Advice on wiring harness vendors?

[JGeezer]

For my 1969 Elan +2 Federal project, I have found wiring harnesses from
Auto Sparks, SJ Sportscars, and British Wiring, with a cost spread of about $539 to $652 (plus shipping) for all three.

Anybody have any input on comparative quality?

Thanks!

JGeezer
New Hartford, CT

[YellowS4DHC]

YNZ Yesterdays Parts in southern CA did a harness for us (not a Lotus, but a 60's sports car). YNZ are fairly well known on the US west coast and maintain a high degree of originality with respect to wire color code, connector type, and cable wrap. They have a large database of classic car patterns, including Lotus. They are not cheap, however.

The harness my wife bought ran a bit over $900. Obviously higher than the vendors you cited, and the Plus 2 harness might even be more. You might want to check their web site: http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/

Rick


'72 Europa TC
'69 Elan S4 DHC
'67 S800 Coupe
'57 T1 Speedster

[65ginetta]

I have used both Auto Sparks and Brit Wiring, both my cars were LHD versions of Mk1 Lotus Cortina and S3 Elan, the looms supplied both needed modifications and were not completely correct for our US specification vehicles, however to be fair to both vendors, there were only 168 LHD Mk1 US Lotus Cortina's manufactured and US LHD specification S3 Elan's were hardly a volume car. I have been able to resolve any wiring problems on both cars with help from Elan.net archive and Matty's in the UK. I also got some great help from a guy, Neil Webb in UK, who recommended a tool called a POWERPROBE to check and diagnose any modifications needed. It was invaluable and made modifying the loom much easier. I have no commercial connection or relationship with any of these companies or individuals mentioned.

[JGeezer]

I do see harness listing that are explicitly for Federal cars, so hopefully they'll be correct. I will definitly follow up on the other leads you've provided.

Thank you!

[cabc26b]

If I am not mistaken, Sparks , supplies Brit wiring with their harnesses - I have used the sparks BW/sprks harness for the type 26's and found them to satisfactory in function and look.

[rdssdi]

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, my +2 harnesses were supplied by Auto Sparks UK. I also believe that they supply British Wiring with their harnesses.

It is imperative that you send your original harnesses. Lotus made many changes on their harnesses. Just look at the rear of the +2 factory service manual and you can see a number of different wiring diagrams for the +2.

I sent my original looms with a list of upgrades I was interested in. When I received the harnesses from Auto Sparks they fit perfectly. Supplying the original harnesses will allow Auto Sparks to determine the locations of the various electrical items and offer a "road map" as to where to place additional fuses and relays for example.

I was pleased with the way in which Auto Sparks copied my original looms and how they integrated the upgrades.

Bob
1969 Federal +2

[Gordon Sauer]

Did my +2S 130 through British Wiring--well done and they offered support--it did take some carryover from the one out of the car but they also added wires for electric fuel pump as I requested. Be as specific as possible--like whether you have a DB flasher unit. Gordon Sauer