Wiring harness options, Don't want to fork over 2k for a new one!! Options

[stephenaki]

OK, so I posted in an older thread about the rats nest harness and how the new fuse block didn't help much. I was thinking that the 914 was similar to my MG with a front, dash and rear harness. Well, after some research, I found that this assumption was quite wrong.

Unlike my MG where I can pay about $400 to get a all the harness, the 914 is a bit expensive and I am guessing that this is due to the rarity of the car and the way it is made. I really don't want to pay 2k for a new harness. I did find a guy on Rennlist that rebuilds them for about $500 however, I think the wiring to the lights and rest of the car are good, the only problem is the wiring into the fuse block and dash.

So, what options are available? I wouldn't mind replacing the entire harness with a rebuilt one but the problem lays in the fact that a rebuit harness is setup for an FI system which this car no longer has.

There are also 3 rubber sockets for the flasher relay and...two have switches/relays plugged in one doesn't have anything plugged in. I know, worthless without pictures. Will try to get some tomorrow if I get the garage cleaned up and MG engine dismantled. Just looking for suggestions on how best to tackle the electrical nightmare I have going on right now.

[stephenaki]

Thanks for all the info; I had gotten an email from Jeff Bowlsby (rennlist guy that rebuild's harness') he said he only did he engine compartment harness. He did point out what some of you already stated; get the harness in the same year of the car and, if at all possible, ensure that it is the right model i.e. US vs Canadian or European.

Jeff and a couple of you have pointed out the difficulty in removing the harness itself and recommended trying to trouble shoot it. I will take this advice first and plan on trying to build a sub-harness similar to my MG setup. I will need to find some electrical plug type connections that I can use but it may be easier than trying to pull the entire harness. I don't have my haynes manual in front of me but does anyone know the wire gauge used for the harness?

I will tackle the wiring once I get the car home I appreciate all the help and the patience with me. If Central Texas would ever get enough interest I could formalize my automotive training here in Germany and know what the hell I am doing! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/slap.gif)

[orange914]

Jeff and a couple of you have pointed out the difficulty in removing the harness itself

pulling is straight forward enough if your not worried about further damage. the hard part is the tunnel. i parts car harness sold the guy cut the whole harness at the tunnel and made a nice connector plug there. not trying to sell you on replacement if your trouble shooting skills are there and if the harness isn't too butchered it may be easier to redo.

mike

[SirAndy]

i parts car harness sold the guy cut the whole harness at the tunnel and made a nice connector plug there.

no need to cut a single wire !!! (or cut up your car!)

HOW TO: Install a main wiring harness, plus, identify the wires ...
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=13582

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Andy

[stephenaki]

i parts car harness sold the guy cut the whole harness at the tunnel and made a nice connector plug there.

no need to cut a single wire !!! (or cut up your car!)

HOW TO: Install a main wiring harness, plus, identify the wires ...
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=13582

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Andy

Dude, you're now my favorite... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/KMA.gif) So next question, on the fuse block there are holes to route the little nipple for 3 relay sockets. Pain in the ass to do this by the way, I only got one through. Of the 3 relay sockets I only had 2 with relays in them, one for the lights, the other I can't remember. Can someone tell me what each socket is for?

If I replace the sockets, are they all the same setup? I only see one version of the socket with harness offered on PP so assume that all the sockets are the same they just hook up to different wires.

I have already been formulating an evil scheme..err plan on the electrical system and looking up stuff but still need to rely on the groups expertise to help me out.

Last question, will an aftermarket wiper and and light switch work? I found a clean light switch, looking for wiper switch, that was about $20 or so. I am thinking the wiper switch more so than the light switch needs replacement but I am not opposed to putting in all new switches across the board.