"Hidden" Engine Bay Wiring - Your Methods

[70chall440]

I have always run my cables through the interior on the drivers side under the wiring plate. If it cannot be safe there, it will not be safe anywhere else IMO. You just have to make sure it is protected (regardless of where you run it).

[dfrazz]

I have always run my cables through the interior on the drivers side under the wiring plate. If it cannot be safe there, it will not be safe anywhere else IMO. You just have to make sure it is protected (regardless of where you run it).

A wiring plate would is a must if going through the interior, good call!   

[70chall440]

  always use them. I also ensure there is some type of locating/holding devices used to keep the cable exactly where I want it to be. Anything that poses even a remote chance of cutting or rubbing the cable is padded or the cable is protected. A little attention to detail here is worth a lot.

[dave73chally]

always use them. I also ensure there is some type of locating/holding devices used to keep the cable exactly where I want it to be. Anything that poses even a remote chance of cutting or rubbing the cable is padded or the cable is protected. A little attention to detail here is worth a lot.

Is there a wiring plate under the carpet or do I need to buy one?

[dfrazz]

Is there a wiring plate under the carpet or do I need to buy one?

There is only a "channel" to hold the wiring under the sill plate.  I would go buy a wiring plate for your battery cables.

[70chall440]

on the left side of the car (beside the seat at floor level, under the carpet) there is a sheet metal plate which protects wires running from front to back. They are spot welded to the floor on tabs. The plate can be bent out to gain access to the wiring, however on some cars, the tabs can break, however most of the time they are fine and can be used for years. You can also make one if yours is gone or you want something different.

[YellowThumper]

on the left side of the car (beside the seat at floor level, under the carpet) there is a sheet metal plate which protects wires running from front to back. They are spot welded to the floor on tabs. The plate can be bent out to gain access to the wiring, however on some cars, the tabs can break, however most of the time they are fine and can be used for years. You can also make one if yours is gone or you want something different.

It is a simple plate and an additional one could be added for the passenger side interior sill.

FWIW I am using a relay block scrounged from a Lincoln that had a trunk mount battery. It's main power line is inside the cabin.

Mike

[Georgewaw]

ok so i guess the engine bay cover is outa the question. what engine components are paintable...? i know the valve cover, but what else?

[HP2]

Everything is paintable. Whether it lasts or can be done in a manner that looks good is the question. If you really want an engine cover, I don't see why you couldn't adapt or fabricate one up.

[70chall440]

I am sure you could fabricate one, but why would you? On new cars it is one thing, but on a vintage car I think it would be distracting.

[dave73chally]

  ...hiding the entire engine bay? 

[70chall440]

I think it is a trend to a degree. A lot of the custom car builders do this as a matter of course.