EZ Wiring - What else required? Connectors?

First let me start out by saying sorry for so many questions I've been reading up on this for weeks, but am still curious about a few things.

Ok, so if I choose to go with the EZ wiring harness for my '74 CJ-6, what else do I need to finish the job?

1) If it is "Hot Rod" style harness, then it isn't pre-terminated. Do the connectors come with it, and I just have to terminate them? Or, do I need to procure all the connectors?

2) If I need to procure them, where? Which ones? Does EZ have them?

3) Centech claims to have one specifically for early CJ's. Apparently some of the connectors are included, but I'm not sure if they're terminated. Any thoughts on this harness vs. the EZ harness? The price difference is about $80 or so.

4) The Jeep will be running a Howell TBI and a DUI. Do I need to account for this when I order the harness?

5) Extra circuits - What do I do with them? Are they just empty spaces on the fuse block, or are they already wired in, and I will have to find some way to stash the wires up out of the way?

6) Newbie question - How many circuits do I really need? How are they configured? Does each item that requires juice need its own circuit, or do they operate as a system? For example, are all lights on their own circuit, or do they get wired up separately?

7) Any other thoughts?

Thanks for any help!

 

1) Some connectors come with it you will probably need more.

2) Get them from any auto parts store as you need them.

3) Don't waste your money on the Centech or Painless, you will still have work to do no matter what.

4) A standard 12 circuit will probably have more than enough circuits for yoiur TBI, when in doubt order the 21 circuit.

5) The wires are already there just not terminated, if your not using them pull the fuse for them and zip tie or tape them up out of the way somewhere.

6) They are grouped together, all lights are fused together I think in 2 groups. I have the 12 circuit I bought around 10 years ago. I have only used maybe 8 circuits for a stock 71 model. The 12 circuit comes with power antenna, door locks and windows so those are spare circuits on a cj. That will give you an idea of how many circuits you actually use on a 12 circuit set up.

7) Get some shrink tube and some liquid electrical tape and some good crimpers, not the el cheapo things. A nice set of Kleins is worth the money.
Plent of small zip ties and some wire wrap or looms to encase it in. A few of the sticky pads that zip ties go thru to attach the wires to the body will also make things easier.

 

One thing I always try to impress on folks it to spend a few $$ on good tools, and terminals.

But then, I am building an airplane, and I have learned there is not a lot of room for doing something second rate.

Here are a couple of suppliers who deal in quality electrical tools, and supplies.

http://www.bandc.biz/index.aspx

http://www.steinair.com/store.htm

At first you may think $40 for a set of terminal crimpers is crazy-----but the quality of the crimp, and ease of use will make a believer out of you in a hurry. Ditto for other quality tools/supplies.

As in aircraft, Jeepers can put the vehicle in situations where reliability becomes a major concern.

 

I just bought an EZ wire kit. Found it cheaper on E-Bay than directly from EZ wire.

 

A good source for connectors and split loom is Parts Express http://www.parts-express.com/home.cfm - they are also good source for the relays and plugs shown in Mike B's writeup.

I use the crimp connectors, but generally I pull the plastic cover off and crimp and solder. I then cover the joint with waterproof heat shrink. This takes the place of the liquid tape that Mcruff suggests. My best source for barrel connectors (with no insulation) and heat shrink is Mouser Electronics http://www.mouser.com/

I have not bought ty-wraps in a long time, because I bought big bags of them years ago from electronics surplus sellers. Google "surplus electronics" and you'll find lots of potential sources.

 

Excellent! Thanks for all the great info!

 

MAD Electrical is a good source for the packard weather-pak terminals that are duplicates of what jeep used. and the website shows the proper way to crimp the connectors.

 

I just finished my harness. I used an off-name online auction harness. I used the crimp/shrink wrap connectors from NAPA, kind of spendy. I use the same type with solder cells for items such as the tail and head lights. I used a little butane pencil torch to shrink wrap and melt the solder. I did heat a few solder joints too hot and they popped open. I used pro comp instruments and the old dash lights from the original harness. The pro comp plastic light sockets didn't hold up. I installed a new brake light switch and signal switch from Truck-lite. The harness seemed like a nice set up to me. Good luck!

 

I used Dielectric grease where there were plug in connection, particularly under the dash. I use it as an anti-seize more than anything else. It helps later down the line when you need to take something apart that you don't want to break.

 

Great advice from everyone! Ended up ordering the EZ 21 harness. I will never use all the circuits, but it was only $15 more. I figure just in case...you never know. I also ordered some switches, as mine were pretty worn.

It should be in next week some time....