Floyd Brothers 70 Challenger

[Stu]

Even if I got it tinted to match it would stick out like elephant ears anyway, as it won’t be in the same state as the rest of the paint.

Decided just to go on Monday and choose the closest match my eyes will give me.

When I got the '57 Painted, I deliberately picked a "Standard" colour that could be replicated more easily.

You cannot win for the reasons you mentioned and then the paint will fade over time, but I thought at least it would give me a fighting chance...

Agreed. Decision made and at least I’ll finally know what the colour is…

[Stu]

Well, it’s progress, even if it is slow. 1st time I’ve dropped a box on my own, what a pita of a job without the proper kit.

Off to enjoy another rainy day out now. Hope it brightens up soon…

[mygasser]

you may already know this but a tip for painting engine bays that aren't completely stripped is to cover wires, cables etc with baco foil not tape. easy to apply and scrunch tight to whatever and more importantly it comes off just as easy. anyone who's had to unmask the above parts that are wrapped with masking tape will get this
neil.

[Stu]

Cheers Neil.

Thankfully, I won’t be tackling the paint myself, so leaving it to a good friend who knows what they are doing.

[Stu]

Latest unforeseen issue to raise its head, the loom looks like a fire hazard!

Contemplated getting a new replacement as a starting point and adding on the ancillaries from there, but by Christ, they are pricey! Some similar era cars you can get them for 100-150 bucks, but for a 70 Challenger, seems to be minimum 500 bucks and north!

So unsure how to attack this now, as my electrical prowess is akin to my ability to pilot a space shuttle, so some serious thinking to do now. Not happy at putting it back in and using it as-is, but not sure it’s where I want to cut my teeth on wiring, as that might be a short cut to a fire in itself.

[MattH]

That doesn't look too bad to me, the big plug hasn't gone black and melted which is the usual problem when the alternator feed wire through to the ammeter gets too hot.
There is minimal aftermarket chops too, only a couple of blue connectors. I would suggest careful cleaning up of what you have, most wiring issues are at the connector not the cable itself, so clean contacts and put it all back.
Worth checking if the ammeter bypass has been done, Steve did a very good article on that which is on here somewhere.
I followed it and bypassed the bulkhead connector for the big power feed wire.

[ScottyDave]

Agreed, it doesn't look too bad. Mine was definitely shot and hacked so had to be replaced.
I made my own and it actually wasn't too hard to do. Like Matt said it'll be the connectors that'll let you down, bypass the ammeter if not already done and that should take the weak link out of the equation.

[Dave999]

that fist pricture might need a new connector but then again once all that tape or blue selant is off and you give it a good clean might be fine.

the rest looks ok

get some of this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111575073545

re wrap it all to make it look nice. if what is there is prestty good just do a single re wrap cover over it. useful to do at junctions and spurs, which are akward to wrap from scratch.

start with 3 of 4 rounds move 1 way move back and wrap over you 3 of 4 rounds and then set off in the original direction of travel again. you are providing the equivelent of a roll neck sweater to the end before the uncovered wires.
OR use heat shrink over the free end and shrink it on before you set off down the wire
combo of the two works nice.

either tie the wires togteher with thread or re wrap as you unwrap do not take all the wrapping off at once or you will end up with a web of intrigue and no way to work out how it goes back togteher

cling tape needs to be clean and oil free when installed it does a kind cling flim thing when in contact with itself but not quite immediatelty


in the process any bits that are suspect will
1) fall apart
2) the wire insulation will split

the bits that come apart...not a problem it will usually be the junction between the wire and the connector
and bits that split it will be the last 6 inches that were not wrapped

need some wire some connectors and some heat shrink and a decent understanding of the linemans splice.
if you car is anything like mine chrylser was doing this spliceing anyway in areas hidden by the wrap..presumably to use every last inch of a roll of coloured wire. penny pinching or good comercial sense.... you tell me...



90% of what you have there will be fine. anything under that wrap will still look as good as the day it was installed and won't have been impacted by heat oil and oxygen like the bits that are unwrapped

return when/ if something falls apart and i can expand on the next move

a little brass brush and a hack saw blade ground down to the same width as the port on the back of each modular connector will be useful
insert your new spring steel tool down the tiny slot and press the tang that hold the bullet or spade in the plastic connector. can then pull out the individual connectors to clean and press back to shape with pliers
pull out the tang again before refitting to plastic plug

or just buy an ebay bundle of connector tools

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... s&_sacat=0

you will use approximatly 2 out of the bundle....


you really only need to do the ammeter bypass if you are putting the system under much more load...
you can of course still just run a wire from alternatorto battery+ or stater relay stud leaving the rest in place ammeter see's no load... but you mask any issues with the orginal alternator feed.... its a compromise...


Dave

[Stu]

Steve did a very good article on that which is on here somewhere.

Cheers Matt, I’ll try and find that.

Thanks All, pretty much decided I’m going to try and unpick it and do it again myself, I’ll stick up some pics of progress as I go.

Dave, I picked up a set of connector tools for about a fiver, so will see how I get on.

[Stu]

To quote a fellow member…

Splosh!

[Pete]

Very impressive, Mr.Bond.

[Stu]

I’d love to claim responsibility, but I am eternally grateful to our own Mr P, who has grafted like hell to get two days work done in a day today. What a legend!

I have just been scraping, stirring, sheeting, making cover plates and brewing tea.

[Blue]

You’ve been Tango’ed!

[Stu]

[ScottyDave]

Nice, bet your itching to start putting it back together