Date:         Wed, 5 Jun 2002 14:44:02 -0400
Reply-To:     rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Re-wiring doors (power windows, etc)
Comments: To: Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM>

I'm in the middle of doing this very thing and taking photos as I go. Finding matching wire - particularly the colored wire with stripes has been something I have not had success with. If anyone has any resources, please post.

Here is what I had found out so far.
1.) Make sure your windows are UP if you have power windows.
2.) Dissconnect battery
3.) Remove the fusebox from its mounts (but don't unplug anything)
4.) You can now access all the plugs from the door wires. Label the connectors and unplug.
5.) Cut the wire ties holding the harness to the door, label and disconnect the connectors.
6.) Thread the harness out the door. Slowly. You may have to play with getting the connectors through, but you can do them all without cutting any wires.
7.) Examine the wires. You will find most are broken in the first 12."
8.) IMHO you are better off replacing the whole wire than just patching it with connectors.
9.) I'm going to try adding a nylon mesh covering over the wires - like sold at speed shops for hose dressing - the idea that this will make it easier to keep the wires together and give them a little more "slip"

That's what I have so far.

Oh, I'd do one side at a time - that way you always have the opposite side connected as an emergency  reference.

Todd
'88 Westy


On Wed, 5 Jun 2002 10:42:31 -0700 Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

Has anyone completely rewired their driver's side door in order to cure the
problems associated with the lack of proper strain relief?  (This causes the
wires to kink and the side mirror and/or power windows to quit working)

I will be embarking on this project this weekend, and wondering if anyone
has BTDT and has some words of advice/suggestions.   I am assuming that
finding wire that matches the color scheme of the stock wiring will not be
difficult....

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA