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Rewiring my 79 mIdget

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Blackjokr

Jedi Warrior
Offline
Her wires are a bit in distress...so I thought I'd start doing some rewiring..easy stuff first like tailights, sidemarkers, etc...Curious as to what kind of wire to use? I wen tot Pep Boys and bought a lot of diff. colors for 14-16AMP (?) gauge(?) wires...is this sufficient?

Lou
 
Is heavy enough, no prob.

why not just put a new loom in it.
 
Jack,

not sure what a new loom is?? I'm a newbie..can you explain?

thanks! lou
 
A complet wireing system like from Moss or one of the others.

All wireing is color correct and has the right connectors. Very easy to install. Should not take more than maybe 3 hours for the entire car. Just like a new one off the showroom floor.
 
Three hours in stripped down Bugeye... maybe.

On a '79 It's gonna take CONSIDERABLY more than 3 hours.

Not arguing against a new loom, just making sure you know what you are getting into before you make that purchase.
 
While your at it add some relays for the headlights. One for high and low beams. I also used a GM style fuse block that I picked up at the wrecking yard.
 
Morris said:
Three hours in stripped down Bugeye... maybe.

On a '79 It's gonna take CONSIDERABLY more than 3 hours.

Not arguing against a new loom, just making sure you know what you are getting into before you make that purchase.
Click to expand...

:iagree: you would need to remove your dash and a good chunk of your interior - side panels in both wheel wells - carpet under both seats and full side on passenger side. Also, there's the matter of grommets which I would hope are included but I'm not sure.

However, after that, it's relatively straight forward mostly just replacing plugs
 
I think you guys are just slow workers. LOL
 
X2 on replacing the entire harness. The wires and connections get brittle over time. Your harness is approaching 30 years old. Also, when you replace the entire harness you'll be suprised how well the electrical componets will work and function. Sure it's a bit more expensive and time consuming but well worth it. It will also help safe guard your midget from future electrical fires.
 
IMO, most of the wire you buy at general parts store is not very good. The insulation does not have enough crosslinking and can easily be torn/worn away.
 
that sounds liek a plan!! thank you! Tony carry them?
 
He has em Moss and they are just fine. That's what I used and was an easy job.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]I think you guys are just slow workers. LOL[/QUOTE]

I am not slow. I work very fast and make lots and lots of mistakes that take a very long time to correct. LOL
 
There are other places to buy wiring harnesses that have come highly recommended--wasn't British Wiring (https://www.britishwiring.com/) one of them?

In any case, I agree about the quality of auto-store wire; it can be pretty bad stuff. I usually solder things when I can, and the insulation on most of that stuff shrinks back when it gets hot! Radio-Shack wire is no better, in fact worse, but I think if you try one of the electronics outlets like Digi-key or Mouser, you'll do OK.

Assuming that a lot of the wiring is in bad shape, and not just a couple wires, I think I'd just buy a harness. Anything to enhance reliability. Electrical problems can just stop you cold--bad thing to happen in the middle of traffic.
 
Check out British Wiring's web site. I got a brand new one from them for Midgie and it was the best purchase. Agree with the above on parts store wiring. Great for quick fixes, but to do an entire British car, fit a new loom. You'll be thankful you did.

To install one with a full interior still in will probably take you a weekend or longer. Depends on what else you find in there. First place I would start is find the wiring schematic for your car and have a blueprint shop enlarge it along with the legend. Then have them laminated so you can take dry erase markers and draw circuits on it, plus keeps it clean. It's one of the best tools for wiring work.

While you're at it get new pigtails for your headlights. Those see a lot of abuse over the years since they're exposed to the elements. Usually they're spliced and diced beyond recognition. Check the contacts of the components the wiring goes into and clean them. Check areas where your ground (black)wires fit the car and clean them. Not doing so can turn up some nasty gremlins with lights...especially turn signals.
 
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