Centech wire harness vs. painless

[B-man]

I am installing a centech wiring harness right now. I tend to over think things and re read the same instructions over and over. I have installed the connectors supplied by Centech for the steering column harness. There are three different wire coloring schemes. There is the "early" model, "mid" year, and "late" year models.. The wire coloring are different in each. And, none match 100% with my column wiring colors. lol.. I am assuming with a 1973 that I am probably using the "mid" year colors? But, seems more of the colors match the "late" model year coloring scheme.

Also not sure if the 73 used a horn relay?

Couple of things that have me stalled at the moment. I do like the kit, just think the instructions could be a little more clear. Or, maybe it's me. lol

 

[DirtDonk]

... And, none match 100% with my column wiring colors. lol.. I am assuming with a 1973 that I am probably using the "mid" year colors? But, seems more of the colors match the "late" model year coloring scheme.

Your '73 is the issue. It's not just the mid-year, but also varies among just the '73's! I have three (or is it four now?) distinct wiring schemes I've seen just on '73 columns.
The only way to do a '73 is to test each wire and connect it to the proper wire in the harness. Unless you get lucky that is, and happen to have one that just happens to match the known wiring schematics.
Utilize the relay in the Centech system already to power your horn. It's the best way.

The wording they use in their "instructions" (he calls it, euphemistically%)) is confusing at the very least. Experimentation is your friend...

Also not sure if the 73 used a horn relay?

No, only came about sometime in '74. But like said, you now have one in the system so might as well use it to power the horn and take all the load off of the switch contacts under the steering wheel.
Beats the heck out of early retirement of the turn signal switch and all that implies.

Couple of things that have me stalled at the moment. I do like the kit, just think the instructions could be a little more clear. Or, maybe it's me. lol

Been the bane of our existence for 20 years now.;D

 

[B-man]

Your '73 is the issue. It's not just the mid-year, but also varies among just the '73's! I have three (or is it four now?) distinct wiring schemes I've seen just on '73 columns.
The only way to do a '73 is to test each wire and connect it to the proper wire in the harness. Unless you get lucky that is, and happen to have one that just happens to match the known wiring schematics.
Utilize the relay in the Centech system already to power your horn. It's the best way.

The wording they use in their "instructions" (he calls it, euphemistically%)) is confusing at the very least. Experimentation is your friend...



No, only came about sometime in '74. But like said, you now have one in the system so might as well use it to power the horn and take all the load off of the switch contacts under the steering wheel.
Beats the heck out of early retirement of the turn signal switch and all that implies.



Been the bane of our existence for 20 years now.;D

Thanks for all the info...


Geeze, and to think that I thought wiring my 88 Fullsize Bronco was a PITA.. haahhaaah