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Old 12-01-2012, 03:48 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Painless or American Autowire? 66 Mustang

Hey guys

Just want to see who has what harness and was it that difficult to install?
I've read some kits had labels on them, some didn't. Some people said not to buy the Ford universal kit from Painless. Just want to know some info on these from those who have them. Also I saw some harness with 12 circuit or 14 circuit. Is there a difference? Was any drilling needed for this project? Some people said you had too. Some said no. Thanks.
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2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
1966 Ford Mustang Original 289
Edelbrock RPM Performer Heads; bored .30 over
Weiand Stealth Intake, Holley 600 CFM Carb.
Comp Cam 268H 9.5:1 Speed Pro Pistons
Patriot Tri-Y Headers w/ 2.5" H Pipe, Flowmaster 40S
620 1" drop in front, CSRP Front Disk Brakes.
Ford 8 3.40 trac-loc rear end


GO RAIDERS!
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Old 12-01-2012, 04:04 PM   #2 (permalink)
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AAW was a very nice, complete kit. Requires a one wire alternator though. I had one anyway so not a big deal. I have heard painless is not so painless. Check out my AAW instructions on my signature line....the CJPP link is easier to read and I list everything I used for the project. This would give you a great starting point for your install.
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- BluePrint Engines 347 Stroker, 400 HP, 421 lb. ft torque (On the Dyno & Installed)
- 4 speed Toploader
- Auto Meter gauges in the stock bezel
- American Autowire Installation (VMF & CJPP)
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Old 12-01-2012, 06:52 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Why not Alloy Metal? Exact, perfect, easy replacement of the original, and unlike the above, requires no modification or fitment.
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Old 12-01-2012, 06:53 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I'll take a look at it. I just got done replacing my headlight-alternator harness. Can I just order the interior harness and have it plug up with the headlight-alternator and the main harness? Or would I need to change everything out?
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Dave
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
1966 Ford Mustang Original 289
Edelbrock RPM Performer Heads; bored .30 over
Weiand Stealth Intake, Holley 600 CFM Carb.
Comp Cam 268H 9.5:1 Speed Pro Pistons
Patriot Tri-Y Headers w/ 2.5" H Pipe, Flowmaster 40S
620 1" drop in front, CSRP Front Disk Brakes.
Ford 8 3.40 trac-loc rear end


GO RAIDERS!
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Old 12-01-2012, 06:54 PM   #5 (permalink)
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What's that web address? I googled it but couldn't find it.
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Dave
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
1966 Ford Mustang Original 289
Edelbrock RPM Performer Heads; bored .30 over
Weiand Stealth Intake, Holley 600 CFM Carb.
Comp Cam 268H 9.5:1 Speed Pro Pistons
Patriot Tri-Y Headers w/ 2.5" H Pipe, Flowmaster 40S
620 1" drop in front, CSRP Front Disk Brakes.
Ford 8 3.40 trac-loc rear end


GO RAIDERS!
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:25 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdmustangrider View Post
What's that web address? I googled it but couldn't find it.
You need to use a different google. LOL I just did and got this at CJ's
Alloy Metal Products | CJ Pony Parts
Stan
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:25 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdmustangrider View Post
What's that web address? I googled it but couldn't find it.
You can click on the CJPP link on my sig line or go to:

Mustang American Autowire Wiring Harness (1965-1966) Installation Instructions
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- BluePrint Engines 347 Stroker, 400 HP, 421 lb. ft torque (On the Dyno & Installed)
- 4 speed Toploader
- Auto Meter gauges in the stock bezel
- American Autowire Installation (VMF & CJPP)
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:26 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66FSTBCK View Post
You can click on the CJPP link on my sig line or go to:

Mustang American Autowire Wiring Harness (1965-1966) Installation Instructions
I beat ya!
Stan
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:29 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Weird. I typed in Wire Harness on CJ and got limited hits. haha Thanks guys!
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Dave
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
1966 Ford Mustang Original 289
Edelbrock RPM Performer Heads; bored .30 over
Weiand Stealth Intake, Holley 600 CFM Carb.
Comp Cam 268H 9.5:1 Speed Pro Pistons
Patriot Tri-Y Headers w/ 2.5" H Pipe, Flowmaster 40S
620 1" drop in front, CSRP Front Disk Brakes.
Ford 8 3.40 trac-loc rear end


GO RAIDERS!
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:37 PM   #10 (permalink)
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I recently installed an AAW kit in my 65 coupe and have installed a painless kit in my 65 nova. Even though its chevy vs ford, the kits were very similar in terms of layout, 18 circuits, etc.. but I dont think I would ever go with AAW again even though they are significantly cheaper.

