Re: 1969 S4 - replacing old behind dash wiring (doh!)
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:45 pm
Hi folks - well, I've finally had time to start to tackle the wiring replacement task that I reached to out everyone for feedback and advice on back in November. Thanks again for all the great info that folks provided back then.
I have one follow up question as well as an update.
Question: Assuming I disconnect the wiring on the steering column can I just slide the outer column out and off, and then easily back on when the time comes? I've disconnected it from the mid point bracket that mounts to the chassis as well as the bracket that holds it to the dash. The outer part of the column moves up and down easily (at least the few inches I've tried) but I was reluctant to try to slide it all the way off the inner column in case it's complicated to get it back on for some reason. Thanks!
Regarding the dash removal, I started this weekend going back and reading threads about removing the dash - my goal was to remove the dash to have full access to the wiring, and from there assess whether I wanted to just replace the damaged wiring, or whether additional cleanup/replacement is warranted.
As of this afternoon, after bagging and tagging my way along, I've succeeded in getting the dash unfastened and laid flat in the car. Previous to the wiring damage, all the electrics were working (although I'm not sure about the heater, never tried to turn it on), and I can now see where the damaged wiring is and should be straightforward to replace that portion.. I don't think the previous owner was a stickler for following Lucas wiring color coding, but somehow it all was working.
After having taken a very brief initial look at the wiring, I think at a minimum I'll put in at least some molex type connectors to make it much easier the next time I, or the next owner, need to pull the dash. Still thinking about the level of rewiring I want to do above and beyond fixing the damaged wiring and putting some connectors inline.
Adding some pics that I hope may end up being useful for someone down the road, and to give folks a view of how the darkness behind this particular Elan's dash looks in the light of day.
Look forward to any feedback that you may have and I hope someone can assist with my question about the steering column.
Thanks!
Rich
I have one follow up question as well as an update.
Question: Assuming I disconnect the wiring on the steering column can I just slide the outer column out and off, and then easily back on when the time comes? I've disconnected it from the mid point bracket that mounts to the chassis as well as the bracket that holds it to the dash. The outer part of the column moves up and down easily (at least the few inches I've tried) but I was reluctant to try to slide it all the way off the inner column in case it's complicated to get it back on for some reason. Thanks!
Regarding the dash removal, I started this weekend going back and reading threads about removing the dash - my goal was to remove the dash to have full access to the wiring, and from there assess whether I wanted to just replace the damaged wiring, or whether additional cleanup/replacement is warranted.
As of this afternoon, after bagging and tagging my way along, I've succeeded in getting the dash unfastened and laid flat in the car. Previous to the wiring damage, all the electrics were working (although I'm not sure about the heater, never tried to turn it on), and I can now see where the damaged wiring is and should be straightforward to replace that portion.. I don't think the previous owner was a stickler for following Lucas wiring color coding, but somehow it all was working.
After having taken a very brief initial look at the wiring, I think at a minimum I'll put in at least some molex type connectors to make it much easier the next time I, or the next owner, need to pull the dash. Still thinking about the level of rewiring I want to do above and beyond fixing the damaged wiring and putting some connectors inline.
Adding some pics that I hope may end up being useful for someone down the road, and to give folks a view of how the darkness behind this particular Elan's dash looks in the light of day.
Look forward to any feedback that you may have and I hope someone can assist with my question about the steering column.
Thanks!
Rich