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Engine Bay Tidying.


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#1 Dan6061

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:05 PM

Wasn't sure which sub-forum this should go in.

I recently re-wired my headlights and front indicators into a 7core wire, connected up using a towing plug. Seeing as I had to open up the wiring loom to get the wires I needed, I've quickly taped it back together. It looks messy though...
What I'm after is some cable wrapping stuff. I've looked on the Maplins and found this: http://www.maplin.co...px?menuno=13282
I want something a bit tidier looking though!

In the recent MiniMagazine, there's a yellow pick up, which has a very tidy engine bay! They've either re-wired the whole loom into this thick blue cable, or it's wrapped. Couldn't tell from the pictures, anyone shed some light on this?

What can you suggest? I have an SPi, so there's quite a bit to tidy up!

I plan to get all the wiring wrapped and tucked out of the way, everything else to be clean and tidy. Then soundproof the bulkhead either side, and also wrap up the wiring behind the dash and soundproof there too. - Lots of work ahead!



EDIT: Had a new idea, moving all the electrics (relays, fusebox, ecu) to inside. See below!

Edited by Dan6061, 17 November 2009 - 12:25 PM.


#2 shorty

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:07 PM

edit: should really look at the link before i post

Edited by shorty, 03 September 2009 - 08:08 PM.


#3 Ethel

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:10 PM

Check out Polevolt, Vehicle Wiring Products & Autosparks all online.

#4 Dan6061

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:15 PM

Thanks, I'll have a look at those.

Just found this: http://www.maplin.co...px?ModuleNo=301
Heat shrinkable sleeving. Looks good, and would definately tidy up the wiring, but I don't want to have to cut off and re-connect all the plugs to feed the wiring through the sleeve...

#5 shorty

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:17 PM

would only really use heat shrink when you've put crimps on wires...personally wouldnt use it for lots of wires and yes taking it off and putting it back on would be a reet pain

#6 Dan6061

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:22 PM

Going to use PVC sleeving I think! Can cut it where the loom splits, then tape around the corners. I could use the twist wrap sleeving, but I'd prefer the look the of the PVC. I'm fussy...
Only question left is what bore would I need for the front loom? 20mm?



Ok, It's late and I'm tired. Just realised I can't use the PVC sleeving without feeding the loom through it! Muppet.
Twist wrap it is then!

Edited by Dan6061, 03 September 2009 - 08:30 PM.


#7 1984mini25

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:38 PM

Hello, if you pop your head under the bonnet of any modern car, you’ll find the wiring all neatly protected by some sleeved plastic tubing. Which is the proper stuff to do it with, as you can slip it over the loom and just tape around each end were any wire/s feed out from it, the only down side is it can be expensive.

The other more cheaper way I’ve always tided up looms is to strip off all the old insulating loom tape, neaten the mess of wires up and re-rap with household electrical tape going diagonally along and overlapping by half each time.
The other bonus is you can get it in all sorts of colours, so can colour code the wiring loom to the car if you so wish.

#8 Burnard

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 08:48 PM

CLICK ME!



Chris

#9 Dan6061

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 09:41 PM

Thanks guys.
Just bought some loom tape, insulation tape, heatshrink wrap (for all my connections) and some washer tubing from CBS.

I plan to get the engine bay looking neat and tidy, and clean for once! I'll post pictures of my progress soon.

#10 1984mini25

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Posted 03 September 2009 - 10:48 PM

If you need/want a hand just ask. :D

#11 Paul Wiginton

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Posted 04 September 2009 - 06:18 AM

I used this stuff

http://www.innotecwo...linen-tape.aspx

Looks like a cloth wrapped loom if you get it tight enough. Its so nice we used it on old Astons

Paul

#12 Dan6061

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Posted 04 September 2009 - 06:04 PM

I ordered some PVC loom tape, and some PVC tape to go with. Should be nice and tidy, you should see it when I get the geometry done Paul. ;)

#13 Dan6061

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Posted 17 November 2009 - 12:24 PM

Buuump!

I've had an idea. What I want to do, is move all the electrics to behind he dash. The fuse box, all the relays, ECU. I could make a mount for them so they can all sit along neatly. Which would still be accessable from the passenger side! I'm guessing it'll be a case of stipping the looms down, moving it all to inside the car, then wrapping it all up again?

I want my engine bay to be as tidy as possible, and all the wires going everywhere just makes it look a mess!

Anyone done this before? Let me know.

#14 analogue_radio

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Posted 17 November 2009 - 01:29 PM

I had that idea, and tried. Got very fed up though.. but this was when my engine bay was all yucky, mini failed it's MOT and she was off the road soon so I didn't give it a good attempt.

I'm going to try again when she's nearing completion. I think I'll buy a new wiring loom.

I'm going to mount my fuse box on the dashboard, if it's dark, cold and raining I don't have to get out to change a fuse :withstupid:




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