cjhillman
Posted a lot
1979 Capri (Rolling Project) 1985 Escort mk3 (Daily)
Posts: 1,580
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Dec 23, 2017 13:04:36 GMT
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Hi all, We've got a 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 with loads of little electrical problems (break lights, windscreen wipers & Gauges all intermittent) and we've tracked it down to the fuse box not holding the fuses properly, even after pinching the contacts to make the fuse tighter it still doesn't seem to be enough contact unless you push hard on the fuse. Its really getting us down as you can't take the car out in fear of brake lights not working after going over a pot hole. Anyway... we're thinking of replacing it asap. I was thinking of maybe trying to cut out the inner of the fuse box out and hide a modern 3 pin fuse box in there (i'm sure i saw that on this forum? ) but, i just thought, would it be easier to get the same contacts that are in the original fuse box, and replace them? It would save cutting up the car but, would it go bad again or last another 20+ years? I don't know how reliable/unreliable the original boxes are. My Dad was thinking of buying a new original fuse box but that looks like even more of a pain as it looks like you'd have to disconnect the loom?? Any advice welcome. Its not something we've done before but i'm sure it cant be that hard if we take our time? Chris  |
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andyborris
Posted a lot
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.
Posts: 2,148
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Dec 23, 2017 17:54:11 GMT
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Sure it's not cheaply made fuses that are undersized?
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cjhillman
Posted a lot
1979 Capri (Rolling Project) 1985 Escort mk3 (Daily)
Posts: 1,580
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Dec 23, 2017 19:33:47 GMT
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Out of the two types we have, changing them seemed to work but didnt cure the problem for long. we've tried cleaning the contacts and bending them in more. They just don't seem to sit right.
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Dec 24, 2017 17:14:59 GMT
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We've had issues with dodgy fuses which don't conduct electricity even though not blown. It would be perfectly possible to make up a new filler plate and fit a more modern fuse box. You can probably split a few things out on to separate fuses too. Always good to have the overdrive circuit on it's own fuse so it doesn't take everything else with it when it goes! Need something that "goes through" the bulkhead, like this perhaps, though 10 way might be too many www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/1229/weatherproof-surface-mounted-led-fuse-box-10-wayNick |
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1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend)
1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing)
1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,189
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Dec 24, 2017 19:32:25 GMT
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You can add a fag lighter fuse to Nick's list. hoopsontoast can vouch for that one  . If you really fancy going all out I'd be tempted with one of these. I was for the Escort RST when I was debating going EFI ; there was so much extra I would have to have put in separate anyway including: -Chargecooler pump -Booster controller if I went with an EBC as opposed to one integrated into the ECU -Cooling fans -Aftermarket ECU OK you may not need that much stuff but you could possibly rack up a similar amount of extras with headlights if you decided to put them onto a relay and a beefier loom. www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/modular-fuse-and-relay-box-systemIt can get expensive however! That ssid I've bought a replacement fuse box for my MGB and it's made a pleasant difference to things working. I kind of wish I got one for the Stag in hindsight! |
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Dec 25, 2017 11:05:25 GMT
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I had problems with something similar, all has been fine for the last few years. Check each fuse carefully (mine all looked ok but 1 had a loose contact inside) Corrosion on the contacts? Clean then wipe with vaseline etc. Add tension to the clips? slip offcuts of cabletie into the slots next to the clips? The other option is a modern fusebox from one of the kitcar suppliers etc?  |
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cjhillman
Posted a lot
1979 Capri (Rolling Project) 1985 Escort mk3 (Daily)
Posts: 1,580
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Dec 28, 2017 21:03:49 GMT
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Thanks for the replies! was hoping to get out into the garage this week but, i've been ill with flu since christmas eve.
I'll see what we can do with the existing contacts as that would be much easier but, If we do go for a modern fuse box and split out the fuses. I'm struggling to see from the schematic, which wires would spit off in pairs and also what value fuses we would need (still new to electronics!) .
Is there any easy way of figuring this out? I thought that i might be able to see it better in the flesh and pair them off one by one? then all i need to do if figure out the fuse value?
ChasR, i need to do similar on my Escort mk3 too. I didn't come with a fag lighter but i could really do with figuring out how to add a separate fuse/wire for that. Doesnt looks like its as easy to get underneath it as the Spitfire.
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logicaluk
Posted a lot
Every days a school day round here
Posts: 1,301
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Dec 28, 2017 21:36:30 GMT
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The fuse box was the first jobs I did on my mate Richards Herald I just basically cut out the fuse box and put in a modern blade fuse box, the trick i use is to snip the the dividers in between connector terminals on the back of the fuse block and solder in a core from 2.5 mm twin and earth household copper wire to join up the feeds for how ever many fuses you need and solder a female spade on a wire to on terminal to connect to the ignition switch feed then do the same for the permanent lives then crimp on spade terminals to the ends of all the rest. if you do it slowly and methodically you will be fine. This is the type fuse box I use linkI like to split out the over drive (run a feed from the new box) and add a cig lighter socket in the glove box, after that look at which wires you have at the back of the old box and split them out best you can Dan |
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Last Edit: Dec 28, 2017 21:41:37 GMT by logicaluk
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cactus
Part of things
Posts: 372 
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Those Fuse boxesare fitted to 1971-1984 Landrovers too.
I've had over 40 of these and have cured all but 2 of their fuse box related problems by using quality fuses and cleaning the contacts.
The other 2 were melted by the "I'll put a M 6 bolt in there" prices.
The Fuse boxes are still available New.
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Aug 26, 2021 18:54:52 GMT
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Last Edit: Aug 26, 2021 19:05:54 GMT by ollie1982
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Aug 27, 2021 16:07:20 GMT
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I'd be inclined to pull the connector off the back and wire a modern fuse box up inside the car in the dry, you can at this time break the circuits out a bit more as well, if I remember rightly each fuse has about 3 or 4 circuits going to it.
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That's cool Ollie, nice solution |
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cjhillman
Posted a lot
1979 Capri (Rolling Project) 1985 Escort mk3 (Daily)
Posts: 1,580
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Sept 10, 2021 18:31:43 GMT
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I forgot about this thread! The only update I have on this is my Dad bought a new (old style) fuse box and is reluctant to do it himself as the condition of the wiring behind wasnt great. He really hasnt used the Car much with the pandemic so its still on the old fuse box.
Shame I missed that other fuse box, was it 3D printed? I'm sure itll get sorted someday.
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