installing a universal wiring harness without using a GM type column?

Short version:
Who has installed an aftermarket wiring harness (like the EZ Wiring) in an early Jeep and kept the old 'bus' type NON GM steering column and switches?

Long story:
First, I would like to share some information about my project. It is a 70 Jeep DJ5 (left hand steering) with a healthy mix of 73 DJ5D parts mixed in. It has a small block Chevy, stock (for '70 DJ5) Powerglide transmission, and Dana 44 rear. I have converted the brakes to later model CJ5 discs in front, 10" drums in rear, and a hanging pedal assembly from a later CJ5. Current plans are to get the Jeep street-able in 2WD, then add a TH350/novak adapter/D20 and a narrow track D30 at a later date. I have all those items, just rather get it going as a 2WD first.

I have nearly all of the mechanical work done, and now basically I am left with the electrical. The actual harness that is in the Jeep isn't in bad shape, the issue is that DJ5's have a harness that is totally different versus the same year model CJ5's. Mine actually has a fusebox and I haven't been able to find a wiring diagram that even comes close to matching it, I have checked many.

Here is my issue. I am an electrical novice at best. I have decided it might be better to start over and install a new harness, but I have noticed that most universal harnesses (I plan on using the EZ Wiring harness) are designed to be used with a GM column, with GM turn signals, flashers and horn I assume. Since my Jeep is like the early CJ5s with the 'bus' steering wheel, column and Spartan turn signal switch, I am concerned that it would be difficult to sort out the wiring. I figure it would be better to use a newer turn signal/flasher switch (I have a Peterson 500, like a Stat 800) but I am still worried about trying to splice in the different turn signal/flasher/horn wiring into a harness made and marked for GM stuff.

Do I have a valid reason to be worried? I have searched and read many threads about harness swaps, but it seems that in nearly every thread the vehicle in question has a GM style column, either a Jeep or an actual GM column swapped, and major modifications were not necessary at that point in the harness.

 

Yes its possible. I've installed ez wires in early broncos and scouts along with many jeeps. It is more work buy def doable.
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I put an EZ 12 circuit kit in my 67 with the bus type wheel and Sparton turn signal about 4 months ago. It is not very difficult but it is the second Jeep I've rewired. My first was a 47. If you study the info they provide and compare it with the good circuit diagram that is around here somewhere, you can do it. 12 circuits is way more than you will probably need, but you can bundle the unused wires under the dash for future use. If I can help just pm me.

 

Me

 

what exact year and model DJ do you have ? DJ-5 A, B, C, etc
I should have all the manuals and can look for your model if you want.

 

I'll be putting an EZ Harness in my CJ5, and it'll have a postal column.

 

I'm currently finishing up using an EZ wiring kit and origional column with spartan turnsignals. I found a useful wiring diagram though the search on this site with a link to another site. I searched for spartan wiring. Hope this helps.

 

It is a '70 DJ5A (left hand, normal steering side) with a '73 DJ5C or DJ5D (not exactly sure) wiring harness swapped into it. The harness that was originally in the DJ5A was in tatters so I pulled the complete harness out of the '73 parts DJ5 and installed it along with all the switches. But along the way I ended up losing track of where some of the connections under the dash go, plus there was some 'hacking' it seems from previous owners.

All of the connections at the front, under the hood and rear don't worry me, it is the stuff under the dash, such as the turn signal switch and the separate four way flasher switch on the dash if I go with the Spartan TS switch.

I may be worried without reason, it is just electrical work is my major weakness.

 

okay
I have a 73 DJ5-C manual on my desk here.
It's dated May 1973
this manual has a complete fold out wiring diagram.
may or may not be of help to you
the wiring diagram states "Through serial number 300001" (LHD)
pm if you need more or are interested.

oops, edit: it has two wiring diagrams
one through serial number 300001 LHD/RHD
and one starting with serial number 300002 LHD/RHD

 

The parts jeep vin# is 417xxx. Would there be any way you could scan the wiring harness diagram for under the dash? I have figured out where the rest goes, just not sure on several loop connectors and a plug or two.

Does anyone think it would be easier/more simple to use an aftermarket combination turn signal/flasher switch if/when I install a new harness? I have one like below from when I was going to try to salvage the original harness, looks like it would be more simple to do away with the four wire flasher switch and separate Spartan TS switch when I rewire:

 

Well, after spending about 6 hours tracing each wire in the harness, I was able to get headlights, taillights, brakelights and the turn sugnals to work. The Spartan TS switch was a bit dodgy, so I pulled it apart, cleaned the contacts and reassembled it. I couldn't get the in-dash four way flasher to work, nor the horn or the wipers. I cannot seem to find the horn relay in the harness, and my wiper switch might be bad. I cannot figure out the wiring on the wiper motor, because all three wires going into the motor are blue.

Probably the biggest help was I noticed that there was labels stamped ever so lightly into the fuse box (well, fuse panel, not really a box) which helped greatly to trace the wiring.

I might get luck and be able to use the stock harness after all.