15 replies to this topic

[Lucas1988]

Hi Guys
Am looking at getting a new loom for my 1988 mini it has 2 clocks. Do I need to give you more information?

Just wondering a couple of things:

1. Where is the best place to get a replacement loom?

2. Is is possible to get a braided loom over a taped one?

Would really appreciate a load of help with this.

Thanks

[dklawson]

The short answer is that you can still buy cloth covered looms and you can get almost anything you want from AutoSparks.
http://www.autosparks.co.uk/

[skoughi]

I'm gonna be buying a new loom for my clubman in the new year and have priced out a second hand loom from a mini speacialist. I need a few changes done so a newly made one would have cost a bit more than a standard new one. There is the risk that it might be pants but by getting it from a speacialist then I feel there is an eliment of trust that it'll be usable. Been quoted for about £50 for a three clock dash loom, may be worth checking any local mini garages in case you get lucky.

[Jordie]

defo go new if u can. old looms become brittle and wires easily break causing issues in the future. i have used an autosparks one before...very good.

[minidaves]

new loom wins every time

[Lucas1988]

whats the difference between a chassis loom and main harness

[skoughi]

To be honest I haven't priced a new one and I do agree a new one will always be better, but if you're on a budget then its always an option. Any recomendations as to good loom suppliers along with autosparks?

Edited by skoughi, 25 December 2012 - 05:52 PM.

[dklawson]

whats the difference between a chassis loom and main harness

The term loom and harness are used pretty much interchangeably.

The real difference is in the adjectives "chassis" and "main". The meaing can vary from car to car. However, in both cases, the terms chassis or main imply that the section of loom/harness is the part that is in the "core" of the wiring. For example, it is not likely to include things like the shorter harnesses that go to the headlights. Some cars have separate harnesses for the gauges as well. When in doubt, it is best to ask the vendor what is and isn't included so you are not surprised by what you find in the box.

[tiger99]

Just to make you all aware of one thing that you may find in a new loom. The wires may appear to be thinner than the originals, however the reduction is only in the thickness of the insulation, because a stronger material than plain old PVC is now used. The copper core should be the same as always. So if you seem to have thinner wires there is no need to be alarmed. Modern cars are mostly wired with the thin stuff, and it is no less reliable. It makes a very useful difference to the overall thickness of the loom.

[Lucas1988]

thanks for the heads up

[Lucas1988]

where do i find the chassis number as well?

[dklawson]

where do i find the chassis number as well?

Well... that may depend on what number you are looking for and the age of your car. Early cars had a "body number" that was stamped onto a steel tag spot welded to the top of the slam panel near the bonnet latch. The VIN number (probably what you really want) was on an aluminum tag "screwed" to the top of the radiator duct on the inner left front wing. The VIN tag moved to the slam panel on later cars and I don't know if they kept attaching the body number or not.

Others with better knowledge will be able to tell you specific places to look for the VIN tag on later cars.

[Lucas1988]

yep, looking for one on a 1988 jet black

[Lucas1988]

where do i find the chassis number as well?

Well... that may depend on what number you are looking for and the age of your car. Early cars had a "body number" that was stamped onto a steel tag spot welded to the top of the slam panel near the bonnet latch. The VIN number (probably what you really want) was on an aluminum tag "screwed" to the top of the radiator duct on the inner left front wing. The VIN tag moved to the slam panel on later cars and I don't know if they kept attaching the body number or not.

Others with better knowledge will be able to tell you specific places to look for the VIN tag on later cars.

erm when you say slam panel can you explain in more detail, do you mean when looking in the engine bay the little aluminium tag on the left hand side??

[dklawson]

The slam panel is the horizontal bar across the front of the engine bay where the bonnet latch mechanism is mounted. The body number is typically on s steel strip spot welded to that panel. I believe on some cars the aluminum VIN tag is also riveted to this panel. On early cars the VIN tag was screwed to the sheet metal fan shroud attached to the left, inner wing.

The picture below is for a '72 Mini listed on Hemmings web site. The VIN tag is slightly to the left of the latch, the body number I mentioned is seen to the right, just in front of the alternator.