Common wire gauges?

[JoshT]

Over the next few months I'm going to start doing some electrical upgrades, as well an doing some clean up of existing wiring and routing.

With the exception of Duraspark II, a trailer brake controller, and my additions for the EFI conversion the wiring is pretty much original. Complete rewire may come in the future, but for now I just want to work with what's there. I know I'm on my own for the additions, but would like to buy some wire assortments to have on hand. Looked at the diagrams I can find, but didn't see sizes listed.

Any guides as to what common wire gauges and colors are used in the factory harness?

Also what kind of tape would be used for harness wrapping? I know if seen "correct" tape on DC and NPD, but there got to be a cheaper alternative.

[JoshT]

Nevermind, found the list in tech library, it had most of the wires I needed. Should be able to figure out the rest.

[JoshT]

Nevermind, found the list in tech library, it had most of the wires I needed. Should be able to figure out the rest.

[Thipdar]

Over the next few months I'm going to start doing some electrical upgrades, as well an doing some clean up of existing wiring and routing.

With the exception of Duraspark II, a trailer brake controller, and my additions for the EFI conversion the wiring is pretty much original. Complete rewire may come in the future, but for now I just want to work with what's there. I know I'm on my own for the additions, but would like to buy some wire assortments to have on hand. Looked at the diagrams I can find, but didn't see sizes listed.

Any guides as to what common wire gauges and colors are used in the factory harness?

Also what kind of tape would be used for harness wrapping? I know if seen "correct" tape on DC and NPD, but there got to be a cheaper alternative.

I think the "correct tape" only matters if you're going for concours-level restoration.

[JoshT]

I think the "correct tape" only matters if you're going for concours-level restoration.

True enough, and I'm definitely not going concourse, heck I'm not really even going local car show level.

That said there is a wrong tape. Electrical tape from the local parts store is the wrong tape, it doesn't work well, don't hold up, and makes a mess when you have to work on it again in the future.

Guess I'm looking for something in between.

On harness with split loom, in the past I've used Scotch Super 33+ with good results. On those the tape is applied to the loom and not directly attached to the wire. Not sure if it would work out so well being attached directly to the wire for future repairs.

I know there are some non adhesive electrical tape that would probably work better for a classic vehicle wire harness like this, but I've never used the to know what's what.

The other option would be to use corrugated split loom and rewrap the entire harness with that and the Super 33+ tape. I have a bunch of both left over from a past/ongoing project.

[sargentrs]

I like to use this sleeving instead of the plastic corrugated kind. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890340/overview/ Easily wrapped around the wires and self closing. I put a small zip tie around the ends and maybe a few along the length just for good measure if it's a long run. However, it stays closed by itself really good. Stretches and flexible. Several diameters to choose from.

[Ranchero50]

Corrugated is not period correct and looks goofy, especially if done in color.

I also thought Super 33 was sticky. Never had a problem with it.

[JoshT]

Looks like good stuff, got a little like it with the Sniper EFI kit. For a street vehicle is likely use it.

For something spending time off-road and/or in the dirt, like this truck will, I think I like the corrugated and tape better. Seems to me that it would be a better job of protecting the wires and keeping the dirt out.

If really prefer to not use either an keep it a tape wrapped harness like stock, but it's looking less as less likely.

[JoshT]

Corrugated is not period correct and looks goofy, especially if done in color.

I also thought Super 33 was sticky. Never had a problem with it.

To me it's better period than the stuff sargentrs suggested. I wouldn't do it in color either. Wouldn't even buy the stuff in color. Black only, and it ends up getting fully tape wrapped.

Super 33 is adhesive, and I use it on the loom. I'd prefer using non adhesive if I'm applying directly to the harness, like is done stock. I know that non adhesive stuff is out there, but I've never used any of it. Was hoping someone might recommend something.

At this point I'll probably just use my corrugated look, and say to heck with period correctness. It's not like the battery, the 3g alternator, trailer brake controller e-fan, or half the other stuff I'll be installing are period correct anyway.

It's not a show truck, so I really couldn't care if it looks goofy. As long as it does the job of protecting the wires and keeping them clean for next time I need to work on them I'm happy with corrugated.

[markguiver]

Might want to look at 3M friction tape for wrapping wires that may see movement or rubbing. It's not real sticky so I use some Super 33 at the ends. That's what a number of the old harness wires were wrapped with. It's a lot more abrasion resistant than electrical tape and easier to get off if you need to get to a wire for some reason.
Mark.

[sargentrs]

I'd prefer using non adhesive if I'm applying directly to the harness, like is done stock. I know that non adhesive stuff is out there, but I've never used any of it. Was hoping someone might recommend something.

If this is the same stuff I think it is https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-3-4-in-x ... /202192876 we used it when I worked offshore to tape hammer handles so they wouldn't slip when our gloves got wet/muddy. Sticks to itself but doesn't leave any adhesive behind.

[markguiver]

I'd prefer using non adhesive if I'm applying directly to the harness, like is done stock. I know that non adhesive stuff is out there, but I've never used any of it. Was hoping someone might recommend something.

If this is the same stuff I think it is https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-3-4-in-x ... /202192876 we used it when I worked offshore to tape hammer handles so they wouldn't slip when our gloves got wet/muddy. Sticks to itself but doesn't leave any adhesive behind.

Yep, that's the stuff.
Mark.

[JoshT]

How is that for dirt and stuff sticking to it? It just looks like it would be a dust and dirt magnet.

This will be a working truck, a hunting truck, a camping truck. It will see plenty of time in the dirt and dust, as such it there will be plenty of dirt and dust in the engine bay. I want to use something that's going to clean relatively easily and not trap dirt and dust. Not sure about that friction tape you posted, but I imagine dirt and dust sticking to it well and getting embedded.

[sargentrs]

How is that for dirt and stuff sticking to it? It just looks like it would be a dust and dirt magnet.

You would think! Oddly enough, it stays relatively clean. Not "pretty" but doesn't attract as much grime as you would think. Kind of like those stretchy bandaids material the hospitals use. Yeah, they get dirty but doesn't come off or smear on anything.

[sargentrs]

Sorry! Double post