When you think of restoring a classic car, wiring usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Most people start with bodywork, paint, or the drivetrain. But the truth is, wiring is just as important. Old, brittle wires and patched-up circuits can leave you with electrical headaches, or worse, a fire. That’s why many enthusiasts have turned to the American Autowire Classic Update Series Wiring Harness Kits. These harnesses are designed to look and fit like the originals, but with all the improvements you’d expect from modern electrical systems.
Don’t be fooled by the piles of wire. American Autowire kits come with everything you need to wire your project from headlight to tail light and include detailed instructions with pictures that help you get the job done right. (Image Shown Above: 1961-1964 Chevrolet Impala Updated Wiring Harness Kit)
What Makes the Classic Update Series Different?
If you’ve ever dealt with universal wiring kits, you know they can be a bit of a compromise. The American Autowire Classic Update series Wiring Harness kits, on the other hand, are designed with specific vehicles in mind. Not only will you receive a kit that replaces your factory harness tailored to the original electronics in your car, but you get an additional six-way power accessory plug that can be used as a convenient power source for aftermarket accessories like electric fans, gauges, air conditioning, sounds systems, and more! That means you get:
- Harnesses that follow factory-original routing
- Updated ATC fuse panel and fuses
- Pre-built dash harness with American Autowire exclusive gauge cluster disconnect system for use with factory or aftermarket insturments
- Modern GXL Wire throughout with wire functions clearly labeled every 3 to 5 inches
- Original-style bulkhead connectors
- Engine, front light, and rear body wiring that includes extra-long leads that allow custom routing
- Six-way power accessory plug for aftermarket accessories
- 174 amp mega fust kit with 6 gauge charge cable to support a high output charging system and internally regulated alternator
- Original-replacement connectors, terminals, and lamp sockets
- Headlight switch with 26 amp internal circuit breaker and new floor dimmer switch
In short, it’s a wiring harness kit that respects originality while making your restoration safer and more reliable.
Why Go With an American Autowire Classic Update Harness?
- Reliability you can count on
- Incredibly detailed installation instructions
- Modern fuse protection
- Built with the use of aftermarket accessories and different drivetrain combinations in mind
Picking the Right Harness for Your Project
Not every wiring kit is the same. Here are a couple of things to think about before ordering:
- Make sure the harness is made for your exact year, make, and model. Wiring harnesses varied significantly from year to year.
- Think about the upgrades you’re running now, or might add later. (EFI, aftermarket gauges, high-output alternator, etc.)
- Decide if you want a near plug-and-play solution or if you’re comfortable doing some custom wiring.
If you’re not sure which kit to go with, Contact us. We are always happy to help!
Tips for Installing a Classic Update Harness
It never hurts to poke around online and see how others have installed their harness in vehicles similar to yours. Here’s some tips:
- Take plenty of photos and label the old wiring before you pull it out.
- Use sticky notes to help label where specific wires pass through
- Stick close to factory routing to keep the harness protected and out of sight.
- Use grommets and loom anywhere wires pass through metal or near heat.
- Don’t cut corners on grounds
- Test one section at a time before wrapping everything up.
A little patience here goes a long way toward trouble-free wiring.
TNT Auto Parts offer high quality American Autowire crimping tools needed when installing the classic update series wiring harnesses. These ensure a proper, professional look connection when assembling connectors and terminals.
Always remember to wrap wires in loom or electrical tape. NEVER run wires bare as you could risk the possibility of a short circuit caused by rubbing. There are many types of loom out there that resemble factory-original material, like convoluted plastic wire tubing or simply wrapping your harness in cloth or vinyl electric tape.
TNT Auto Parts a wide range of American Autowire electrical components and accessories like relay kits, toggle switches, buss bars, electric fan switches, and more! Choose TNT Auto Parts as your one stop shop for all your wiring solutions.
Wrapping It Up
The wiring in your car is its nervous system. If you want a restoration that’s dependable, safe, and ready for the road, a good harness isn’t optional — it’s essential.
The American Autowire Classic Update Series is a great choice if you want the correct factory fit but with modern reliability built in. It’s the kind of upgrade that pays off every time you turn the key. If you’re ready to upgrade your classic, TNT Auto Parts offers the lowest allowed pricing on all American Auto Wire products.