Wiring Issues 1979 J truck

[91G-Dub]

Looking at a 1979 J truck for sale. Owner says it runs but has "wiring issues" apparently related to ignition system.
I'm trying to get more details but for now that's all I know
Question is...how intense could this be? Looking at time & $ that might need to be invested.
Will post more clues as I get them.
Thanks

[Junk Yard Genius]

You just said 'Jtruck', so we dont' know if it's a J-10 or J-20, I-6 or V-8....

It can't be too bad, the '79 had the Motorcraft distributor with both engines so that's a very servicable unit.
75 to 85 Ford parts will drop right in for a rebuild (except for vacuum advance) and reman units are very available on the market for under $100.

The module is available every where since it used the same as 75 to 85 Ford vehicles. Around $30.

Motorcraft used an external resistor wire so the coil is common.

The wiring is something else, but not impossible to replicate, but I still haven't found an aftermarket supplier for all the harness sides of the connectors yet...
But removing connectors and direct wiring isn't at all a problem.

[babywag]

Wiring harnesses are easily found and replaced...
(Easily repaired too)
Components are cheap and readily available...used and new.

Impossible to give any estimate w/o knowing the symptoms or problem.

[91G-Dub]

Condition update

It does NOT start from the inside, It overcharges the battery, it has burnt up 3 solenoids since my brother has owned it. The first solenoid caught fire and the other 2 blew up.
Exhaust has been removed (to install new clutch). Steering column is out but he has all the parts.
Pretty rust free, very little body damage.

This is a 1979 J truck, 258 6 cyl.

Not sure how much this guy wants. It's local to me. I have as everybody limited budget for repairs if I buy it. Also can probably do some of the work myself with the help of the good folks here.

What do you think?

[brent]

Wiring harnesses are easily found and replaced...
(Easily repaired too)
Components are cheap and readily available...used and new.

Impossible to give any estimate w/o knowing the symptoms or problem.

Pretty much what I would say word-for-word. Even if harness is decent, re-wiring from harness to components (alt, ig box, coil, dizzy) is easy, and easy to troubleshoot. Post clues as you get 'em. Even though its easy finding the place to start is not.
Brent

[jeepfan93]

Pretty much what I would say word-for-word. Even if harness is decent, re-wiring from harness to components (alt, ig box, coil, dizzy) is easy, and easy to troubleshoot. Post clues as you get 'em. Even though its easy finding the place to start is not.
Brent

Agreed. Those old trucks with the 6 are pretty easy, same as CJ pretty much if not identical Bill. You know how to fix the burning up solenoids so the rest can't be hard. Whole new harness from painless is only about $400, front to rear.

[shackwrrr]

once i get my internet working right i will upload the 79 wiring schematics up to my photobucket and give you the link

[91G-Dub]

once i get my internet working right i will upload the 79 wiring schematics up to my photobucket and give you the link

Cool thanks

[shackwrrr]

there ya go

[Spock]

Excellent Information

Thank you kindly for posting that. I myself am having electrical woes and your post will undoubtedly be of great help.


Cheers,

~Spock

[shackwrrr]

theyre not mine i forget where i got them just to clarify that


http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/shackwrrr/ go there they are there and theres some more schematics i forget where i got those too and some pics of my truck

[letank]

hummmm, overcharging the battery

the power is too weak or too strong.... if overcharging the battery helps.... i would suspect that the resitor has too much resistance... or in this case that the coil is not getting the full needed voltage (use a voltmeter on the coil primary)

as for the ignition, you can always bypass the key, use a wire from the battery plus to the blue wire on the solenoid... KEEP HANDS clear from Rotating Fan

Do the ammeter bypass

as for frying solenoid.. there must be a short.....