Rebel74
Well-Known Member
Has anyone here done a complete rewire of a 71-74 B body? Preferably a 74 Charger SE as that's what I've got. I've tried to find something like a complete step-by-step documentation as to how someone would do that but haven't had much luck the past several weeks.
Basically, I intend to replace the old alternator with a newer more powerful one, install a 6 speaker stereo system (likely running two amps, and 2 10s behind the rear seat in the trunk area), replace the ammeter with a voltmeter, install a tachometer in the dash, and will probably swap out some of the instrument panel lighting with some LEDs. So other than the stereo install (and possibly some LED lighting in the trunk) I will not be adding other electrical components. Not using electric fans, electric fuel pump, electronic ignition (sticking with the coil and distributor), etc. I also plan on doing away with the bulkhead connector and replacing the old eight cavity fusebox with something more manageable, relocating it to the glovebox or something similar.
I'm trying to figure out (as close to) exactly what wire I need, sizes, lengths, etc as well as how many fused circuits I need for the fuse box. I'd like to "simplify" the wiring so things are more tidy and (to me anyway) more sensible. I'd like to eliminate as much piggybacking as possible. I have this fantasy about every circuit having its own fuse and the only items on the same circuit would actually be related to each other (instead of having for example the dome light running off the radio fuse or whatnot).
I realise this is a major undertaking but it's something that seems to me to be worth the effort. So... are there any actual guides online (or in print for that matter) that offer more than "buy a complete harness from XYZ and follow the directions that come with it"?
Basically, I intend to replace the old alternator with a newer more powerful one, install a 6 speaker stereo system (likely running two amps, and 2 10s behind the rear seat in the trunk area), replace the ammeter with a voltmeter, install a tachometer in the dash, and will probably swap out some of the instrument panel lighting with some LEDs. So other than the stereo install (and possibly some LED lighting in the trunk) I will not be adding other electrical components. Not using electric fans, electric fuel pump, electronic ignition (sticking with the coil and distributor), etc. I also plan on doing away with the bulkhead connector and replacing the old eight cavity fusebox with something more manageable, relocating it to the glovebox or something similar.
I'm trying to figure out (as close to) exactly what wire I need, sizes, lengths, etc as well as how many fused circuits I need for the fuse box. I'd like to "simplify" the wiring so things are more tidy and (to me anyway) more sensible. I'd like to eliminate as much piggybacking as possible. I have this fantasy about every circuit having its own fuse and the only items on the same circuit would actually be related to each other (instead of having for example the dome light running off the radio fuse or whatnot).
I realise this is a major undertaking but it's something that seems to me to be worth the effort. So... are there any actual guides online (or in print for that matter) that offer more than "buy a complete harness from XYZ and follow the directions that come with it"?