Wiring replacement

Technical advice Q&A

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tim wood
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#1 Wiring replacement

Post by tim wood » Fri Sep 26, 2025 5:54 pm

Evening to all,
Over the winter I’m planning to replace the main and dashboard harnesses. I’ll probably buy the parts from Autosparks . My existing cables have been modified many times - quite often by me and during the RHD conversion I extended the existing and also swapped to toggle switches. So I have a bit of a rats nest to contend with.

I’ve read the guides from the knowledge base.
Any other tips would be useful from those who have done this job.

Thanks
Series 1 FHC purchased 50 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.

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MSM
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#2 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by MSM » Fri Sep 26, 2025 6:30 pm

Hi Tim

If you have not done so already renew the fuse boxes. Buy yourself a copy of the Coventry whatever wiring diagrams. Get a set of replacement grommets and stock up on patience!!

Mike
Mike

1969 S2 FHC

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tim wood
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#3 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by tim wood » Fri Sep 26, 2025 6:40 pm

Thanks Mike,
I’ve done the fuse boxes , the grommets is thing I hadn’t thought of.

Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 50 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.

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MSM
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#4 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by MSM » Fri Sep 26, 2025 6:50 pm

Tim

Another couple of thoughts. As you are grovelling about under the dash replace the instrument voltage regulator with a solid state version.

I have a recollection that I had to extend some leads at the RH end of the dash cable, maybe something to do with the ignition switch?
Mike

1969 S2 FHC

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DWW
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#5 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by DWW » Fri Sep 26, 2025 9:08 pm

If your ignition switch/key is on the dash, as on a series 1, install a 40A ignition relay.
Danny

1962 S1 3.8 FHC (1012/1798)
2015 Range Rover Sport SVR
"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

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tim wood
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#6 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by tim wood » Fri Sep 26, 2025 9:29 pm

Thanks Danny, yup that’s in place

Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 50 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.

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mgcjag
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#7 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by mgcjag » Sat Sep 27, 2025 9:44 am

Hi Tim...would reccomend laying out a new harness on the floor/table and taking the time to lable each wire both ends and buzz it out.....iv had a few connectors that wernt crimped correctly so I always pull off the plastic sleeve and solder each one.....time worth spending now on the table rather than fault finding in the car....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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Jack the lad
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#8 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by Jack the lad » Sat Sep 27, 2025 9:59 am

I bought a Series 2 full wiring harness (3 parts) and was delighted with it. Every lead had the correct connector fitted and all the wires were the correct colour code and length. I tied small labels to each end with the name of where it went then offered it up to the car. I had previously bought a grommet kit (big bag without any clue as to where they went) and as I removed each grommet in turn matched it to the new one from the bag, this was the worst part of the job. All the wires fitted perfectly and were well connected to their end connectors. I have no connection (no pun intended) to Autosparks and cannot recommend them enough, my harnesses were perfect in every respect.

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tim wood
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#9 Re: Wiring replacement

Post by tim wood » Sat Sep 27, 2025 10:28 am

Thanks for all the comments - useful stuff.
I may well go to the stoneleigh spares day and have a chat with the guys.
I’m not afraid of wiring issues and am competent with a meter and iron but this is a fairly involved job

Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 50 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.

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