Got sidetracked

After removing the wiring harness from the Morgan a while back I thought that fixing it will be a quick job. Removing the entire PVC tape wrap took an entire evening. A shortage caused by the white (ignition) cable slipping of the Weber Idle solenoid, caused more damage than I initially saw. It was pure luck that the white cable was on the outside of the loom for the most part. But it also melted he cables for the washer pump, rear brake lights, horn, indicators, driving lights and the digital speedo in some places.

While I already had most cable colors required to replace and fix the damage – there were I had to order. Last year I ordered a few cable colors from Germany websites – but the FLRY cable you get here has a slightly different color. As the website of AutoElectricSupplies in the UK is quite good and because they offer IOSS for orders up to 120GBP net – I ordered there and the delivery arrived four days later. The color – especially all green cables with different tracer colors are different from the typical MGB, Mini or Morgan looms.

While replacing the damaged cables one by one, I got annoyed by the fact that I had about 60 different cable colors and types all in a box. And when I noticed that I need even more colors – I reverted to order from AutoSparks again. The cables I ordered from them back in 2020 have exactly the right color. However, they don’t offer the IOSS ordering. Due to import tax they are significantly more expensive.

To use the time I had to wait for the delivery via FedEx, I decided to build a small storage cupboard and get empty spools to improve the storage, organisation, and handling of all those different cables required in a BSAU7 color codes British wiring harness. Winding the cables onto the empty spools took a few hours. Next, I thought that a bit of scrap wood, PVC cable pipes and a can of old paint and a few hours in the woodshop would be all that is needed. But was sounds and looks simple – took three entire evenings in the end. For the MGB around 30 different cable colors are required. In the final 1983 BSAU7a standard lists more than 110 color-combinations. My new little cupboard is 62x62x13,5cm in dimension and can hold ~60 spools as well as 24 little containers for all the different connectors.

But even with this done I still did not finish the Morgan loom. LeJog 2023 is starting shortly. I will be the navigator on Martin’s 1971 Mini Cooper S. A few weeks back I did all HeroClub training sessions. As it is one thing to do this at the desk – I decided to try a few in the dark with a headlamp on the passenger side of Miffi. This is for sure a lot harder. Additionally, I started planning on what to wear and had to buy a new suit/Smoking. This is needed for evening event in case we make it to John o’Groats.

Just after I had this sorted – Martin called and said that the Mini might have an engine issue. We brought it to a garage. While waiting for more infos, I considered getting Maggie ready as backup car for the LeJog. But there were too many things I would want to change before going on a rally like this. Getting the overhauled rear axle in would be one thing – ideally, I would also like to get a bit more ground clearance (not that easy). A sump guard and protection for the fuel tank would be high on my list as well.
All of those things would be nice – but essential would be a good timer as additional to the Brantz International Pro tripmeter. And finding a better mounting point for those would in Maggie would be nice. As I had Mildred’s old RHD dashboard laying around – I took this apart to check if it would be feasible to replace the glove-box lid – without damaging the dash. And this is what I will be working on at some point. Now all I could do was a cardboard mockup. This afternoon I also decided to “hack” my Brantz International Pro 2. One of the things that is super annoying is the “Zero-Total” switch. It just needs to be tipped down shortly to reset the total counter. This happened multiple times on the last events to me – and I assume LeJog roads will even be harder.

Tomorrow I will add an additional press button and rewire the pick cable. Only if this button is pressed, tipping the switch will zero the total counter. Should be an easy fix. In the meantime, Martin called and told me that the Mini should be good to go. We will start Wednesday night after work. I am not sure if there will be much time for updates here over the next two weeks. Maybe I manage uploading a few pictures – stay tuned