Story so far series 1 resto

[lancianut666]

Hi
I have used the loom tape and sealed the ends with self amalgamating tape. Got the ignition switch in and sanded down and sprayed the dashboard today.

[lancianut666]

The Team

[peteracs]

Hi

Thanks for the tip on the amalgamating tape, will look to use that as well.

Peter

[lancianut666]

More progress today on the horns and dash. Had to fabricate a couple of brackets to fit the horns. I also have tried some of this liquid metal glue stuff on the back of the speedo.

[lancianut666]

The dash is a lot tidier so I might give the screen surround a blast as it is out of the car . I was looking for the cable that feeds the interior light but I now know it does not go up past the windscreen. the speedo retaining lugs had broken on the top so i've glued a couple of washers on with some liquid metal stuff I'll let it set overnight and see if it is any good.

[lancianut666]

As I am adding some extra warning lights I have put an additional earth block under the dash saves using those crimp on tap things. The horns are in I discovered out of all my 20 odd HSS drill only 2 were sharp enough to drill mild steel! any one used a decent drill sharpener ?

[lancianut666]

So yet more cable has been ordered along with some cheapo rear light clusters so I can get all the wiring tested. While I wait for that to come I might whip the fuel tank out and check the fuel gauge sender  it looks a bit crusty in there. Good news bad news? the fuel tank smells as though it has had paint thinners poured in to it oh joy.
Clarkey

[lancianut666]

Hi all, had a play about with the dash today. the liquid metal stuff was a flop perhaps I mixed it wrongly? it had gone off but was no where near hardened so to plan B. When I got the car the speedo was stuck in with dried out blue tack so I rummaged in the spare parts bin and found what looks like a seal from lamp cluster off god knows what. A quick trim with the tin snips and it fitted just right round the speedo and when I tightened up the clamps on the back it looks like it just grew there well chuffed.

[lancianut666]

Fitted a wee 70p panel for full beam and sidelights on warning lights, when the dash is in the car I might put some indicator warning lights in. As the new cable came today I got on with the loom to the back of the car, looking at the wiring diagram I think I can dispense with the combined ind/brake light so I ran in a extra set of wires for the indicators having 100m of the stuff to play with. The length of wrapping took about 45 minutes so not too bad. I will run the loom down the side of the dash and along the sills under the mat/carpet. bit more planning to get the loom into the boot god knows where Lancia ran it. Last shot is the cheapo rear light I also got some front indicator/sidelights so I can test all the wiring till I get some new lights I will put up a pic of what is left of one of the rear lights tomorrow.

[lancianut666]

One point that has come about with the rewire is I am constantly underestimating the lengths of cable required or the elves are snipping about 3ft off every bit I lay in when I'm not looking. I would advise anyone considering this to probably remove the loom completely as far is possible and if you are replacing it as it came out just match up your cable lengths. Another thing is the time it is taking the Lancia loom is damn well kept in place by some substantial steel cleats so needs to be winkled out. Still with a bit of luck we might have the testing start next week hopefully as I'm off to Italy next weekend. These period pull out switches were taken off the dash might bung em on Ebay
Clarkey

[lancianut666]

hi all
Got round to extending the loom to the back of the car and fitting a connection block so I can separate the loom and get it out of harms way when I start on the bodywork.

[lancianut666]

Into the boot area at last and getting the new wiring into the rear light positions and finally a light unit wired in but not fastened to the car unless you count the bluetack that is holding it on. Dashboard next!!!!

[lancianut666]

Putting the dash back in was quite straightforward after i had tried to make sure I had checked all the relevant cables were going to the right places and my mods to the wiring were in place. I checked the bulbs in the dash and one was out and the other 2 blackened so i will get new ones first before the speedo goes in. Looking at the final pic today makes me realise why we do this sort of stuff can't wait to be able to turn the key and here some whirry noises from the engine compartment. Still plenty to do before then but on the home straight now

[DavidLaver]

I'm so pleased you went into the dash and beyond rather than being tempted to "call a halt" at the engine bay.  Its peace of mind, you now know every wire, and I expect also a huge sense of achievement to carry into the next phase.  How many days?  It seems to have got done in pretty short order.

David

[SanRemo78]

I take my hat off to you for a total rewire, I'm in the middle of one myself but I do have to say that I pity you or the next owner when the time comes to start tracing electrical faults. Unless I'm missing something colour coding is preferable to a single colour throughout no matter how straight forward the loom is.

Just my tuppence worth!

Guy