Wiring loom considerations

[Manx]

Hi all,

I've pulled the entire loom from my 74 GTV in preparation for having the engine bay painted. In my spare time (yeah!) I thought I'd clean and tidy up the loom before it goes back in. The wiring looks all fine but I'm going to replace most of the terminals as they are a bit corroded.

Anyway, my question is, since I'm going to rebind the thing are there any other wires that you would recommend I run through the loom for future use? Say, for electronic ignition, an alarm system, etc. Any thoughts welcome as now's the time it will be easy to do.

Many thanks,

M

[60sRacer]

If you're going to replace the connectors, just do all new wiring. Copper stranded wire gets stiffer every time it's bent a little - it's called work hardening in metalurgy. Eventually it gets too stiff and a strand or two breaks, usually right at the connector. Also, original wire insulation - a type of plastic - gets hard from oxidation and it too will break. Start with modern wire and new connectors. Old style and repro stuff are available - I'll try to find the URL. Do not bother with reinstalling the original.

Here's one:

British Wiring - harnesses for classic cars and motorcycles

BTW: the original harness was wrapped with a plastic a bit like electrical tape. BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME! I went for the fiberglass woven looms often found on early english high end cars such as Bently's and such. Or get the modern woven black nylon stuff used in computers and such.

Robert

[1750GT]

...there are other wiring suppliers as well that you might want to check out as well...in this thread..

Wiring Harness

...also some more discussion about wiring in this thread...

To Re-Wire or Not to Re-Wire

[Alfajay]

Manx:

Is your idea to cut off the old terminals, re-strip the insulation, and crimp on new terminals? As 60sRacer wrote, that may not work so well. It has been my experience that older wiring gets somewhat corroded under the insulation - crimping new terminals to old copper may not give that great a connection. Further, your wires will now be 1/4 - 1/2" shorter - in some locations this may cause routing problems.

Are your old terminals really that corroded?

60sRacer went on to say: "the original harness was wrapped with a plastic a bit like electrical tape. BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME"

Yea, you want specialized harness wrapping tape that has some sticky adhesive, but not as much as electrical tape. Eastwood sells it. I have also found it at my local Kraegen Auto Supply. The factory doesn't do this, but I secure the ends with a black tie wrap, since the adhesive on this tape won't stand up to heat & oil.

[Manx]

Thanks for the input guys. Most of the terminals are fine, just a handful that need replacing. The loom itself looks to be in great condition. THe whole car is infact. I'm in the final stages of stripping the underseal off from underneath and have to keep pinching myself to remind myself how lucky I am with this car. I really don't think the loom warrants rebuilding - but I'll fully accept any 'I told you so's' should it all end in tears.

Good pointers about the wrap though - I'll look in to that.

Cheers.