Wiring Harness Question

P

P. Scofield

Black arm band member RIP
Messages
384
I have not inspected my harness yet to see if it's been "backyard-Billied" yet, or cut somewhere I don’t want it cut. From what I have seen, I don't think it has but it's still 50 years old and LUCAS.

I replaced the one in my Alpine with a fresh British Wiring loom and it’s nice to be certain everything is what it should be. I know when something is not working, it’s not something in the loom, it's me or a ground.

My question is: I plan on running a set of NOS Sparto backup lights on my MKI, and maybe someday, I may need an alternator. If I buy new, should I just buy a MKII Loom? Is this the only two differences?
What would I do with the alternator wires if I had the stock generator? Just roll them up and hide them? Or just forget that and buy the proper loom.

Paul
 
There are Some Differences

I am no expert on the wiring looms, but there are some differences in equipment and/or location of equipment on the Mk IIs. For example, the fuel pump is mounted in the trunk, not behind the seat under the car. And there is a funny little resistor part of the red indicator light circuit that I don't believe is on the Mk 1/1As. Also, and this may not be important to you, but I believe the Mk 1/1As had their wiring looms wrapped in black plastic tape. The Mk IIs had blue plastic tape. Again, I could be wrong on some of this, not being as familiar with the Mk 1/1As as a lot of other folks are. As a good starting point, you might take a look at the wiring diagrams in the factory workshop manual and see what, if any, differences you see between the Mk 1/1A and Mk II diagrams. Unfortunately, it won't show length of wires, location of connectors, or collor of tape.
 
Be true to yourself

I do not see you going to an alternator. When we talk I feel the purist vibes coming thru the phone. Use the K.I.S.S. I mean K.I.S.Paul formula.
I see you with a spare gennie in trunk for those long trips.

Our pal Jim had offered a NOS back up light switch awhile back and as I recall it had a little pigtail of wires. The way Jim is with pictures I bet he'd share that with us.
 
Back up light switch

I've seen those "Tiger" back up light switches offered various places at very high prices.... it sure looks to me like it's the same thing as on a 65-66 Mustang. I bought a switch and bracket from a Mustang parts supplier at a very economical price and it bolted right on to my stock toploader and shifter. I added the wires to the new MkI harness for the back up lights. I put LED strips under the rear bumper, they're almost invisible and give good light to the rear.
Bob K.
B9471705
 
The '65-'66 switch has a bracket that's not really needed as the toploader has a bracket built in... that switch is on the upper right in the second pic...
You could cobble in that one or a variety of cheaper switches that would 'work' ( my choice is on the far right pic -$25 ) but even though they'll never be seen, they would not be 'correct' !! I'm in that camp myself. ;)

There are also a great number of owners that will not settle for anything less than the proper original part!! That's fine by me, too!:cool:



Jim
B382000446
 
Yes, I do own it, and it will be used. I found them about after purchasing from Jim at more reasonable prices, but what the heck, it's correct I guess.

Good point Holy Cat! That's why I throw these things out to the experts.
I never thought about the tape. I'll stick with MK I loom if I end up buying new and just add those features I need.

Paul
 
Paul,
FWIW, my car has an alternator with a harness that was for a generator. There are a few small changes that can be made by adding and re-taping your harness. Keep in mind that if you have/want a ammeter, it can not exceed 50 amps if you have a 50 amp gauge. A resistor can be added across your generator light to insure that the alternator will excite even if the bulb burns out. My suggestion would be simply to add wires that you need and stick with your original harness.
Cheers -Kevin
 
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