The Ford Barn

Drbrown · 03-12-2017, 01:08 AM

Circuit breakers are an extremely important part of a car. If you buy a replacement circuit breaker, I recommend you be sure to get a Made in USA unit, either NOS or used from a trusted source, via forum classified ads (Fordbarn, V8 Club, HAMB) or eBay etc.

I'm a non-conformist when it comes to stock electrical systems in older cars. The majority of forum members here don't experience or haven't experienced the problems I have ..... (1) Unprotected by a circuit breaker or fuse, my '47 ignition circuit shorted and melted the wiring insulation, and (2) my stock dual-circuit breaker serving both headlight/parking light systems overheated internally a few times and shut down the lighting unexpectedly - in the dark .... no evidence of shorts in the system.

I rewired using over-sized wire for a 12 volt system, converted the system to blade-type fuse boards serving every device, and incorporated relays for the ignition circuit, headlights and fog lights. At the cost of sacrificing some of the car's hidden vintage character

, the benefit is safety, lower overall electrical system resistance, easier starting, brighter lighting and easy roadside repairs.

03-12-2017, 01:08 AM	#22
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,403	Re: I need some help- circuit breaker question 6V vs 12V Circuit breakers are an extremely important part of a car. If you buy a replacement circuit breaker, I recommend you be sure to get a Made in USA unit, either NOS or used from a trusted source, via forum classified ads (Fordbarn, V8 Club, HAMB) or eBay etc. I'm a non-conformist when it comes to stock electrical systems in older cars. The majority of forum members here don't experience or haven't experienced the problems I have ..... (1) Unprotected by a circuit breaker or fuse, my '47 ignition circuit shorted and melted the wiring insulation, and (2) my stock dual-circuit breaker serving both headlight/parking light systems overheated internally a few times and shut down the lighting unexpectedly - in the dark .... no evidence of shorts in the system. I rewired using over-sized wire for a 12 volt system, converted the system to blade-type fuse boards serving every device, and incorporated relays for the ignition circuit, headlights and fog lights. At the cost of sacrificing some of the car's hidden vintage character , the benefit is safety, lower overall electrical system resistance, easier starting, brighter lighting and easy roadside repairs. Last edited by Drbrown; 03-12-2017 at 01:23 AM.