Build sequence

[kurtboyd]

Getting back into my project again. Body is on, doors are closing fairly well, upper door frames line up good with windshield frame, tailgate is built and back on. Engine is a rebuilt 5.0 from a 97 Explorer, with a rebuilt 4R70W behind it. using original harness and pcm which was rebuilt by efiguy a while back. i have a painless harness still in the box somewhere. My question is: What would the seasoned EB builders recommend as a build sequence from here on out? I was thinking about installing the dash and sorting out gauges then moving into electrical. I plan on installing some type of dynamat sound deadener in the tub prior to carpet, etc. Still need to source seats. I have an Ididit column in a box somewhere. Any suggestions would me much appreciated.

 

[Brush Hog]

Dash has to come out to do the new wiring harness unless you want to lay upside down for hours at a time. If dash is out now I would start with that.

 

[.94 OR]

Sound deaden the firewall before wiring and dash.

 

[samamarshall]

I’m in almost the exact same spot with same setup. Just picked up the body from paint and dropped it on. Dash is ready, Painless on the way to start wiring and get the explorer harness modified and installed. My focus is wiring and getting engine to run, dash install. Then when I’m waiting on parts or need a break, interior (seats, roll cage, etc.) and exterior (grill, lights, etc.). Will watch this thread for more ideas!

 

[gnsteam]

This makes three of us, in the same place with our builds. Not much progress but I have been laying out the Explorer engine harness. So watching this thread as well.

 

[904Bronco]

This is how mine generally go... I have done a lot of AAW harnesses This is over simplified....

- Make a list of all your accessories that you are having and provide for them. Once you have taped/loomed something up you don't want to re-open it. Your "accessories" and their amperage needs will determine what gauge wire you need to run. Don't run one color wire for everything...
- Make grounds, main starter cable, if PM starter then smaller gauge wire is run as well. I place those two wires in loom, and if needed, (Headers) heat shielding as well. + Batt cable to Starter relay, but it remains disconnected
- I do the rear harness first, then I don't have to go back under the Bronco again. This includes the fuel pump wiring.
- I do the main harness on the table, get it stretched out, position everything, I see what inputs are needed for the EFI and provide them, and then begin the tape up (Tessa tape) on the main section. Connections coming off the main could be taped , split loomed, or the loom wrap. I measure the dash and get a ballpark for placement of things.
- Mount the main harness to the dash
- Pull left and right engine compartment harnesses through the dash holes with the grommets. Stretch the wires along the fenders.
- If EFI, then pull the wires I need through the fire wall into the passenger compartment. All engine connectors are hooked up at this point. Could be Explorer or Mustang harness...
- Provide the input wires to the EFI from the main harness inside.
- Hook up the connections to the dash controls, Install instrument cluster and plug it into the main harness.
- Hook up everything on the passenger side, now I should have power to the main harness. (Note unfinished wires have been taped over to prevent issues, the Batt remains disconnected) Tessa tape, high temp type, with spilt loom, or other loom.
- Hook up everything on the Drivers side, Tessa tape, high temp type, with spilt loom, or other loom.
- Ensure everything is in the off position, Attach Positive cable, Test each circuit for operation, first ones should be the ones that do not require the ignition switch to be on. Main Power wire for EFI remains disconnected from the Stater relay. Then place the ignition switch to the on position and test additional circuits.
- If all good, attach main Batt feed for EFI to starter relay. Ign switch to Run, fuel pump should cycle, I may do this a few times to ensure pressure has built up. Ign switch off and check for fuel leaks throughout the vehicle. Repair as needed to ensure no leaks, then attempt to start the engine. When it starts look for oil pressure... (I usually pull the distributor/cam position sensor and run the oil pump with a drill prior to doing a start up)

Remember its one wire at a time, don't get overwhelmed, and don't be in a hurry...

 

[fordguy]

Dash has to come out to do the new wiring harness unless you want to lay upside down for hours at a time. If dash is out now I would start with that.

We built legs to stand dash out about a foot while wiring.

 

[Speedrdr]

We built legs to stand dash out about a foot while wiring.

What a great idea! I’ll probably do that when I start my wiring. Thanks for posting that.

Randy

 

[kurtboyd]

We built legs to stand dash out about a foot while wiring.

That's cool! I think I see one of the uprights in the photo. What did they look like?

 

[kurtboyd]

This is how mine generally go... I have done a lot of AAW harnesses This is over simplified....

- Make a list of all your accessories that you are having and provide for them. Once you have taped/loomed something up you don't want to re-open it. Your "accessories" and their amperage needs will determine what gauge wire you need to run. Don't run one color wire for everything...
- Make grounds, main starter cable, if PM starter then smaller gauge wire is run as well. I place those two wires in loom, and if needed, (Headers) heat shielding as well. + Batt cable to Starter relay, but it remains disconnected
- I do the rear harness first, then I don't have to go back under the Bronco again. This includes the fuel pump wiring.
- I do the main harness on the table, get it stretched out, position everything, I see what inputs are needed for the EFI and provide them, and then begin the tape up (Tessa tape) on the main section. Connections coming off the main could be taped , split loomed, or the loom wrap. I measure the dash and get a ballpark for placement of things.
- Mount the main harness to the dash
- Pull left and right engine compartment harnesses through the dash holes with the grommets. Stretch the wires along the fenders.
- If EFI, then pull the wires I need through the fire wall into the passenger compartment. All engine connectors are hooked up at this point. Could be Explorer or Mustang harness...
- Provide the input wires to the EFI from the main harness inside.
- Hook up the connections to the dash controls, Install instrument cluster and plug it into the main harness.
- Hook up everything on the passenger side, now I should have power to the main harness. (Note unfinished wires have been taped over to prevent issues, the Batt remains disconnected) Tessa tape, high temp type, with spilt loom, or other loom.
- Hook up everything on the Drivers side, Tessa tape, high temp type, with spilt loom, or other loom.
- Ensure everything is in the off position, Attach Positive cable, Test each circuit for operation, first ones should be the ones that do not require the ignition switch to be on. Main Power wire for EFI remains disconnected from the Stater relay. Then place the ignition switch to the on position and test additional circuits.
- If all good, attach main Batt feed for EFI to starter relay. Ign switch to Run, fuel pump should cycle, I may do this a few times to ensure pressure has built up. Ign switch off and check for fuel leaks throughout the vehicle. Repair as needed to ensure no leaks, then attempt to start the engine. When it starts look for oil pressure... (I usually pull the distributor/cam position sensor and run the oil pump with a drill prior to doing a start up)

Remember its one wire at a time, don't get overwhelmed, and don't be in a hurry...

Thank you for the detailed response. This is very helpful.

 

[Madgyver]

Best way, Grab a task, Do it, complete it. Move on to next task. repeat.