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Wiring Harness Install Q’s

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Tharlanjr, Nov 14, 2021.

  1. Nov 14, 2021
    Tharlanjr

    Tharlanjr New Member

    Lakeside, CA
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    B5BA4ADF-0A93-4161-8D47-E65290BE817B.jpeg 6621434D-E2DF-44B0-9DAD-4D27136B660E.jpeg D7F230BA-E316-44B9-B4A0-FB5D0D1EBB15.jpeg

    So I’ve been working on rebuilding this 60’ CJ5.

    It has a new motor from Jegs, Buick 231, and I’m putting a new wiring harness in. This jeeps harness has been messed with quite a bit and is not in good shape.

    It looks like the wiring for the mds ignition and coil will remain. The wiring from the alternator to what looks like a voltage regulator needs to be redone.

    My question is should I just buy a new VR or a new alternator that has one built in?
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  2. Nov 14, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    In your shoes I'd go with a new delco alternator, three wire if you want to keep the idiot light.
     
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  3. Nov 14, 2021
    Tharlanjr

    Tharlanjr New Member

    Lakeside, CA
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    If I do that, I can eliminate the black box altogether?

    Also, is there a box this fuse box should be put inside or just mount it to the firewall and call it good?
     

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  4. Nov 14, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    I too would go with a 3 wire internally regulated Delco, in fact that is exactly what I did.

    I bought a rebuilt Delco 3 wire alternator a couple of weeks ago from Rockauto for about $35 plus a $7 core charge. It works fine.

    I have a voltage meter in my Jeep so didn't want the idiot light. When I bought the alternator I also bought the pigtail for the two blade connectors. I snipped off the white wire (idiot light), put a ring terminal on the red wire (exciter) and just looped that to the main terminal on the unit that goes to the battery. I also installed a heavy gage (don't know exact gage but was about 1/4" thick) ground wire and grounded the unit to the frame.

    Tossed the Voltage regulator into the parts bin.
     
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  5. Nov 14, 2021
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I've installed the aftermarket fuse panels behind the dash/under the cowl, usually inside where the "JEEP" stamping is located.
    -Donny
     
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  6. Nov 14, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Yes Sir, the regulator on Delco 10Si or 12SI units is internal to the alternator case. One big wire from the stud to either end of the battery cable, one end to a 12 volt source, or as Old Pappy states tight to the alternator stud, & the third wire to the idiot light.

    There's lots of posts here about using delco alternators, it's a popular modification.
     
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  7. Nov 15, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    Donny what’s your opinion on putting the fuse block inside the Dash versus on the other side of the firewall in the engine compartment? Safer/better inside?
     
  8. Nov 28, 2021
    Wingnut68

    Wingnut68 New Member 2022 Sponsor

    Worcester, MA
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    Personally I think inside is a better option as its protected from the elements. If there is an issue, i.e. short that causes a fire you'd be more likely to see or smell it before it's out of hand.
     
  9. Nov 28, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    In 1975, Jeep started equipping the CJ-5 with a fuse panel. They always put it under the dash, on the driver's side. I suspect this was more of a cost-related decision, since a fuse panel in the engine compartment would have to be weatherproof, and more expensive. If your fuse panel is not specifically a weatherproof item, say from Blue Sea for marine use, then I would opine that you must protect it by installing it under the dash.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2021
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