considering this harness, but I'm will be sticking w/ original guages. If you know something I don't, please let me know. If anyone has ever used the harness, I'd love to hear your opinion.

thanks, shane

Hey Shane!

I talked to the two Don's on their tech line and they told me (or led me to believe) that the Classic Update Series does not offer support for the factory CONSOLE gauges (and I don't want to go aftermarket on my 68). Now that was months ago so maybe that has changed, but I'd highly recommend that you give them a call. 1-800-482-wire. And then report back, because if it will work with the factory console gauge cluster I might just do it.

It would be nice to have the newer fuses and save a bunch of money rewiring my 68. I've already replace the rear harness and the two forward harnesses, but the under dash harness is the expensive one. For the price of it alone you can just about buy the Classic Update Series and get all the extras. Ignition switch, light switch, dimmer switch, and underdash light sockets. Plus from the looks of it I might not even have to touch the wiring I've already replaced as it looks like they use the factory style connectors. I'd definetly check the wiring schematics though.

Let me know what you find out...

Here is a link to a page with images of the catalog pages on it. http://www.streetrodding.com/sr/?fuseaction=dsp.new_products&id=56
If you need help with anything I have the actual catalog right in front of me. graemlins/waving.gif

Lotta stuff about painless lately. I always thought they made do it yourself one size fits all kits for street rods? With all the original wiring so available new, it seems like painless isn't?

For a first gen Camaro I don't think I'd consider Painless very painless... :D

I email American Autowire about their Classic Update series. Don responded:


"We do NOT support the the use of a factory ammeter as they are somewhat of a fire hazard. We do, however, include the wires for you to hook up your ammeter.
All other wiring for factory console gauges is included as are the necessary connectors to hook them up.
In conclusion, yes... You can hook up factory console gauges wiyth our Classic Update Kit."

I've never heard of the ampmeter issues, maybe others have more info on this.

skullshark@yahoo.com is an ebayer who has the kits for $450 delivered. I'll prolly order one from him. I emailed several companies for pricing, but received only 1 quote back for $450 plus shipping.

http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQgotopageZ1QQsassZmako1972QQsorecordsperpageZ5 0QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1

OK... so the kit has what you need, but they do not promote using it with the factory battery gauge??? Is that what they are saying?

When I spoke with one of the Don's, he mentioned that if the wires were to short out it would strike one hell of an arc (just like a welder). Especially if you have a newer alternator like a CS130, which I do.

If you get one let us know how it works out. graemlins/beers.gif

I am in the process of installing a Classic Update Series in my "68". So far it's been straight forward. Most of the dash harness is pre wired with correct terminals for lights, wipers etc. There is a fair amount of custom work that has to be done. Each step you are able to chose options for gage types, ignition type, etc. and have to build the harness to fit your need. All the wires are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to understand. The only problem so far is the supplied ignition won't work with your old lock cylinder and key from your car. You will need a new lock or use your old switch. I went with the old switch. You will need to know how to crimp and solder open barrel terminals. This just takes practice and patience. I also have my old harnesses and this helps with cutting the wires to the correct length and taping. The tech support is excellent.

i installed most of my classic update series saturday. need to finish the front lights & then wire the engine. thought i'd pass along some general info about the kit. as previously posted, the ignition lock cylinder is not the same size as oem. i took mine & had the barrells re-worked to match my key so 1 key would open all locks. the kit does not include a matching curved connector for a stock steering column on a 68. so you have to cut the connector, add terminals & create a new connector (all parts are provided for this). that's the only problems i've noticed so far. the kit does include terminals for everything, as well as all new light bulb sockets, new ignition, new headlight dimmer, & new headlight switch. it provides terminated wires & instructions for many add-on products. & it has all the wiring for a center console.

another update to american autowire harness:

got around to wiring up the front end of my car this weekend. although american autowire web site claims "...contains all of the correct connections to every piece of your original equipment.", you can not use every piece of your original equipment. you have to use an internally regulated alternator. the original external regulator & horn-relay/junction-block are done away with.
i was a little dissappointed with this.

I brought the one form Ricks Factory fit Buy it and be done with it every thing just like the factory no cutting or plicing just pull the old out and put the new in piece of cake!