re-wiring CJ5 1973

While waiting on the various brake parts to come, I decided to move on to the wiring. It needs a whole lot of help. The previous years have resulted in more splices, more butt connectors and more tape than I ever imagined. So, I've decided on completely re-wiring the whole thing. I'm going to go with one of the commercial kits available, and have e-mailed a few with questions. However, I have some questions that some of you more experienced can hopefully help me with. When I order a Wiring Harness kit (say from Painless) does that kit include all the wire that runs from the the headlights to the tail lights and everything between? From the alternator to the various gauges? What should I expect, and what should I ask for extra when ordering? I'll at least be adding a fuse block.

M

 

The fuse block will come with the harness. You have to look at what accessories you have and decide how many circuits you will be running.

 

I just finished doing my 73 with an EZ Wire kit. It has all the wires, front and back, and each wire is labeled every foot as to what it goes to.The wiring diagrams in the booklet they supply also indicate where the different colored wires connect.

 

I think rewiring is a worthy goal in a lot of cases. And centralized fuse block is a huge improvement. Sometimes one can do a really nice job fixing what they've got. The little metal pieces inside the plastic connectors are available, so you could punch out the entire length of wire from connector to connector with nary a butt splice to be had. You get bonus points for using the correct colors.

Dad and I did the Painless kit for his 1974 CJ5 and it was very well done, well marked, had more than enough wire, and a couple of spare circuits. I have read the other popular brand is just as nice but cheaper.

 

I just bought a painless kit. If you buy one through a select dealer right untill the end of the month you get $100 back. I got mine through 4wd and with the rebate i still that i still need to send in, it brings the cost to about $250

 

Not to hijack, but what gauge are the wire in the Painless kit roadhog ?

 

I dont remember for sure but i think it was around 14-16 guage.

 

Don't go painless its a waste of money. Use the ez-wiring kit. its complete from front to back, quality, great tech support, includes everything youneed except solder, for about half the price. I've used it along with many others with only good things to say. All the wires are labeled exactly where to go, the entire length of the wire. After being clueless and doing my first jeep in a ez wiring harness, I was able to do my second one from scratch with a big old box of wire and a generic fuse block.

 

Summit has em also - but the rebate is only good through the end of the month, ordering mine tonight!

 

I agree with Strider about the Painless kit. I used another kit with 12 ga. wires, 14 cir. for $180 to my door. Wires were marked every 6" too.

I have a friend that has original wiring in his '70 El Camino and won't rewire b/c he can't afford a Painless like his car club buddies so he has old bunk in a custom truck, Figure it.

Get the best you can afford and install the best way you can, think it thru. You'll be fine.