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MG MGA - wiring question

I know people say there are no stupid questions but this may be one. I am restoring my 59 coupe. I have the body off and am now refurbishing the frame. I finished the front suspension and am now ready to do a little wiring. Please keep in mind I am truly a novice. My question is what wiring and or other work should be done before I place the body back on the frame? Thanks for all advice.
Bud W.
S.A. White

Start by reading MGAguru sections on wiring harnesses
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/et100a.htm
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

You can install all wiring after the body is mated to the chassis.

In production the side harness and main battery cable were installed in the frame, and all other wiring (except the dash harness) was installed in the body before the body was installed on the chassis. This is why there is a bundle of snap connectors near the starter switch in the engine bay, and more snap connectors aft of the RR wheel. This arrangement also allows R&R of the body without removing the wiring harness.

The instrument panel can be assembled on the bench, and the dash harness can be installed there as well. The dash assembly is then connected to the main harness wiring before the dash is "offered up" to the body for final installation.

For field service it is possible to R&R the whole wiring harness without disconnecting the side harness.
Barney Gaylord

Bud, assuming its LHD, install the wiper motor and wheelboxes in the body, while you can stand in the engine bay.
Art Pearse

Thanks for the replies regarding the chassis and the body.I have run the wires for the tail lights. I have run the battery cable to the engine bay. I have installed the fuel pump and lines.So If I understand properly I can now place the body back on to the frame and finish the installations from there.
Thanks again
Bud W.
S.A. White

engine and gearbox in the chassis?
Art Pearse

As always thanks for all the input concerning the question about when to put the body back on the chassis. I should have stated that I will put the engine and transmission back on the chassis before the body.
Appreciate all the help.
Bud W
S.A. White

Bud,
Install the brake lines and hand brake cable prior to putting the body on, if you have not already done so. Assume you have the complete back axle on, and front hubs, and shock absorbers.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

Also you can install much of the carpeting as well , so you don't have to try and fold yourself into configurations not intended for the human body.
C.R. Tyrell

Don't forget that you cannot put the body on if the gas tank is installed.
JL Cheatham

Well, the factory did it with the fuel tank installed before the body. I suppose they installed the fuel tank (temporarily) to hold the back end of the fuel pipe in place (also maybe the fuel level sender wire) when the fuel pipe was installed in the chassis. To install the body they loosened the straps and dropped the tank down a bit, leaving it attached to the fuel pipe. then put the tank back in place when the body was down. Curious process. Seem like it would have been easy enough to make the hole in the boot floor a little larger, since it has a rubber cover and trim ring anyway.
Barney Gaylord

And some of the rubber covers for around the tank filler pipe from current suppliers are completely the wrong shape.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

This thread was discussed between 15/12/2013 and 30/12/2013

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