Mustang '65-'68 Wiring System Upgrades

During our visit to the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November, webumped into Bobby Cross, from Painless Performance in Fort Worth, Texas.Bobby took us aside to introduce us to his affordable, fully compatiblemain-wiring system for vintage Mustangs. The Painless system ties intothe early Mustang's factory switches and components without a hitch. Ithas a terrific fuse box that installs in the same location as theoriginal fuse box. What's more, the Painless fuse box offers additionalpositions and circuits for accessories.

We're going to show you the Painless Performance No. 20120 12-circuitwiring system for '65-'66 Mustangs. (There are systems available for'67-'68 Mustangs as well.) This is an exceptional, high-quality wiringsystem designed to bring your Mustang's 40-year-old electrical systeminto the new millennium. It can tolerate extremes of heat and cold, andeach wire is the proper size for the expected load. In addition, thesystem enables you to run lots of accessories without overloading it.

The Painless Performance Mustang kit consists of the main wiring harnesswith fuse box and courtesy-light wiring; taillight and fuel-sendingharness (integral with main harness); headlight/alternator harness,engine/starting harness; parts kit; Maxi-Fuse with holder; rubbergrommets; two packages of nylon tie-wraps; 12 instrument lamps; andeight harness mount clamps.

This type of plug penetrates the firewall where the Mustang's factorybulkhead connectors reside. Again, this plug is weather-tight and safe.The opening in the firewall must be carefully cut to the dimensions ofthe template included in the kit.

Like your Mustang's factory wiring, the Painless system disconnects atkey locations, like the firewall. The main wiring loom under the dashhas a female multiplex connector at the firewall. This is where thefirewall-to-headlight loom connects. The firewall-to-headlamp loomhandles all underhood power. It ties into the voltage regulator,headlamps and parking lamps, horns, starter solenoid, andalternator/generator.

This is the system's main power feed from the battery to the main wiringloom under the dashboard. Power begins at the red 10-gauge lead, passingthrough the Maxi-Fuse terminal, then entering the electrical system,just like the factory lead. This harness connects to the main wiringloom at a firewall bulkhead connector behind the engine.