wiring problems

Posted by David Grubbs On 2013/5/20 21:52:00

Well, after two years of starts and stops and other projects getting in the way, the 39 120 rewiring is completed. I used a kit from Potomac Packards, which was well done with good directions. The problem was getting the time to put it all together.

The fun part was changing the 12 volt alternator system back to a 6 volt generator. The generator was a good used one I had on the parts shelf, but it wouldn't product electricity when the engine was fired up. Turns out that I had painted the firewall before I put the accessories back on, and forgot to sand it away under the screws for the voltage regulator, so no ground. A few minutes with a screwdriver and some sand paper cured that problem.

However, a more troubling problem is the lights (sealed beam type). When I pull the light switch on, the ammeter jumps back and forth, and you can hear the circuit breaker opening and closing. And the lights don't work. The turn indicators work fine. I looked at the light switch (the one with about a dozen wires on it) and none of the wires appear to be touching another one. Any suggestions as to where to look for problems?

Regardless, it was nice to hear the old 282 merrily idling away after two years of hibernation. I should be able to take it out for a drive this weekend, as long as I don't drive it at night!