So .... about the wiring

[krswen]

I've just about completed a complete rebuild of my 1974 Panther and am thinking about a BDR Cobra. Often the weakest link in builds, or rebuilds, is the wiring. I completely reworked my Panther wiring and added a modern relay/fuse box. Also remade every connection, many with WeatherPack connectors.
How would you rate the wiring in BDR's? If I buy a used one will I probably be looking at a rewire? The Panther also has primitive electrics ... just the bare minimum to run the car. I would guess a cobra would be the same.
Is it possible to get a copy of the build manual so I can get a feel for the electrical layout?

Ken

[BADSN8K]

An advantage you have of buying BDR vs. say a Factory 5 is that the BDR's are factory reproduction cars. Therefore the wiring harnesses are installed day in and day out by the same people in a production line.

That being said, I have one on order. Build 1445

I bought my 1st Cobra that was assembled in a Garage. While it was a superb build, I had a problem with ignition. When he upgraded his MDS to a 6AL he crimped one end and forgot the other 2 ends. wrapped in the wire loom and taped them... I had to completely tear apart. !#!%^&***!!!!

If you look at BDR FB page you can find a number of pics of cars being built. The attached link is my car in the African factory. I am excited about getting mine..

Should you have further questions call Jay at Vintage Motorsports in CT. I realize your in CA but he has a fine reputation and has been doing this for years.

Best of Luck to you!







VINTAGE Motorsports Photo Gallery - Backdraft #1445

[Cashburn]

You've got me really interested... I've answered all the questions for years. But never wiring. Really, I am honestly intrigued. This panther must have been something. Give me a call.

[krswen]

The reason I'm leery of wiring .... I've had a TR3, two E-types and now the Panther with British wiring. You know, those mickey-mouse bullet connectors, unreliable relays, switches, etc. And an Alfa and three Ferraris .... Italian electrics being the second worst on the planet. After Ford owned Jaguar they got "quality religion" and are better. But I prefer to do my own wiring to modern standards. The curse of being a retired automotive engineer I guess.

Ken

[jeffnolan]

Having owned 3 Range Rovers and a Jaguar that the manufacturer bought back from me after having it for a mere 6 days (which led me to a Cobra, worth noting), I'm not sure that Jaguar-Land Rover got the religion you highlight. Better yes but definitely not as good as their class peers... electrical issues dominate the problems I have with this brand.

I currently have 2 electrical issues with my BDR Cobra: the turn signals blow the fuse as do the gauge lights. I'm still troubleshooting and here is what I have found:

- the wiring itself is pretty basic as you would imagine with no accessories and onboard computers to power. Basically it's engine management and lighting.
- the Backdraft harness is easy to work with because it runs along the chassis.
- the owner documentation is out of date so you can't rely on it for wire colors, etc.
- the one persistent quality issue I am finding is that the connectors often have connection issues with the wiring that can cause shorting. I had to replace the headlight connectors after one shorted, and have found 2 of the four turn signal connectors with loose wires.

To end on a positive note, the wiring is logically laid out and easy to follow even without a good schematic.

Originally Posted by krswen

The reason I'm leery of wiring .... I've had a TR3, two E-types and now the Panther with British wiring. You know, those mickey-mouse bullet connectors, unreliable relays, switches, etc. And an Alfa and three Ferraris .... Italian electrics being the second worst on the planet. After Ford owned Jaguar they got "quality religion" and are better. But I prefer to do my own wiring to modern standards. The curse of being a retired automotive engineer I guess.

Ken

[jimbo01]

To add to your discussion. The ground wire to all the gauges is chained linked. I installed a ground bar (marine) and ran separate wires to all the gauges. This solved the grounding problem. I plan to change the dash panel this winter. I will reroute all the wires and make sure they are in an orderly manner.

[Winchester67]

After years of owning English cars starting with MG in High School and ending with Lotus after college, dielectric grease is your friend on all those bullet connections...