I've noticed several wiring topics so don't get upset if there is overlap here, but what should I look out for when putting in a 76 slant into my 64? I plan on using the engine compartment wiring harness from the 76, but I don't want a underdash fire. From another thread I notice I should upgrade the ammeter, but what else should be modified?

You can put the '76 engine into your '64 using the '64's engine compartment wiring, without any problems. If you want to use the electronic distributor and/or 2-field alternator from the '76, you'll need to transplant that portion of the wiring, but other than that, the '76 will have a bunch of extraneous wires and emission control sensors and devices you do not need and would not want in your '64.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Are you going to use the '76 ignition and charging systems? They'll be a little different. The '64 harness can be modified if necessary, and if it's in good shape.

Upgrading the charging system wiring and paying attention to the ammeter is a good idea. We'd like to avoid this:



(Note: This was NOT caused by the ammeter. It's just a photo of some ugliness that can happen with wiring.)

I'd keep the unused harness around for reference. But then, I'm a packrat by nature.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Nope, I bet it was caused by that Fram filter in the background

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

Old pic. The Fram and the burnt wiring are long since gone. I did managed to salvage the connector body. The point is, be careful with wiring, check it now and then, and don't let people mess with it.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Just heard of many underdash fires with upgrading older cars, ie. newer alternators/charging systems, and added accessories. Really want to avoid that at all costs.

I thought I told you to not take picturs of my junk when I'm not around! That actually did happen to my Duster though.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Don't be afraid of the wiring in older cars, just check it out. Frankly, it's the newer systems, with circuit boards and computer chips running the dome light and cigarette lighter that bother me. No, I'm not joking.
When you upgrade the charging system, don't forget to beef up the wiring to match.
There was an interesting discussion of active shunts not too long back, as well.

That mess in the photo was the result of untrained, unauthorized people trying to put a battery in and start the car. I wasn't present, but had to pick up the pieces.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Putting a battery in??????? WOWZA !!!!!! I am interested in the story if anyone wants to tell it. I have a supersix engine still in a 77 Aspen which will be placed in my 64. Just want to "Do it right". The engine has AC and it would seem a "Meshing of the engine harness is necessary to a certain extent. Under dash will require some mods re: charging system and I have read the shunt article (not totally understanding it). I am the type that only does work I am confident in and seek out pros when needed. Just don't want to get up and on the road for a week and then have All my work "Go up in flames"

If your '64 has A/C, then use the '64 compressor bracket, because the '77 bracket will put the compressor so far over to the driver's side that it'll hit your battery. If the '64 has no A/C, simply remove the compressor and brackets from the '77 engine altogether.
You've mentioned this a couple of times, but I can't figure out what work you think needs to be done under the dash.
That's a sane and reasonable goal to shoot for...but I think you may be worrying more than is necessary.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Sorry if this has been annoying (don't really ever understand why you go there at times but you always seem to). I've been a shade tree all my life, fixing things as they break. Never had the chance to do a project and now I do. I guess we all have different "Car knowledge" levels and skills. I have been around 4 under dash fires and am a bit paranoid.

Nope, not annoying at all. I would like to be able to help you, but I still don't know the nature of the under-dash work you have in mind.
Go...where?
OK, I can understand that...but you still haven't articulated the nature of this under-dash work you think is necessary. That being the case, neither I nor anyone else can help advise you on whether and how to do it.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Under dash? On our 65 dart I switched to a later 70 amp two field wire alternator with electronic regulator and electronic ignition. I was going to beef up the wiring under the dash to the ammeter but with the under dash AC, I lost interest pretty quickly. So to make both mods simple and keep it so I could put the car back to original I just piggy backed a 10 gauge wire from the alternator along the original wire but jumped to the battery side of the firewall connector, that car already had a fat wire from there to the battery. The ammeter still worked but with minimal movement. I mounted the regulator just opposite the alternator on the fender well so the field wires go from the alternator the the regulator with out needing to run thru a newer harness. The original regulator was removed and the wires connected. I really only spliced into the original field wire behind the alternator. For the ignition I just used the mopar wiring harness. It is easier to just use the old harness and ad a little to it for the later components.