Re: '48 Head Light Switch & Circuit Breaker

Posted by DavidPackard On 2014/6/19 19:07:23

The '48 circuit breaker is replaceable without removing the switch. Modern breakers appear to have the same geometry as the historic examples, so availability is not an issue. The breaker does not have a built-in mounting bracket so you might have to shop around. I use DelCity.Com for my automotive electrical materials (switches, wire, shrink tubing, connectors). I did remove the front seat cushion to make it a bit easier to get comfortable on what I was expecting to be a long job . . . it wasn't . . . long that is, but I could never find a good place for the 'string light'.

The modern unit operates at least 30 degrees cooler than the original item (135 F v 165 F), and the modern unit data was recorded at a higher outside air temperature than the original which matters with circuit breakers. Only the wire connections with 'bullet connectors' need to be removed so remember with color wire goes where.

So far so good. I'll re-post if the diagnosis was wrong, or the modern unit isn't up to the job. I measured about 16-20 amps passing thru the breaker (2 headlights, 2 tail lights, 1 license plate bulb) and installed a 30 A modern unit. If the Packard original unit was marked that ink left the station long ago. I've also read that circuit breakers have a finite life if they are asked to open and close. One source indicated about 50 cycles before the arcing at the contacts renders the breaker useless.

dp