Rewire With Painless

I've read all the historical posts with rewiring. I'm committed to using Painless 10105 Harness (I know there are many other options) and have read their install instructions. My question is: Does someone have a cheat chart for HEI and one wire alternator with wire numbers using Painless wiring into a '69 with dauntless? All the other sections/areas have easy to follow wiring installation instructions, but the stock set-up obviously doesn't have the upgrades.

 

Should not be difficult to figure out. The HEI distributor uses a single power wire that is switched by the ignition. You could use the wire that normally goes to the ignition coil. No need for a ballast resistor, or connections between the coil and distributor. The one-wire alternator connects with a single wire to the battery. Typically this is attached at the starter solenoid, which connects to the battery by a starter cable. Eliminate all the other wiring that goes to the voltage regulator and alternator.

You understand with a one-wire alternator, you can't have an ammeter or alternator light? Voltmeter is it.

 

Thank you - I understand about not being able to have light. I’m good with voltmeter.

 

The painless kit comes with the one wire option, or at least mine did.

 

I have a one wire alternator and an alternator light that works.

 

I'd like to see how, without a second wire to the alternator. Then it's no longer a one wire.

 

I'm gathering up the knowledge and parts to do this same thing whenever it warms up, and I will be watching this thread. I'm also committed to a Painless kit since I bought it three years ago (!).

@VAPepsiGuy Can you list the upgrades/accessories on your build? I'd love to follow along and see how mine compares.

What type of voltage regulator are you installing?

 

Hi truckee4x4:

I installed painless #10105. I omitted the voltage regulator and went with Delco 10si Alternator (internal regulator). Would highly recommend buying Painless switches (headlights, wipers, ignition) and grounding kit, but not necessary just makes following installation instructions easy. Also get the braid to make install clean and protected. I also added Speedhut gauges at time of rewire.

 

Thanks!

Do you have an HEI distributor? Did you do an electric fan, or keep the OEM mechanical fan? Curious what other upgrades you added.

 

HEI installed with stock fan. I did add custom shroud, but didn't have any cooling issues. I did a full rebuild on the dauntless and had the block cleaned which I believe was a source of some heating issues I had experienced.
Added OD since we use the jeep to cruise often.

 

Sounds like a nice build. Did you fabricate your own shroud? Finding or making one of those has been on my list for a while, I know there is a vendor in Carson City NV that sells them.

 

I wanted a new challenge and learning experience for my build so I wired the entire Jeep by hand with many connectors and several rolls of color/sizes of wire. In the end it was fun and a good choice as my rig is a little Frankie.

 

Wow that's really cool! Love to see some pics.

 

I looked at the Painless wiring harnesses, but thought they were a bit pricey so I bought a wiring harness from Walcks for my CJ2A, and was very impressed with the quality of it.

I haven't yet decided on what I will use on my CJ5 build which will have a 3.8L Buick V6 with HEI distributor and 1 wire alternator.

 

VAPepsiGuy,

Where did you find your switches? I’m looking at their website and all I can come up with is a generic toggle switch kit.

 

You can buy all Painless switches through Amazon.

 

Thanks

 

The only way to go!

 

Heres a few.

 

I am also close to begin installing my Painless 10105 kit in my 72 CJ5. This may or may not apply to your configuration but the painless manual mentions engine run on(engine will not shut off by key). They include a diode to use if this happens, just not sure if it is applicable to the one wire alternator. I watched a youtube video of a guy installing on an International Scout and he wired to the accessory side of the key switch and not the start/run and that made his so it didn't have the engine run on. I guess it really depends on the type of alternator if this can occur.

I have heard from several people that have installed the painless wiring and if you read and become familiar with the manual it will save lots of headaches etc. The manual also state you must use either a volt meter or amp gauge, you cannot use a warning light. Not sure why.