Installing a centech wiring harness

[cravenbronco]

I got a new wiring harness for the half cab. My question is how hard is it to install and is there anything that needs special attention when doing this? I know someone has done this before. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Justin]

A Centech harness was my first big Bronco project. I've got limited knowledge about electronics and had minimal wrenching experience at that point. It took me 15-20 hours and wasn't hard. The instructions a just OK. You might download the ones for the Painless harness as well, as I found some good tips in that. Buy the correct tools for the Weatherpak connectors. The crimper is about $35 and the disassembly tool is about $10. The crimpers will make a big difference. I could have shaved a few hours off my time if I hadn't been stubborn about not spending the money. Some parts stores carry the connector in stock if you destroy one as (i think) they're factory on GM products. I mangled a couple of pins and was able to get new ones at a NAPA. Also, anticipate some challenges with your column wiring. The column harness rarely seems to match any known color comparison chart.

[Digger]

Justin made some good points.

Take your time. I don't know how the Centech harness comes when its new, but mine was completely wrapped in electrical tape. I took two days carefully cutting off all the tape and wrapped it properly in loom tube and pieced the loom tube together with good quality 3M electrical tape.

If you have any electrical accessories now or planned in the future, this is the right time to modify the harness. It is 10x more difficult later. When I re-did the PO's work with the Centech harness, I added an underhood power distribution and relay block and additional switch panel.

[cravenbronco]

I'm sure over thinking it lol. I'm sure I'll have more questions...
Does the wiring run in the same path of the old one?(except fuse panel wiring)

[Justin]

Pretty much. It's relatively self explanatory to route.

[Eck]

I'm sure over thinking it lol. I'm sure I'll have more questions...
Does the wiring run in the same path of the old one?(except fuse panel wiring)

I had the American Autowire harness and was much in the same boat as you. Electrical intimidates me and I still struggle with logically looking at the basic concepts. With that said, once you start laying things out and follow the instructions, it really starts to make sense and is much less intimidating.

[cravenbronco]

I want to replace the distributor so it will not have to use points. Now does anyone have a part number?
I have a stock 302 4 bbl carb non roller. It works don't get me wrong but I'm tired of messing with them. I'm just finishing up on the Harness and was looking at just changing it out. The distributor I have now only has one wire. Any ideas ?

[TOOLMAN]

I have a Ford HEI unit laying around for cheap...that's if you don't want to go to Duraspark.

[ZOSO]

I'll have the full duraspark setup pulled soon. You'll need a new distributor as mine is a 351.

[Digger]

Have you considered a Pertronix ignition?

http://pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

We put one in our '67 Fairlane about 8 years ago. Very simple install into the stock points-style distro. My FIL uses them for his old John Deere tractors and other old cars.

[TOOLMAN]

Hey! I'm trying to make a sale over here!

[cravenbronco]

I have tried the pertronix kit but they did not work.
And I don't want to go as far as the duraspark set up.

[cravenbronco]

I finished the Harness installed and everything is groovy

[Digger]

Hey! I'm trying to make a sale over here!

Yeah, I'm not helpful.

[cravenbronco]

I have a Ford HEI unit laying around for cheap...that's if you don't want to go to Duraspark.

What kind of $ are you asking for it ?


Also does anyone know where I can find two grommets to plug the holes for the original Harness that ran through the center of the firewall.

[TOOLMAN]

I have a Ford HEI unit laying around for cheap...that's if you don't want to go to Duraspark.

What kind of $ are you asking for it ?


Also does anyone know where I can find two grommets to plug the holes for the original Harness that ran through the center of the firewall.

$40 is probably fair. Replaced the coil and rotor 8 months before I replaced it with EFI. Keep in mind that if you have no body lift, you'll likely have to trim the hood with the HEI. A lot taller than stock.

Don't know about the grommets...

[cravenbronco]

I have a Ford HEI unit laying around for cheap...that's if you don't want to go to Duraspark.

What kind of $ are you asking for it ?


Also does anyone know where I can find two grommets to plug the holes for the original Harness that ran through the center of the firewall.

$40 is probably fair. Replaced the coil and rotor 8 months before I replaced it with EFI. Keep in mind that if you have no body lift, you'll likely have to trim the hood with the HEI. A lot taller than stock.

Don't know about the grommets...

Ok sold. I do have a 1 inch body lift. Now is there anything special I need to do or is it where I can install it and its ready to go.

[TOOLMAN]

Drop it in, hook up a couple of wires and you're good to go...I'll even throw in the fairly new set of MSD wires. I should be around all day Saturday. I'll PM you my number.

[cravenbronco]

Drop it in, hook up a couple of wires and you're good to go...I'll even throw in the fairly new set of MSD wires. I should be around all day Saturday. I'll PM you my number.

Cool

[cravenbronco]

Thanks again Jason it works great....

[TOOLMAN]

Sweet. Glad you could use it!