Next project - ‘62 997 Austin Cooper

[Dearg1275]

After waiting a week for FedEx to deliver a parcel I’m now all set to create my very own spaghetti junction.

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D

[kevs 1961 mk1]

ive all this to go through eventually on my 61 mk1 mate , good luck with the wiring

[Dearg1275]

It has always irked me that removing the mini radiator is such a hassle, especially on the mk1&2s. While I waited for my wiring to arrive I came up with this solution .

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Reversing the way the bottom section fixes to the engine mount bracket was the key, then a sliding rod to the rear and a tab and slot at the front allows the top section to slide out with the top of the cowl attached. Undo two nuts on the thermostat housing and the pinch bolt to the front and, with the hoses disconnected, the job is done in minutes.

I haven’t decided on a fastener for the top of the slide rod which is why it is still so long. It may not need one.

D

[mk1]

Very tidy! An excellent mod.

What are you planning on doing with the loom. A full one, or just additions?

M

[Dearg1275]

Thanks. Re the loom. I’m doing a full loom through out, Works fashion. I’m re-routing it clear of the speedo binnacle and incorporating all the additions I will need. I will likely add some safety features after reading the hard shoulder thread. Hazards and a removable high brake light in the rear screen (all discretely hidden away).

D

[Polarsilver]

I added an extra (second) brake light Switch just for supply to the 3rd Brake Light .. i also can switch my 3rd Brake Light off .. so it then becomes a Rear Fog /Rain Light .. agree its not to C&U but with Mk1 rear lights it makes me feel a bit safer on todays roads

[roymck]

I added an extra (second) brake light Switch just for supply to the 3rd Brake Light .. i also can switch my 3rd Brake Light off .. so it then becomes a Rear Fog /Rain Light .. agree its not to C&U but with Mk1 rear lights it makes me feel a bit safer on todays roads

That’s ok until you brake in heavy Fog.

[Dearg1275]

It’s time to stop when your brain goes numb. It all looks like chaos at the moment. I just hope it is organised chaos.

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D

[roger mcnab]

hi d
well its of to a good start i will have a simular job with my clubman v8 with some ring in parts but they all come together in the end so good luck and keep smiling and when it is driving you nuts take the dog for a walk
cheers roger mcnab

[Dearg1275]

I have the engine bay wiring put to bed for now . I haven’t applied the looming tape yet to allow for modifications if anything comes to mind before I finish.

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There is a bit of a way to go yet.

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The engine mock-up can now come out. I can then tackle the gearbox.

D

[roger mcnab]

hi d
well it is coming along well where did you get all that wire from its hard to get that sort of wire over here in australia but i have my sons early laser that i can salvage the harness out of so i could use that wire it has a lot of the connections for the wipers and lights and ignition set up so not much else would be needed there is a lot of stripping to do
i ordered the front brake parts to day for the 8.4 discs etc so i hope to get into that soon as it comes the kit usually comes from england but they said they probably have most of it as stock but a lot of dollars
the virus is making it hard here at the moment how about there
cheers roger mcnab

[Dearg1275]

hi d
well it is coming along well where did you get all that wire from its hard to get that sort of wire over here in australia
cheers roger mcnab

Cable came from Autosparks in Nottingham UK.

www.autosparks.co.uk

D

[Dearg1275]

It’s been too cold to do much in the workshop so I had a rummage through the bits that came on the car. I had half forgotten about this speedo. A nice bonus and as I’m not taking the car back to standard it will get tidied up and fitted. I’ll have to do some cog counting. It doesn’t have a turns per mile number or type number, just like the works speedos (I have a Perspex pointer somewhere too:) ). It would be nice to know whether it was bought new for the car. Were it from another vehicle I would expect to see a type number.

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D

[steve1071]

That's a fabulous and very rare speedo.

Will look even better with the early Morris Perspex pointer.

[Dearg1275]

Steve,

Do you know any more about whether these were available to Joe public from Smiths?

D

[steve1071]

I believe they were special order from Smiths. The trip ones I’ve seen before often have a SN64.. number but some have no number, as yours.

[Dearg1275]

Thanks for that Steve. It’s nice to know it was probably not put together from bits.

Continuing the wiring theme, I needed to know where my dials and switches would live...

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Gradually working towards the ignition switch.

D

[SMOKE GREY]

I have a 997 100 mph speedo with trip, they could be ordered from Smiths I am told.

[Dearg1275]

More wiring. The front loom is now out of the car and nearly complete. The final bits to the fuse boxes I’ll do at the very last once the rest of the loom is sitting neatly. I hope it’s not quite the struggle to get it back in as it was coming out. For now I will tape the sections I know are right and put it away safe from mice.

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D

[Dearg1275]

Spent the day trying to see what my hands were holding in the blast cabinet. The cabinet will need a serious redesign. There is an exhaust air filter which of course clogs up instantly. You can’t easily remove the viewing window to replace the anti scratch sheet. Enough moaning, I’m pleased enough with the results.

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Yes there are bits missing. I did those yesterday and got them painted.

D