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Old 02-24-2023, 04:03 PM   #1
KJ714
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Default Painless wiring kits

If you were going to get a wiring kit for a pretty typical 1935 - 1940 coupe 12v build, no power windows, but a heater, maybe a classic auto AC, electric fuel pump, which kit would you get? Any options better than Painless?
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Old 02-24-2023, 09:50 PM   #2
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

Rebel 9+3 kit. I've used them for my '39 p/u and my '54 Ranch Wagon. Had help by my old boss on the '39. Piece of cake. Unfortunately he passed so I was on my own for the Wagon. Only needed to call Rebel Tech support a couple of times (wiring isn't my thing) and all was well. Rebel kits are USA made and their tech support is great. They explain everything and don't make you feel like an idiot. You won't be disappointed with Rebel. IMO. And if your an Alliance member on the HAMB Rebel offers a discount to Alliance members.
Rebel Wire .:. Wire Kits for Real Rods
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Old 02-25-2023, 11:19 AM   #3
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

I have used EZ wire, Kwik Wire, American Auto Wire, and Painless. My good friend has used Rebel Wire. EZ is probably the cheapest, but made overseas. All the others are made in the US. Painless is probably the most expensive. I prefer Kwik Wire and American Auto wire. The Rebel Wire looks like a quality product, but I have not used it. For what you want to do a 12 fuse panel will be just right for your project.
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Old 02-25-2023, 11:33 AM   #4
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

I used Speedway Motors on my 46. Everything labeled and the kit is inexpensive.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/12-Ci...-Kit,2352.html
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Old 02-25-2023, 12:03 PM   #5
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

Check these guys out I was extremely pleased with what I’ve purchased from them
Rhode Island Wiring
https://www.riwire.com/
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Old 02-25-2023, 12:33 PM   #6
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

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I've used a few of the American Autowire highway kits and like the stand alone fuse block. You only connect the wires needed and don't have a big bundle of unused wire hanging from it.

I have seen other kits that have this feature but don't remember brands.

I'm shocked at where the prices for wiring has gone!
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Old 02-25-2023, 12:55 PM   #7
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

My choice has been Ron Francis with my '32 and '40. Quality panel and wiring, super tech support when needed, and very good variety of switches, lights and accessories.
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Old 02-25-2023, 03:45 PM   #8
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

I've used American Autowire panels on a few cars, as mentioned above you only hook up what you need. There are no leftovers hardwired into your fuse block. The cleanest option is to do your own wiring. These cars are so simple you can do it yourself. I'd suggest an Enos "Blackbox" panel https://www.racersrods.com/ (they now offer a smaller 11 fuse version, too) and cloth wiring from Rhode Island Wiring. Both quality suppliers.
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Old 02-25-2023, 03:59 PM   #9
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

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Originally Posted by Detonator View Post
I've used American Autowire panels on a few cars, as mentioned above you only hook up what you need. There are no leftovers hardwired into your fuse block. The cleanest option is to do your own wiring. These cars are so simple you can do it yourself. I'd suggest an Enos "Blackbox" panel https://www.racersrods.com/ (they now offer a smaller 11 fuse version, too) and cloth wiring from Rhode Island Wiring. Both quality suppliers.
Interesting as I used the Enos kit on a couple of cars when they first came out. They were a quality unit and easy to wire. I'm assuming that Dennis Enos sold the business to these guys in Idaho?
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Old 02-25-2023, 04:07 PM   #10
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

I have used Painless and Ron Francis in several of my builds, both vendors have excellent products.
One of my most difficult projects was a 64 Chevy C10 to which
we blended a '98 Chevy Z71 chassis, 5.7 Vortec V8, 4L60 trans, 10 bolt 342 rear end. 5.7 is fuel injected which is controlled by a factory ECU, that also controls the trans.
We used a 21 circuit Painless harness for the vehicle chassis to manage all of the various components.
The only problem we had was getting the ECU re-programed to eliminate the systems we did not need, like anti-theft, navigation, and a lot of emission nonsense.
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Old 02-26-2023, 12:29 PM   #11
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

For a retro look Sacramento Vintage Ford offers a kit with cloth wiring.
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Old 02-26-2023, 02:30 PM   #12
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

On the topic of wiring, I remember a thread where a lot of people recommended a specific book for wiring basics but I cannot find it now. Any recommendations?
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Old 02-26-2023, 08:13 PM   #13
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

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Originally Posted by TJ View Post
Interesting as I used the Enos kit on a couple of cars when they first came out. They were a quality unit and easy to wire. I'm assuming that Dennis Enos sold the business to these guys in Idaho?

Yes, he did, and the new owner has been just as great to work with. His new, smaller panel is ideal for us guys that don't run power windows, A/C, etc etc
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Old 02-26-2023, 08:15 PM   #14
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

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On the topic of wiring, I remember a thread where a lot of people recommended a specific book for wiring basics but I cannot find it now. Any recommendations?

"How to Wire Your Street Rod -- From Start to Finish"



it's been around forever, and available from most shops
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Old 02-27-2023, 09:20 AM   #15
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

Quote:
Originally Posted by Detonator View Post
"How to Wire Your Street Rod -- From Start to Finish"



it's been around forever, and available from most shops
Thanks Detonator
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Old 02-27-2023, 09:24 AM   #16
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Default Re: Painless wiring kits

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Originally Posted by waterboychuck View Post
I used Speedway Motors on my 46. Everything labeled and the kit is inexpensive.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/12-Ci...-Kit,2352.html
I used the same kit in three of my cars, I'm happy with them.
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