engine wiring loom

Had my car in for a MOT the other day, and a serious meltdown occurred in the engine wiring loom. The garage report smoke coming from behind the dash too, and the cause of the problem is apparently the starter cable chaffing on the heat-shield. I haven't seen the damage myself but Renault won't repair the loom - they'll only fit a complete new one at £359 (ouch) I need to get the car out and that's what I'll be doing tomorrow or Friday. In the meantime, does anybody have a spare wiring loom? I don't know if a full loom is required and won't until I see the damage myself but it's best to be prepared. Phoned up David at ART but the two he had went ages ago. (I must have angered the Gods - my Mac has crashed as well, so I'm writing this from a 'net cafe. I'm scared to get out of bed these days...)

Is the whole loom a mess? I'd have thought that if its the big red starter wire that's chafing then it should be the only one thats messed up. I think it goes straight from the battery to the back of the car so the circuit should just be from that wire back to earth and not necessarily drawing current through anything else. It may of course have melted itself to other wires and made a mess that way. But that wire does run through the entire car so smoke in the cabin would not be inconsistent with that melting.

If the rest of the loom has not melted too badly then you might get away with just replacing that wire - bit of a job but not impossible. £395 sounds very generous to replace the whole loom - I;d have thought parts alone would cost that. let alone the ages in labour.

I think I might be able to assist Well at least let you know what it may have melted The good news is the rear loom connects at the radio end via multiplugs, these pics may help .Let me know if you need any more .You need to remove the front and possibly rear seats to get the tunnel out .Can't see that qouted price going very far at all

Rob had a similar experience that turned out to be his alternator regulator going short. Very unusual in my experience but maybe lightening can strike twice (oof oof)

I'm going up to see what's happened this afternoon. I know a good spark who's going to take it in to his place and have a look-see as well. The trouble is, with no MOT on the car, I can't tax it and therefore can't keep it out on the street to work on it - the lock-up where I keep it doesn't let owners work on their vehicles. Thanks for your replies guys - as I said my Mac's crashed so I'm having to use a 'net cafe at the moment, therefore I'm only able to pick up any of your advice once a day. serves me right for having a Mac I suppose. And an Alpine...I must be a glutton for punishment. Cheers, Andy.