Looks great

Thanks, Jimmy!

Since the dreaded wiring work will be dealt with soon, I ordered a Weatherpack connector kit. Deutsch connectors are indeed nicer, but the Weatherpacks fit my budget better. I did spring for the proper crimping tool, at least.

Nice kit! Where did you pick that up?

Thanks Dave!

I took the first step in the wiring job by mounting the fuse panel. I would have connected those wires to the ignition switch, but I'll first need to purchase a crimper that can make F-type crimps.

Yesterday, I sprayed the rear bumper assembly and the inside of the tailgate with Monstaliner. I didn't install the tailgate yet, because I still need to do a cut and buff on the paint.

Weatherpack 22 pin bulkhead connector. This will mount in a hole on the firewall.

While I'm waiting for the postman to deliver my Type B terminal crimper today, I wanted to get busy with something in the meantime. So, after doing the cut 'n buff on the tailgate this morning, I installed it........FOR THE LAST TIME!!

After giving it much thought, I decided where to install the bulkhead connector.



I made a bracket to help support the group 65 battery tray. I made it multi-functional by adding a flat space on top to mount electrical components. I mounted a heavy duty bus bar down below, which will be a 12 volt power source for the winch, stereo system, etc.





This twin bus bar will be mounted behind the dash. This will provide a central place for a ground, and for a switched power source.

LQQKS AWESOME Dave....battery support sounds familiar....LOL What's the forecast for the first spin...????? I'm gonna have to plan a trip and go for a ride in that puppy

Rickster

I'm hoping to have it ready to drive by late December. My birthday is the day after Christmas, so that would be a nice present to myself.

I got the starter relay mounted in an out of the way spot, close to the starter, yet accessible. It's ugly, so I didn't want it in plain sight. It's pretty much wired up, except for the main positive battery cable and a couple hex nuts. In order to cut the positive battery cable to the proper length, I'll need to know which side the positive post is on, which means I'll need to buy the battery.
The winch is wired up, and I ran the main alternator feed wire. I purchased a voltage regulator kit, complete with harness. Hopefully it will arrive by Friday or Saturday, so I can get that bit squared away. I know this doesn't seem like much, but since I'm not electrically inclined, each connected wire and each installed component is a little victory.



The Autometer 3-3/8" GPS speedo came in today. It has a lot of neat features. For instance, if I ever get stuck out in the middle of Moab, it can tell me what my coordinates are, and my heading. I can relay that information with my CB to a search party, and when they find me, they can load up my bones in a box and ship me home.

If I didn't know better....I might be concerned about the starter solenoid getting submerged and failing..... triggering loss of power and no GPS Coordinates to send to the Publix Bag Crew for your imminent rescue......Sorry Had too

Love the Crap outta that Jeep

Rickster

Making progress on the wiring. The voltage regulator is installed and wired up, and the alternator is wired up, but I decided to increase the output cable size from 8 AWG that came with the kit to 6 AWG fine strand cable. I have a 120 amp alternator, and 8 gauge wasn't going to cut it. I ordered the 6 gauge cable and lugs online, and they should get here by midweek.

I added Weatherpack connectors to the stop-turn-tail lights, the reverse lights, and the front side markers.

The headlight switch is wired up. As I was routing the headlight wires to the front yesterday, I thought about using the two wires (hi-beam and low-beam) as activation wires for headlight relays. So, this morning I did some searching online, and found this really well built headlight relay kit.

http://www.ceautoelectricsupply.com/h4headlightrelaykits.html

It will allow full battery voltage to be sent directly to the headlights, resulting in maximum brightness. Uses nice quality Hella waterproof relays. While its not cheap, I think its a good investment, and I don't mind paying a little more for safety related stuff. While I'm at it, I'm also going to upgrade to H4 headlights.

Dave what lock device is that on your spare tire rack, I need to build one for mine? are you still in Florida I would love to see your jeep when you finish.

Actually, I don't have a locking device for my spare tire, yet. I'll need to look into that.
Yes, I'm still in Tampa. If you're ever in the Tampa area, you're welcome to swing on by JeeperDave Trailsports, Inc. (aka, my two car garage. )