Grounded Advice: Wiring Prep 101

Rewiring a classic Chevy truck isn’t hard — until it is. One wrong move and you’re chasing gremlins that only show up at night in the rain.Before you crack open that shiny new harness, here’s what you want to check so you don’t end up cussing at your own handiwork later.

1. Grounds: The Unsung Heroes

No ground, no go. These old Chevys don’t care how nice your wires are if the grounds are crusty. Sand ‘em shiny, use a star washer, and make sure they’re bolted down like you mean it.

2. The Fuse Box Tells Stories

Pop the cover. If it looks like someone roasted marshmallows in there, replace it. Corrosion, melted spots, and mystery “repairs” (looking at you, tinfoil fuse) are a no-go.

3. Play Detective Before You Yank Wires

Follow the old harness. Tag stuff. Snap pictures. Trust me, you won’t remember where that random green wire went once it’s in a pile on the floor.

4. Switches Don’t Last Forever

Headlight switch sloppy? Ignition switch smell like it’s been through a bonfire? Swap ‘em. Fresh wiring into a bad switch is like putting new tires on a cracked rim.

5. The Ugly Side of Old Wiring

Look under the dash and along the frame for cracked, brittle, or chewed spots. Mice love these trucks almost as much as we do.

6. Charging System Check

Alternator putting out strong? Battery cables clean under the insulation? If not, fix it before you fry your new harness.

7. Don’t Forget Your Extras

Plan for add-ons now. Fog lights, stereo, electric fan — run the wires while you’re in there so you’re not tearing it all back apart next month.

8. Keep It Cool

Headers cook wires fast. Reroute or run heat shielding. Nothing says “bad day” like smoke coming out from under the hood 20 minutes after a fresh install.

9. Test, Then Tuck

Before you zip-tie and loom everything, hit every switch and button. Lights, signals, wipers, horn — the works. Fixing it now is way easier than after it’s tucked away.

10. Make It Pretty

Yeah, no one sees it but you — until they do. Straight runs, tight ties, clean connectors. It’s not just about looks; neat wiring’s easier to troubleshoot.

Bottom line: Wiring’s one of those jobs you either do right or do twice. Take your time, plan it out, and your Chevy will reward you with trouble-free miles and fewer “why won’t this damn thing start?” moments.