Painless Wiring

[Irishjeeper]

Anyone ever rewire their rig with a generic Painless harness? Any other companies or recommendations for rewiring my 64 J200? Thanks.

[tgreese]

Anyone ever rewire their rig with a generic Painless harness? Any other companies or recommendations for rewiring my 64 J200? Thanks.

I usually repair wiring rather than removing it. Not difficult. However, if you want to use new wire, the kits work out well.

My understanding is that Painless charges quite a premium for their brand. The EZ Wiring harnesses are popular with the early CJ guys. The HAMB likes Rebel. Not much to them ... basically you get enough colored wire to make the circuits that they list in the tech sheets. You still have to interface the components to the new harness.

The simplest way to approach this is to clip out the connector entirely and splice directly to the component wiring. Really, the plugs are there for the assembly line workers, so they can assemble the cars quicky. Direct connections are much more reliable than a plug/socket of any kind. Where I feel I need a connector, I use a new Weatherpack connector. You can get the brass part of the original connectors new, and rebuild the connector, using the plastic shell - but these OEM connectors are of low quality compared to Weatherpacks. Reuse the connectors based on your own sense of preservation and aesthetics.

Make sure your kit contains enough wire for the rear lights - they are further away than in a car.

http://ezwiring.com/wiring_harness.html
http://rebelwire.com/rebel-wire-product ... ire%20Kits

[serehill]

Painless is a good kit but it is never painless. There are challenges to this type of wiring Billy Wagoneering just completed a rewire on his using a Painless. they are really nice if done correctly. I will tell you if you are not knowledgeable this is an extreme challenge.

[Irishjeeper]

Thanks guys. I have wired antique tractors, but they are simple and not as many lights and gauges. I was just planning ahead.
I did find an automotive wiring shop in a major city near me and was thinking of going and visiting with him about it. I have a J200 wiring diagram, and book. Maybe just let him do it, and let him see my engine swap/tranny swap and go from there. Thanks.

[serehill]

Good luck if you understand the basics it's not bad just methodical.

[garrett79]

i ran a painless 18 circuit universal gm key column on my 79 cherokee it was not to bad a job just keep up with your old harness you will need some of the plugs from it and take your time i am very happy with the harness

[serehill]

I have to say Painless is the only one I'd use. I helped a friend with a Chinese knockoff painless look a like & the connectors were junk. If they don't tell you who made it don't buy it.

[letank]

What is the gauge of the wires? I looked at the website and did not find any specifics?

Our underhood wires seems to be close to 16 gauge and cooked after 30 years... the insulation is pretty hard and ready to crack under any sharp handling.

As said you will have to deconstruct the firewall plug... not an easy task sometimes.

[ProTouring442]

I have wired two cars using a Painless harness... they are well built kits, but they do take a good deal of time and effort, not to mention a whole lot of soldering!

Next time, I will be using an American Autowire kit.

[ttravis5446]

I am getting ready to tear into my Cherokee and was doing research on the wiring last night. I was reading past FSJ articles from JP magazine and they did a build where they used the Engine Harness, Body Harness and Headlight Harness from Z and M and gave it great reviews. It came with the factory style firewall plug but upgraded to blade type fuses. I haven't checked into it any more than reading the article though.

[serehill]

all painless kits are blade fuse all kits require soldering or wire connecting. The better kits have firewall systems so you don't have to rework a factory one if you get the right kit. But there is no doubt you can get cheaper if that is the goal.

[blue beast j10]

has any one used the harness from bj's offroad I am going to have to replace mine in my 79' j10 and was also wondering what the best option other than painless's expensive harness they are good I put one in my 75' Cherokee chief but cant afford that kind of money anymore?