Cheat ways to rewire from scratch - ideas?

Cheat ways to rewire from scratch - ideas?

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breamster

Original Poster:

1,016 posts

181 months

Friday 4th June 2021
quotequote all
Hi,

I have an old 80s kit car which I am thinking of rewiring. Are there any ways to speed the process up?

I was think of using one of these...

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/cbs-12-circuit-wirin...

The car is basic, no heaters, blower, interior lights etc. Dynamo rather than alternator but I could change this.

I know I could rewire from scratch using the basic components but I am looking at ways to speed things up and maximise the chance of success. I have so little time to work on cars I would happily pay a bit more and save some time. However, getting a loom made is a step too far. Are there any better alternatives?

Ambleton

6,682 posts

193 months

Friday 4th June 2021
quotequote all
A few hints and tips I did when creating the wiring loom for my car.

Buy a cheap label maker and some clear heatshrink. Makes cable labelling permanent.

use 5 core trailer cable for the run to the back of the car (left,right,marker,brake,earth) or 7core if you have fog and reverse too.

Depending how much electricals are on the car you might get away with doing what I did. I used a Motogadget M.Unit. no relays, no fuses, small, dead easy to wire (but expensive). They're designed for the custom motorbike scene.

I've also used quite a few superseal connectors. If doing this then a proper crimping tool (even a cheap ebay one) makes life a thousand times easier.


breamster

Original Poster:

1,016 posts

181 months

Friday 4th June 2021
quotequote all
Ambleton said:
A few hints and tips I did when creating the wiring loom for my car.

Buy a cheap label maker and some clear heatshrink. Makes cable labelling permanent.

use 5 core trailer cable for the run to the back of the car (left,right,marker,brake,earth) or 7core if you have fog and reverse too.

Depending how much electricals are on the car you might get away with doing what I did. I used a Motogadget M.Unit. no relays, no fuses, small, dead easy to wire (but expensive). They're designed for the custom motorbike scene.

I've also used quite a few superseal connectors. If doing this then a proper crimping tool (even a cheap ebay one) makes life a thousand times easier.

Thanks. Some useful tips there. The trailer cable is a good plan as are the superseal connectors. I like the motogadget unit but it is a bit spendy. Certainly something to think about. It may be worth the extra to me in terms of time saving. Cheers.

Steve_D

13,753 posts

259 months

Saturday 5th June 2021
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If it is a standard type layout front inline 4 pot engine then you could get a complete loom from someone like tiger or the locost community.
May not do all you want but would be a good starter-for-ten.

Steve

Tempest_5

603 posts

198 months

Tuesday 8th June 2021
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Many years ago when planning my Westfield build I asked my Electrical Engineering friends for some advice on making my own loom, like the OP here is. The resounding response from all of them was "Get a ready made one, it's cheaper, easier, quicker and safer".

As I sat there simply plugging the switches/lights/instruments in and they worked first time, I reflected on the wisdom of this advice.

I appreciate you might have a bespoke circuit but as others have said use an available loom as a basis if you can.

Good luck.

blitzracing

6,394 posts

221 months

Monday 14th June 2021
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I used trailer wire, but ran two looms down different sides of the car, one loom for engine controls and the other for lights.