American Autowire - Electrical Wiring Replacement

Sucp 1206 002 Circuit Rewiring Getting Wired

10 The AA Power Plus 20 comes with more than just wire; in the box you get an updated dimmer and headlight switch. Even though the new dimmer switch has a different mounting configuration, it will still fit just fine. The OE unit mounts from under the car, while the new unit mounts from the top. The only thing you will need to do is use a small plate to seal the floor before installing the new switch.
10 The AA Power Plus 20 comes with more than just wire; in the box you get an updated dim
11 Even though the kit comes with a new headlight switch, we couldn't use it for this application. The mounting nut is much larger and wouldn't fit inside our bezel, as you can see in the inset photo. The original switch is in working order so Lucky just wired it per the schematic and even reused the plastic terminal covers.
11 Even though the kit comes with a new headlight switch, we couldn't use it for this app
12 Lucky uses a combination of zip-ties, loom, electrical tape, and shrink-wrap to protect and control the circuit branches. This branch is the rear light and gas tank harness and needs to run back into the trunk. Lucky is going to shrink-tube this branch, but first he pulls the wires straight and holds them with small bits of electrical tape.
12 Lucky uses a combination of zip-ties, loom, electrical tape, and shrink-wrap to protec

13 Then he feeds the wire into manageable sections of shrink tube. We say manageable because trying to feed 10 or more feet of wire into shrink tube will be an exercise in aggravation. Lucky works in 2-foot sections at a time and what you are looking at here is the proper way to seam the pieces of shrink tube. After he has one piece fed over the wires, he heats about a 1-inch section. This steps it down and allows the next piece to slip over. Once he applies heat to the rest of the tube, this circuit branch will be ready to feed into the trunk.
13 Then he feeds the wire into manageable sections of shrink tube. We say manageable beca
14 Lucky passes on this tip for running wires under carpet or through tight spaces: Tie the ends of the old wire to the new wire by creating a loop and using tape to hold the loop closed. Then you can carefully use the old wire to pull the new wire to its location (like he is doing here) for the power seat lead. Lucky used this technique to run the wires back to the taillights and fuel tank before installing the proper terminals included in the AA kit.
14 Lucky passes on this tip for running wires under carpet or through tight spaces: Tie t
15 Lucky ran into an issue where some of the wires were a little too short once he got them strung the way he wanted. Instead of using a butt connector, Lucky added extensions by stripping off some of the insulation and then pushing the wire strands together. He then locks it in place with solder. Once the shrink tube is over the splice, it will be good to go and won’t be as noticeable as using butt connectors.
15 Lucky ran into an issue where some of the wires were a little too short once he got th

16 The ignition switch was next. Lucky cut off the excess wire, then installed the provided terminals and covers before plugging them into their respective locations. Again the AA schematic is very simple to read and maps out exactly where each wire goes.
16 The ignition switch was next. Lucky cut off the excess wire, then installed the provid
17 This car features an aftermarket cluster with Auto Meter gauges. To clean this up, Lucky tied all the similar wires together and installed a 9-pin plug he had in stock.
17 This car features an aftermarket cluster with Auto Meter gauges. To clean this up, Luc
18 Now the cluster assembly can be simply unplugged if it ever needs to be serviced or a bulb changed.
18 Now the cluster assembly can be simply unplugged if it ever needs to be serviced or a

19 For the wires that are near heat sources, Lucky uses the AA loom. Shrink tube will continue to shrink in high heat situations, where the loom will stay the same. We are saying near heat sources, as this stuff will melt if it touches the headers. Make sure to keep that in mind when routing.
19 For the wires that are near heat sources, Lucky uses the AA loom. Shrink tube will con
20 For all the wires that come into the engine compartment, Lucky drilled a 1-inch hole right below the distributor and installed a grommet. This location is just about perfect for hiding the wires, yet still allowing them to disperse to all their respective locations. These wires feed the distributor, temp sending unit, and alternator.
20 For all the wires that come into the engine compartment, Lucky drilled a 1-inch hole r
21 For the wiring that needs to go to the front of the car but not the engine (like the headlights and electric fans), Lucky tossed the car on a lift to access the driver's-side inner wheelwell. He drilled a hole in the inner and installed a grommet before passing the wires through.
21 For the wiring that needs to go to the front of the car but not the engine (like the h

22 After that he routed the wires all the way forward and began cutting to length, shrink tubing, and terminating.
22 After that he routed the wires all the way forward and began cutting to length, shrink
23 Lucky attached the main harness to the inner fender hardware with some plastic holders and nuts that threaded over the stock bolts.
23 Lucky attached the main harness to the inner fender hardware with some plastic holders
24 There are a couple things to note in this image. One is the factory rubber boots that come off the turn signals. Lucky retained the boots by using the old wires to draw the new wires through the boots. The second is the wires running under the core support. These are the passenger-side light and electric fan wires. Lucky ran it this way to hide everything out of sight, but not bury it in case anything needs to be serviced.
24 There are a couple things to note in this image. One is the factory rubber boots that

Sucp 1206 030 Circuit Rewiring Getting Wired

25 With that Lucky installed all the fuses, hooked up the battery, and did an initial check of things that are always on like the head and brakelights. They worked as they should, so he turned the key to the run position and checked the key-on accessories, like the turn signals and fuel pump. When those checked out, Lucky turned the key to the Start position and the small-block lit off like a champ. After a few more checks he passed the car back to the owner. Months later, we contacted Jim, the owner. He reported there are no more issues with the car and now it is much nicer to drive since everything works. If, after reading this story, you still can't decide which kit is right for you, check out American Autowire's website, where they have a Wiring Whole Car Quote section in which you answer some questions and a representative will help you decide what is right for your car, budget, and wrenching skills.