Hey guys-

I am considering converting the electrical in a classic to a modern wiring harness (www.painlesswiring.com). I know there are some mini owners who have done this with their v-tech conversions, but I can't find anyone who has done it and kept the mini engine.

I would be running a 1275cc, but thought that converting to a modern harness might eliminate some of the electrical issues caused by the Lucas harness. Is there anything to be worried about since the car will still have Lucas components? Would you just replace the Lucas harness with a brand-new Lucas harness?

Opinions/Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

Bobby Martin of Jax, Fl.

 

JMHO: you'd still have the original connectors and the components they connect to. My somewhat limited experience has been that the connectors corrode and/or to components themselves are less that top quality... and they're old. Add to that questionable or deteriorating ground connections. You might be better off reconditioning all the connections using a brass brush or dremel tool, and a chemical contact cleaner. Several other posts on NAM have addressed methods for doing this.

FWIW,
Steve

 

i agree with Shorn......most of the time you dont need to replace the wiring harness......but a good scrub down of all the connectors is prob just as good if not better since the wire loom might not even be an issue.......

 

Would dielectric (sp?) grease help the situation AFTER cleaning the terminals and plugs? Just a thought. :biggrin:

 

As I recall, Minimad or someone else in the Mini bunch was using that or something similar that they got at Advance Auto Parts. Looks like anything the repels moisture and condensation would do the trick.
Related to subject: After I got my Mini and had the thrill of driving at night, I quickly replaced the Lucas headlights (the term 'lights' used loosely) with new headlamps and Xenon bulbs. Money and time well spent. Also replaced the tail, stop and turn signal bulbs with LED versions, which are brighter. Now I need to figure out a way to brighten the lights in the speedo, oil and temp gauges.

 

I will agree on the lights for sure.

I was BLINDED having MINIs around at night on the Dragon run.

 

Check out Little British Car Company for halogen instrument bulbs. The site is not that easy to navigate nor to post links to the relevant page, they've got 'em.

http://www.lbcarco.com/

 

I was just remembering the great reason for a Painless harness...

THE CERTRALIZED FUSEBOX!

Now If you like crappy in-line fuses that's fine, but I have ONE BOX to find any fuses I have issues with.

 

Good point, Xanthus. When I did my headlight mod, I had to add another fuse block to deload the std. 4 fuse block of the additional current draw of the Xenon bulbs. (Also put the CD player and tach on the new block.) The two blocks are side by side, but if I were doing a total Mini renovation I'd certainly consider going the way you show.

 

Madoc, thanks for the halogen instrument bulb link. They sure are fond of those bulbs though! I may have to wait until the feds send me my tax refund!

 

Also remember that you may have some "creative wiring" done by a past owner. I know I did, and well tracking down issues was insane. Now you COULD put in a new Lucas harness and alter it to include a centralized fusebox. I do not know if that would be easier or cheaper than a painless one.

 

I have a 62 Austin Mini with many electrical problems thanks somewhat to previous owners and Lucas (Prince of Darkness) I was wondering which Painless kit you guys were talking about and Does anyone know much about the wireing kits that MINI Mania sells they look good and complete but I don't know much about them any help would be apreiciated