boxer_inv Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Hi all Thought I'd give the 'final' update on my rewiring project on "Dorothy". Yes, the job is done! After sorting out the starting problem I had, Dorothy is back up and running with new wires throughout. Brake light, tail lights, indicators, headlights, park lights, all instrument lights, gauges.....THEY ALL WORK!!! I know that any purists here might jump in and say that my method isn't period correct etc etc. I know its not up to the standard of something 'off the shelf from, say, 'Rhode Island Wiring', but I'm very pleased with my efforts and the overall result...proud almost! If nothing else, I'll rest sure in the knowledge that the wiring is clean & in good condition, reliable....and safe. I found the job quite satisfying. Time consuming, yes, but not particularly difficult really, just had to make sure to label EVERYTHING before it came off, and took plenty of photos to refer back to. I also had the D24 & P15 wiring diagrams to reference, and noted changes to colours etc as I worked along it. The ONLY residual issue I have now is a problem with the Ammeter not registering any charge from the generator, but I'll defer any questions on this to another post. Here are a few photos of the project, all nicely compiled in one thread. Sorry for the size. Thanks to EVERYONE on the forum who has helped me and given some advice for my various questions, AND for all of the encouragement. Regards Rob. 1. Old wiring removed and laid out on my pool table in the shed with some of the wires done already. In my opinion, taking the whole 'kit & caboodle' out of the car in one go is the BEST way to do a complete wiring job. Much easier on the knee joints and back... 2. Gauge side of dash (RHD remember...) 3. Centre cluster underway... 4. Split loom for the dash 5. Engine bay view 6. Inside trunk with fuel gauge take off 7. 13. Tail & Indicator LHS Continued... Quote
boxer_inv Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Posted October 9, 2009 /-Continued... 8. BEFORE - Behind glove compartment 9. AFTER - Behind glove compartment 10. BEFORE - Headlight terminal area 11. AFTER - Headlight terminal area 12. BEFORE - Solenoid, horn relay, regulator area 13. AFTER - Solenoid, horn relay, regulator area 14. FOR SALE - 1 x slightly used wiring harness...to suit non-fussy '47 D24 owner. Some re-assembly required. Worked when removed... Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 wait a minute..does that solenoid have the push to start contacts button underneath? Quote
boxer_inv Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Posted October 9, 2009 wait a minute..does that solenoid have the push to start contacts button underneath? Tim - the solenoid has a rubber boot on the under-side. This is removable, but seemed to me to be just a cover...though you would know more than me about these things... The black circular tab on the top is NOT a press-button - its just part of the plastic moulded top of the solenoid. My guess is to keep the terminals apart...? Quote
Frank Elder Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Boy I bet your'e glad to be done with that! Did you rewire for 12V? Some of that wire looks small for 6V, and yes that is an aftermarket 3 prong horn relay the manual calls for a 4 prong. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Tim - the solenoid has a rubber boot on the under-side. This is removable, but seemed to me to be just a cover...though you would know more than me about these things... The black circular tab on the top is NOT a press-button - its just part of the plastic moulded top of the solenoid. My guess is to keep the terminals apart...? have you tried to push the rubber covered bottom..it could very well be a manual override switch you can activate the starter without using the inside push button..these are great for doing tune up and etc when bumping the starter is a necessity..the small buttom on the top is likely the reinforced guide for the plunger when activated.. Ford I think was notorious for these solenoids, some British..I even like the British fuel pumps that you can actually hand pump to fill the carb bowl before turning over the engine..my GT6 has this feature on that inline 6 Quote
boxer_inv Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Posted October 9, 2009 Boy I bet your'e glad to be done with that! Did you rewire for 12V? Some of that wire looks small for 6V, and yes that is an aftermarket 3 prong horn relay the manual calls for a 4 prong. To be honest, yes, very glad to have it finished! RE: wiring size - the wires are either same or 'up' from the original. The original wiring is quite bulky, with a layer of poly insulation and then the cloth, whereas our modern PVC insulations can be thinner due to their manufacture properties. I made certain that the actual conductor size was the same as original. Guess something will go SNAP, CRACKLE, POP if I've stuffed it!!! have you tried to push the rubber covered bottom..it could very well be a manual override switch you can activate the starter without using the inside push button..these are great for doing tune up and etc when bumping the starter is a necessity..the small buttom on the top is likely the reinforced guide for the plunger when activated.. Nup, never tried it... can you guess what I'll be doing first thing tomorrow morning...?! If it is, it will upset my young fella, because he's my 'point-man' when it comes to working on the car - pressing buttons, pedals etc when I can't be in the 2 places at once! I'll let you know... Quote
Frank Elder Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 A point well made...modern insulation need not be as bulky! So did you have to add extra wires for a clock or were they already part of the harness? This is a trick question so you should PM me if you want a clock to fill in that blank off plate. Quote