The deciding factor for me were the instructions and available online reference materials and help. AAW provides 13 pages of wire diagrams crammed with footnotes that are hard to interpret and lacks the details for a non expert like myself. I found myself stopping on every piece to google what other people have done after the AAW site continued to not work. This is a link to their "tech support" wiring instructions - http://74.8.159.74:8081/ search for anything and all you will continue to get errors. Their FAQs are lacking as well.

The painless kit provided a thick manual with step by step instructions, loads of web videos and a website with actual helpful content.

If you are a seasoned pro and dont need the guidance then go with AAW as the components of the kit are very similar.

With either kit the only drilling I had to do was for mounting the circuit box on the firewall. Oh and with the AAW kit you will need to purchase one of their $100 crimpers to get the right crimp on your connections.
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:40 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aslan View Post
I beat ya!
Stan
Wasn't sure what he was referring to lol!!
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- BluePrint Engines 347 Stroker, 400 HP, 421 lb. ft torque (On the Dyno & Installed)
- 4 speed Toploader
- Auto Meter gauges in the stock bezel
- American Autowire Installation (VMF & CJPP)
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:41 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SR_65 View Post
I recently installed an AAW kit in my 65 coupe and have installed a painless kit in my 65 nova. Even though its chevy vs ford, the kits were very similar in terms of layout, 18 circuits, etc.. but I dont think I would ever go with AAW again even though they are significantly cheaper.

The deciding factor for me were the instructions and available online reference materials and help. AAW provides 13 pages of wire diagrams crammed with footnotes that are hard to interpret and lacks the details for a non expert like myself. I found myself stopping on every piece to google what other people have done after the AAW site continued to not work. This is a link to their "tech support" wiring instructions - http://74.8.159.74:8081/ search for anything and all you will continue to get errors. Their FAQs are lacking as well.

The painless kit provided a thick manual with step by step instructions, loads of web videos and a website with actual helpful content.

If you are a seasoned pro and dont need the guidance then go with AAW as the components of the kit are very similar.

With either kit the only drilling I had to do was for mounting the circuit box on the firewall. Oh and with the AAW kit you will need to purchase one of their $100 crimpers to get the right crimp on your connections.
That's why you have this forum to help guide you! You can rent the crimpers for $25 too.
__________________


- BluePrint Engines 347 Stroker, 400 HP, 421 lb. ft torque (On the Dyno & Installed)
- 4 speed Toploader
- Auto Meter gauges in the stock bezel
- American Autowire Installation (VMF & CJPP)
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Old 12-01-2012, 08:45 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Just curious but since the OEM one says it's for a 64.5, it'll work on my 66? The only difference I see is the 2 speed wiper.
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Dave
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
1966 Ford Mustang Original 289
Edelbrock RPM Performer Heads; bored .30 over
Weiand Stealth Intake, Holley 600 CFM Carb.
Comp Cam 268H 9.5:1 Speed Pro Pistons
Patriot Tri-Y Headers w/ 2.5" H Pipe, Flowmaster 40S
620 1" drop in front, CSRP Front Disk Brakes.
Ford 8 3.40 trac-loc rear end


GO RAIDERS!
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Old 12-02-2012, 02:55 AM   #14 (permalink)
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I checked CJ store, and on the American auto wire product, for 69, it says:

This 1969 harness will not work with the factory tachometer unless the tachometer has been updated with modern movement

What does it mean by modern movement?
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Old 12-02-2012, 06:24 AM   #15 (permalink)
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Check out 66FSTBCKs’ install! I went over it last night while at work...It is Awesome! (Props to him for documenting it)
I am looking to do an AAW in my 68 in the near future after I get some floor panels replaced.
After seeing his install 15+ page thread, I know that the harness I want to use.
If you are looking to upgrade anything (headlights, alternator, power windows/locks etc.) then I would suggest the AAW. I have been researching wiring harnesses for about a month now lol.

BTW, 66FSTBCK did you keep your tools? Did you start a rental program by any chance? Dropping the extra deposit cash makes that a pricy install with the shrink wrap etc. to make it look nice
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