Which wire kit to buy?

Southern64 · Post by **Southern64** » June 24, 2009, 9:55 pm

Just got my 302 bolted in, and buying up parts. Which kit do you guys favor, thinking maybe a 21 Circuit. I thought I've heard the Painless name a lot on here before....

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » June 25, 2009, 3:04 am

I`ve rewired 2 vehicles and used Painless both times without a hitch!, but I`m going to use a Ezy wire kit in Beryl, that I got from Tom fairly cheap!. now after looking at the instructions that come with the ezy wire kit, I think if it`s your first go at rewiring, I`d say Painless!, their instructions are very good. that's my zac`s worth!

douglloyd · Post by **douglloyd** » June 25, 2009, 7:55 am

I had never rewired a vehicle before, so I went with a Painless kit. But they are pricey.

Their diagrams are helpful until you get to anything custom. Mine was a universal harness but was clearly aimed at Chevy trucks - did not support Ford trucks as well as it could. No support for Duraspark, DS II or other Ford stuff. Also, I needed help with basics - like how to wire the Ford dash switches into the Painless harness - but the Slick list members came through.

The Ford truck shop manual electrical section helped explain a lot as well, although you will have adapt some of the 302 specific stuff. Again, somebody on this list has either done it or knows someone else who has and is willing to help. I'd never have tackled this without member support, because I work my trucks and really hate wiring jobs unless the project is clearly laid out.

I can scan the instruction book I got and the supplemental Ford-specific diagrams that Painless tech support sent, and post them if there is any interest.

thanks,
Doug

Jerry D · Post by **Jerry D** » June 25, 2009, 11:31 am

One would think that Painless would offer us a harness. They offer them for 66-77 broncos, 67-77 f series, and even 63-66 chevy. Wonder what it would take?

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » June 25, 2009, 11:40 am

I bought mine almost 2 years ago when I had the money out of the Econo's wreck. I bought an EZ2Wire Universal wiring harness with the switches and free shipping for around $175. Although the harness is still in the box I have looked over the instructions several times and it looks as though it should go fairly easy. (as if anything goes as it should

) I am hoping to start this project within the next 2 months. Universal is Universal no matter which kit you buy. You are still going to need plug ends. It's the money factor that brought me to buy what I bought. .... Anthony

rc1099 · Post by **rc1099** » June 29, 2009, 9:36 am

I used EZwiring- cheaper than Painless, but everything was there that I needed and the wires were of good quality and guage. I used the 12 fuse kit. If you get the 21, take a look at the fuses you get. Most of the time you're not going to need all the extras and you'll just end up with extra wire you'll have to hide or just cut it and not use it but you'll pay extra for nothing. There's fuses for a trunk release, power door locks, power windows, etc. The 12 fuse kit has a few extras as well so if you need a fuse for something custom it's nice to have one or two but not 8 or 9 extra fuses. Mine's been in my truck for 2 years now with no issues.

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » June 29, 2009, 10:56 am

I also installed ( with some friends help) a 12 circuit EZ Wiring that I got through Tom @ Flashbacks. A very good price Tom, thanks! They are defintly geared for the Chevy crowd though. The kit itself, wiring and everything esle is very well labled and put together good. But their tech help sucks!! If they'll ever talk to you or call you back. When I do it again I'm probably going to go with a Painless kit even thought their much more money, since they do Bronco's and some other Ford products.

Michael

sofla1966 · Post by **sofla1966** » June 29, 2009, 9:17 pm

I'm currently installing the EZ 21 Mini off ebay for $150 shipped. Way more wires than I will ever need but was cheaper than the EZ 12.
Have not had any issues with the kit - just my lack of understanding on some of the switches. Crossing my fingers it will actually run again!

kstones63 · Post by **kstones63** » June 29, 2009, 10:21 pm

I am using the American Autowire Highway 22 kit in mine. These wires terminate at the fuse panel so you can work your way to the panel and don't have extra wire length laying around. I used this one because I have so many extras going in this truck and it was easier to add these items. If I was doing a regular truck, I would use the EZWIRE kit, mainly for the price and simplicity.
Kevin