The '60 Ford F-100 we've been working on over the last year is so close to becoming roadworthy that we can taste it! One of the few things left on the checklist is the electrical system. Even though the truck's numerous upgrades have remained fairly simple, it was still going to need quite a bit of help in the wiring department. The original, now brittle wiring that provided current to the once trusty six-cylinder wasn't going to cut the mustard for the Ford's newfound state. Everything from the Smeding-built 392ci stroker to the Vintage Air system, Aeromotive fuel pump, and US Radiator electric fans was going to need a sufficient amount of reliable power that the stock wiring couldn't guarantee anymore.
Since none of us here are electrical wizards and would almost prefer dental work to troubleshooting electrical problems, we weren't about to buy a bunch of wire and have at it. Instead, we called American Autowire for some help. For those who aren't familiar with the name, American Autowire was built through the early word-of-mouth reputation its partners, Michael Manning and Frank Colonna, received. Now they employ over 40 people, inhabit a 15,000-square-foot building, and make over 10,000 original restoration harnesses. And while the original harnesses are a big part of their business, they needed something for custom cars and trucks that could be in almost any configuration, which is quite an order.
Through countless hours, they came up with their Highway Series kits to do just this. While there are two different kits in the Highway Series, the Highway 15 is better suited to carbureted trucks and street rods with more basic needs than those with EFI powerplants. Heavy-gauge lead wires are provided for battery, ignition, accessory, horn, turn signal flasher, and four-way hazard flashers, all leading into a rugged fuse panel using their patented Hooke's Law screw-down connection system. The kit even comes with wire-ties, fuses, flashers, relays, and new headlight and ignition switches, but if you have electric fans, make sure to order some extra relays. For the complete list of everything included in the Highway 15 kit, visit American Autowire's Web site at www.americanautowire.com.
