DIY loom?

[AxlFoley]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I was wondering if anyone has made their own wiring loom? I know I need a new one, but I want mine to be a bit custom, what are the things to look out for? Is it a pain in the ass and should I just get an off the shelf loom?

Ta mark


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[Nick-Rackham]

I made a custom loom for my mates Split a few years back. Wasn't that difficult, more time consuming, but then you do get what you want instead of having to add to something that's already made. If time isn't an issue I'd go custom every time. If you can't get original colours (from memory I think it's the hazard, and or indicators which have a tri-colour cable) then make a look up table of original to new. (although I wouldn't stray too far away from stock colours) You will also have the advantage of using more relays etc which takes the load of the already old switch gear, and should help prolonge the life I'd recommend decent terminators and a good quality crimp tool. Heat shrink terminals are my preference.

Always add a few spare cables in too! Never know when you're going to want something extra

 

[*Sam*]

I really like the idea of this Nick where do you source your automotive cable and terminals from.
I struggled to find the correct colour wires last time I looked.

 

[Nick-Rackham]

It's been a while but this site looks very familiar http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/home/homepage.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and the crimp tool I use is on this site. I used standard cable for the last one I did, but now I think I'd use thinwall cable, but that's just personal choice. I'm not sure I used the connectors from this site though as from memory I think all the heatshrink insulators were separate! (I remember having to redo a couple because I forgot to put the heatshrink insulator on before crimping the connector! Hope that helps? but the all in one heatshrink crimp ends look OK

 

[Nick-Rackham]

Just to add, K@rlos asked me to have a look at his loom that he bought pre-made, and I don't think he'd mind me saying it was a frackin nightmare trying to work out what was what as none of the colours matched, and it used bespoke loom connectors. Definitely go with Custom made! I know that the amount of time I spent on it, and his neighbour spent trying to get everything to work was a lot longer than it would take to make from scratch!

Extra wires for:- Tacho, Oil pressure, head temp, oil temp, could run speaker cable front to back instead of under carpet..... just a few ideas!

 

[K@rlos]

Just to add, K@rlos asked me to have a look at his loom that he bought pre-made, and I don't think he'd mind me saying it was a frackin nightmare trying to work out what was what as none of the colours matched, and it used bespoke loom connectors. Definitely go with Custom made! I know that the amount of time I spent on it, and his neighbour spent trying to get everything to work was a lot longer than it would take to make from scratch!

Extra wires for:- Tacho, Oil pressure, head temp, oil temp, could run speaker cable front to back instead of under carpet..... just a few ideas!

I don't mind at all! In the end I ended up making my own front end section because nothing worked :x it was a ******* *******! :suicide: once sorted it's not caused me any issues. As for extra gauges etc I've run a length of 7 core the length of the bus wrapped in that armoured conduit to keep it neat!

 

[geordie]

I got a question for all of you
Garage were my bus is being restored
The mechanic cut through my wiring loom
Under the floor pan he said it would be
Ok joining it back together?

Anyone got a opinion on this

 

[Nick-Rackham]

I got a question for all of you
Garage were my bus is being restored
The mechanic cut through my wiring loom
Under the floor pan he said it would be
Ok joining it back together?

Anyone got a opinion on this

If they damaged it, replace! don't join / crimp together where it's out in the elements! asking for trouble later on down the line! Get them to replace