Our own "Dashboard" mentioned a very critical element in one of his replies... "Grounds, Grounds, Grounding".
Let me tell you from 1st-hand experience with "Pushrod's" harness, I'm in awe that most of the electrical gizmo's on our cars even work anymore after 40 years!!
GM's idea of "getting the job done" (and with undoubtedly Bean Counter influence) has created a instrument harness of bare minimums. In simple terms:
The "Ignition" feed to the instruments (or switched +12V) comes off the fusebox with a single 12ga. wire up to mid-way in the harness. About center it ends. At this point, every pink 18ga. wire in the harness is joined in a "Cluster Splice". Meaning, the ends of the wires are stripped, a strip of brass is folded around them, and it's soldered and taped. They do the exact same thing for Grounds (or every 18ga black wire), but also provide a pigtail with a ring terminal that gets attached to steel.
Not to "toot my own horn" here, but guys... it will be worth your while to take a few minutes and read (at least) 2 of the articles I've posted on the "Tech Tips" section of our website:
Read both of the articles. My wiring is all original, except for plug wires and battery cables, so I figured I should look it over. It's suprising; but everthing still works.
Our own "Dashboard" mentioned a very critical element in one of his replies... "Grounds, Grounds, Grounding".
Let me tell you from 1st-hand experience with "Pushrod's" harness, I'm in awe that most of the electrical gizmo's on our cars even work anymore after 40 years!!
GM's idea of "getting the job done" (and with undoubtedly Bean Counter influence) has created a instrument harness of bare minimums. In simple terms:
The "Ignition" feed to the instruments (or switched +12V) comes off the fusebox with a single 12ga. wire up to mid-way in the harness. About center it ends. At this point, every pink 18ga. wire in the harness is joined in a "Cluster Splice". Meaning, the ends of the wires are stripped, a strip of brass is folded around them, and it's soldered and taped. They do the exact same thing for Grounds (or every 18ga black wire), but also provide a pigtail with a ring terminal that gets attached to steel.
Not to "toot my own horn" here, but guys... it will be worth your while to take a few minutes and read (at least) 2 of the articles I've posted on the "Tech Tips" section of our website:
Basics 1
(Especially) Basics 4