Need Help with wiring issues

[JustDave45]

Ok Long story as short as I can make it. Working on putting my wife's 76 back together before her birthday (this wed) Completely rebuilt motor all back in just needs wiring back up. My plan was to install a whole new wiring harness which I have, it is a universal 12 circuit harness from a company called EZ wiring. I also have installed a Dr. Mel's electronic ignition in the dist. as well. I have the Haynes manual for the truck but the wiring diagrams are pretty lackluster to say the least. I currently can not even figure out the starter solenoid wiring out. Three Connections one big one which I know goes straight to the + Batt terminal, the other is a stud and the other is a spade style connector. What are the functions of those two terminals and where do they go ?

Secondly, it looks like the alt. has an external regulator which I believe is the module underneath my brake booster, any one with ideas on how to hook that up with the alt. using this type of harness (looks real GM friendly to me) ?

Thirdly, how about the wiring with the new mels ignition between the coil and stuff ? Do I still need to use the ballast reistor ?

I know this is a lot of stuff to ask about but I know there are plenty of folks here who can help...Many thanks and look forward to all the info.

 

[vt78cruiser]

In the tech links there is a link to a PDF of a '78 wiring harness. I have used that with much success. As far as your starter goes, you are correct with the large terminal going straight to the batt (+). The spade is the starter ignition for when you turn the key. Your wiring harness will have an ignition wire (I think my EZ harness wire color is purple) that is charged when you turn the key to the START position with your key.

The regulator is more of a mess, but follow the diagram and you will be fine.

The coil should also have ignition power, another wire (pink I think) in your wiring harness.

I am in the midst of the same process with an EZ 21 circuit harness (should have went with the 12).

Link to wiring harness-http://www.yankeetoys.org/documents/wiring_diagram_78_fj40.pdf

 

[Pin_Head]

Generic wiring harnesses don't work well for the turn signals and hazards on later Cruisers, like the '76, so don't try to stick a square peg in a round hole and just keep the stock wiring for this.

Wiring the starter is drop dead simple: The battery cable goes to the large screw lug and the wire from the start side of the switch goes to the spade lug on the solenoid. The other lug is for the ballast resistor bypass wire (if you have a ballast resistor type coil, you need a resistor). If you want to run a bypass wire for easier cold starts, run a wire from the small lug to the + side of the coil.

Don't know about Mels. Typically, ignitors get power from the key on side of the ignition switch at the connection at the ballast resistor side away from the coil. The other end of the resistor connects to the + side of the coil. Presumably, Mels sends out instructions with their stuff.

Key on fused power wire will go to the + side of the regulator (usually labeled B or +) and just keep the stock wires from the alternator. This is probably called the alternator wire in a generic harness.

 

[JustDave45]

Many thanks for the replies I will be wiring all day today...

 

[digger]

Not to be a bummer, but it took me longer to wire my cruiser then to do the frame off. Coolerman is a good source for wiring info. He pointed me towards classic connectors too replace the old dry rotted ones that were on my cruiser. My best advice is to take your time on the wiring, it is something that you want to have to re-do.