Rufus: Yet more wiring and instrumentation work

(08/07/06) Wiring harness installation commences in the engine compartment. It's either that or an explosion in a spaghetti factory. (Maybe both)

Here's how we routed the wiring for the headlights and horn.

The headlight buckets were full of flaking rust so they got a going over with the wire brush.

More spaghetti explosions. The looped wires are circuits that won't be used at the present, but might be needed later...like a dome light and other stuff. They're gonna get hidden behind a kick panel.

The rusty headlight buckets got a coat of Rust Encapsulator.

The instrument cluster went back together with all its parts, including the new keyswitch and the speedometer (that will be tested as soon as the new cable arrives.) I really need a shift knob on that lever. Maybe my spare skull knob (mate to the one in the Ugly Truck.)

The new headlight reflectors (for the halogen lamps and turn signal bulbs) are in place and a fluted lens is mounted on the right lamp. Both of them would have had lenses for the photo op if it hadn't been for old butterfingers here. A new one is on order.

Taillight installation begins. New wooden mounting blocks got a coat of spar varnish and the brackets were painted with Rust Encapsulator, then Rustoleum gloss black.

The stock taillight configuration only had one light on the left side. But this critter's gonna have turn signals so we're mounting a lamp on the right side, too.

That's Travis's (my apprentice) hand under there. I told him what needed to be done and as I was working on my Ugly Truck, he just did it. What a blessing this kid is.

Here Travis has the right light mounted and the wiring done. Looks good, huh?

Both lights mounted and wired, bed's sorta crooked...who cares?

And it's all his fault. Travis looks pretty proud of his work...he did the whole rear light wiring deal...he has a right to some pride in his work.

Next page: Even more wiring work.

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