Young Ed Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Am I seeing correctly that even though all the instruments are moved to the right the main harness still goes under the hood on the left? And your hood release is on the left too? Or do dodges with the aligator hood have 2 releases? Your wiring project looks very similar to mine. I haven't finished running the long wires to the back for the lights. Now shortly after I finished my rewiring my amp gauge stopped showing a charge too. It turned out to be that the wires on the amp gauge weren't tight so it was charging just not showing on the gauge. Quote
boxer_inv Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Posted October 9, 2009 A point well made...modern insulation need not be as bulky! So did you have to add extra wires for a clock or were they already part of the harness? This is a trick question so you should PM me if you want a clock to fill in that blank off plate. See PM Am I seeing correctly that even though all the instruments are moved to the right the main harness still goes under the hood on the left? And your hood release is on the left too? Or do dodges with the aligator hood have 2 releases? Your wiring project looks very similar to mine. I haven't finished running the long wires to the back for the lights. Now shortly after I finished my rewiring my amp gauge stopped showing a charge too. It turned out to be that the wires on the amp gauge weren't tight so it was charging just not showing on the gauge. Ed, yep, your eyes aren't deceiving you....harness goes through on the LH of the vehicle - comes across from the other side of the dash, over the top of the glove compartment (tight fit with that split loom!). Hood releases....I got two...one on each side for the 'wings'. Mine isn't front opener. This is the only pic I have with the hood open - I must take another one from front on... Quote
Young Ed Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Thanks I didn't know if they had seperate releases per side or some system to open both at once. Quote
TodFitch Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 A very neat and workmanlike job. Should be good to go for a long time with that now that you've sorted out the initial issues. Quote
Jim Saraceno Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Looks great. It's a tough job and it looks like quality work. Might I add that you should never apologize for what ever you do to your own car. You did a good job, your proud of it, the car is much better off for having done it. Thanks for sharing your work and pictures, it's a daunting task and I'm sure it will help other contemplating that same project. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 it is the jobs like these when finished and done right and trimmed away neatly that makes all the difference in the world..I would rather be doing this on the average than driving them....just one of them things I guess...people say they have never seen me just sitting still..I know better but people never believe half of what you tell them anyway..tell me you dind't have fun..even when it was jerking you around a tad...!! Quote
Don Coatney Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) The wiring job looks great! I need to do the same to my car one of these years. have you tried to push the rubber covered bottom..it could very well be a manual override switch you can activate the starter without using the inside push button.. The next thing you know you will be looking for a Amal tickler. For the man with everything including two wives. Edited October 9, 2009 by Don Coatney Quote
kevinanderson Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 WOW. Good job. Wiring is one job that just throws me for a loop. Quote
T120 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 ..Nice work Boxer,glad you found your starter glitch.Certainly a lot safer than your "before" photos.I can appreciate the time and care you took to do the job right.I also like your car - looks great Quote
T120 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 The wiring job looks great! I need to do the same to my car one of these years.The next thing you know you will be looking for a Amal tickler. For the man with everything including two wives. ..For those that may wonder what an Amal tickler is,I had a BSA in my youth and know that it relates to carburetors. Quote
Don Coatney Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 ..For those that may wonder what an Amal tickler is,I had a BSA in my youth and know that it relates to carburetors. I was wondering how long it would take for someone to enlighten the group. Thanks Ralph. Some probably thought I was being poronographic:D Quote
T120 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 ..I didn't want anyone to get a wrong impression Don. Quote
Don Coatney Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 ..I didn't want anyone to get a wrong impression Don. Thanks again Ralph but way too late for that. Impressions happen early on:rolleyes: Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 [quote name=The next thing you know you will be looking for a Amal tickler. For the man with everything including two wives.[/quote] Don for the benfit of those that are not "really in the know" I have been quilty of tickling the AMAL Quote
Don Coatney Posted October 9, 2009 Report Posted October 9, 2009 Don for the benfit of those that are not "really in the know" I have been quilty of tickling the AMAL I bet you have. Dont light a match near your fingers. Quote
Captain Neon Posted October 10, 2009 Report Posted October 10, 2009 You are welcome to visit and swap out my wiring harness any time. Looks like you did a good job. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.