Wiring problem

[waltklatt]

I am getting back to the restoration of my 230SL and I did the biggest cardinal sin ever.  I didn't photograph everything.
My usually sharp memory has failed me on 2 wires.  They are two heavy black wires that hang down near the drivers door kick panel.  Both have soldered ends about a 1/4" and from the looks of them they were connected to a post with a screw tightener.
Can anyone help me here?
If nothing, then I'll have to take apart the wiring loom again to see where they go.
My confidence in myself is badly shaken.
Walter

[JimVillers]

Walter .... When tracing the wiring in my MG, I used a tool called a "Power Probe" sold by the Snap-on guy.  It is a wire that connects to the neg and pos of the battery and a probe that has a switch that will put pos or neg voltage on the connector.  It has a circuit breaker so that current is limited but it allows you to easily power a circuit to see where it goes.  Much easier and faster than trying to trace wires. I can bring it to Joe's to show you how it works.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by waltklatt

I am getting back to the restoration of my 230SL and I did the biggest cardinal sin ever.  I didn't photograph everything.
My usually sharp memory has failed me on 2 wires.  They are two heavy black wires that hang down near the drivers door kick panel.  Both have soldered ends about a 1/4" and from the looks of them they were connected to a post with a screw tightener.
Can anyone help me here?
If nothing, then I'll have to take apart the wiring loom again to see where they go.
My confidence in myself is badly shaken.
Walter

Cheer up Walt--I distinctly remember my restorer saying he'd never seen any two 113's with the same wiring...

That being said, from what you say, could it be the floor mounted switch for the high beams or the switch that closes when the door does?  Or am I in the wrong spot here??

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[DavidAPease]

Walter,

(In case Michael's guesses aren't it) Do either of these wires have power, either with or without the ignition on, lights on, etc.?  If so, you could pull fuses to see which fuse that wire is connected to, and really narrow down your possibilites.  I'd probably be willing to take a guess with that info.

-David Pease
'66 French 230SL

[hands_aus]

If you have a stereo radio installed with speakers in the kick panel could it be the speaker wires?

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[waltklatt]

Jim,
Good idea on trying to trace the power circuit.  I will go to the NAPA store to see if they have one.
THanks
Walter

[waltklatt]

Thanks Bob,
This SL did not have the kick panel mounted speakers, only the top of dash one.  But that will be remedied as I have a pair of speakers and a spare set of kickpanels. I will install it together with either the Becker Mexico TR with shortwave or the Grand Prix with the glovebox cassette.
Walter

[waltklatt]

David,
Thanks I have not fully checked these wires yet.  Lights-no power, key in on position-no power, wipers-no power.  SO I will use the test device that Jim mentioned.
Walter

[waltklatt]

Michael,
THanks for the confidence booster.
I actually said the heck with it and took it out on a spin around the block last night, testing my latest creation-diesel motor in a pagoda.  And I must say it's not bad at all except it's a bit loud with the original exhaust and the vague steering.
I will focus on the small things one at a time.
The light switch for the hi/lo beam switch has the wires running to it, so these two wires go somewhere else.  But the area is correct.  I will have to take out the instruments again as the lights went out on me last night-probably the grounding wire fell out. Maybe there I will find something that the two wires go to.
Walter