shopping for wiring...help

[Dreamcar]

When I bought my Charger, I made a decision that as part of the resto, a complete new wiring system would be put in. My other project car from a few years ago almost caught fire because of nasty wiring (seriously...scared the hell out of me...saw smoke rising from the steering column while driving on the freeway).   Besides, the wiring was already torn out of my charger when I bought it, so I have the perfect opportunity to start fresh.

I've been looking at different kits. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between kits from the likes of Ron Francis or Painless, vs the very expensive M&H kits from Year One? What makes the Year One kits so expensive in comparison? What are the less expensive kits missing? Do they work with factory gauges and steering column?

When reading the description for both, it almost looks like the less expensive kits from RF or Painless are all you need, but the price difference must mean something.

[Ghoste]

The M&H one is an exact duplicate of the factory wiring harness with correct connectors and wire guage and colors.  The Painless kit is a sort of do it yourself kit that is very popular with the hot rodding set.

[lukedukem]

Ghoste is right. M&H is exact. I bought those for that reason, easy to install too.  I have no experience with the others.

Luke

[fy469rtse]

Remember to check out the threads on wiring upgrades to factory looms if you go that way, once read these you will understand faults from factory , you will need to do these even to brand new looms

[myk]

You have to decide what your plan for the car is: 100 point correct, concourse restoration, or are you just trying to rebuild the nervous system of your car?  The OEM stuff is expensive because, well, it's hand-built stuff that follows the factory wiring exactly.  The aftermarket stuff is, to put it crudely, just a wiring system that doesn't really cater to factory standards but is arguably more relevant for a car intended for street use. 

I went with a Painless.  I liked the idea of a blade-type fuse system, and I definitely loved the idea of eliminating the bulkhead connectors on the firewall.  I also liked the fact that the aftermarket systems are priced much cheaper than the 'repro stuff.  Also, if you're planning on moderninzing your car, with electronic ignition, bigger 'alts, power windows, 'aux fan, electric fuel pump, etc, you'd have to hack up the OEM style wiring anyway; why not just buy an aftermarket system that has plenty of available room to add all of the accessories and systems that you could want.  Finally, many of the aftermarket kits are even color-coded to the OEM diagrams.

Again you have to decide what your plan is, and then buy accordingly...

[Mopar Nut]

When I bought my Charger, I made a decision that as part of the resto, a complete new wiring system would be put in. My other project car from a few years ago almost caught fire because of nasty wiring (seriously...scared the hell out of me...saw smoke rising from the steering column while driving on the freeway).   Besides, the wiring was already torn out of my charger when I bought it, so I have the perfect opportunity to start fresh.

I've been looking at different kits. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between kits from the likes of Ron Francis or Painless, vs the very expensive M&H kits from Year One? What makes the Year One kits so expensive in comparison? What are the less expensive kits missing? Do they work with factory gauges and steering column?

When reading the description for both, it almost looks like the less expensive kits from RF or Painless are all you need, but the price difference must mean something.

YearOne bought the licensing rights from Chrysler to manufacture the older muscle cars wiring. YearOne choose M&H to make the harnesses because of their quality workmanship and their use of the highest grade of wiring/plugs available. M&H makes the best plug and play wiring on the market. You get what you pay for. YearOne has 30% off sale until Monday Dec. 23rd code VIDDEC that includes the wiring harnesses.   

[Dreamcar]

Thanks for the info!

[moparguy01]

i went with a kit from EZ Wire for my car. Set up just like a painless kit, but way cheaper. I have alot of extra circuits left over for more modernizing down the road as well.