The Ford Barn

Nosetime · 08-30-2017, 11:46 AM

Hey guys, I have a question. I am at the point to go through wiring on my previously unwired car. Does a Model A need to be running to have lights and horn, etc work? Looks like wiring comes off generator, correct? Just need to mock up and see what works and what needs attention. Thanks, Greg

stouchton · 08-30-2017, 11:51 AM

Nope

1955cj5 · 08-30-2017, 11:52 AM

No need for the engine to run. There should also be a wire from the top of the starter that runs eventually to the generator cutout(relay in the diagram) in the same place the headlight feed wire connects...

Study this for a while.....

Nosetime · 08-30-2017, 03:09 PM

I think thats my problem. My cutout has terminals on both sides? The Lights were connected to the opposite terminal from the starter. The car was not running when I got it, but got that all sorted out. I do have decent auto/boat wiring experience, but I am dealing with someone elses idea of "how to do it".

Nosetime · 08-30-2017, 03:12 PM

55, I probably slept with a crumpled print of that a night or two when resurrecting the engine! Ha Ha!

Nosetime · 08-30-2017, 03:28 PM

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This is what it looked like when I got it. Front terminal is marked bat, rear had lights.

1955cj5 · 08-30-2017, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nosetime

This is what it looked like when I got it. Front terminal is marked bat, rear had lights.

Well there you go....with that setup the engine would have to run for the lights and horn to work.....

Nosetime · 08-30-2017, 05:00 PM

Thanks, so put them both on the front...or bottom on my picture? What is the other terminal originally for?

1955cj5 · 08-30-2017, 05:26 PM

Yes both go on the front of the cutout, the bottom lug in your picture.

The other end of the cutout just connects to the generator output with no other wires connected there...

burner31 · 08-30-2017, 11:52 PM

You don't even need the key in the car to use horn/lights

1955cj5 · 08-31-2017, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burner31

You don't even need the key in the car to use horn/lights

Or even crank the starter....

An excellent reason to install a master battery disconnect switch...there has been lots of discussion about this..

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198972

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175215

.

jax55 · 08-31-2017, 11:14 AM

Probably hooked up that way to avoid running the battery down when the lights were inadvertently left on. Master disconnect would also take care of that...as 55 mentioned.

CarlG · 08-31-2017, 01:47 PM

I have a buzzer that tells me when the lights are on and ignition off.

08-30-2017, 11:46 AM	#1
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Does engine have to run for lights to work? Hey guys, I have a question. I am at the point to go through wiring on my previously unwired car. Does a Model A need to be running to have lights and horn, etc work? Looks like wiring comes off generator, correct? Just need to mock up and see what works and what needs attention. Thanks, Greg

08-30-2017, 11:51 AM	#2
stouchton Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 342	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? Nope

08-30-2017, 03:09 PM	#4
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? I think thats my problem. My cutout has terminals on both sides? The Lights were connected to the opposite terminal from the starter. The car was not running when I got it, but got that all sorted out. I do have decent auto/boat wiring experience, but I am dealing with someone elses idea of "how to do it".

08-30-2017, 03:12 PM	#5
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? 55, I probably slept with a crumpled print of that a night or two when resurrecting the engine! Ha Ha!

08-30-2017, 05:00 PM	#8
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? Thanks, so put them both on the front...or bottom on my picture? What is the other terminal originally for?

08-30-2017, 05:26 PM	#9
1955cj5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,581	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? Yes both go on the front of the cutout, the bottom lug in your picture. The other end of the cutout just connects to the generator output with no other wires connected there... __________________ Early '29 CCPU that had a 4-speed, but not any more.......in the family since '62

08-30-2017, 11:52 PM	#10
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? You don't even need the key in the car to use horn/lights __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

08-31-2017, 11:14 AM	#12
jax55 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 329	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? Probably hooked up that way to avoid running the battery down when the lights were inadvertently left on. Master disconnect would also take care of that...as 55 mentioned.

08-31-2017, 01:47 PM	#13
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,123	Re: Does engine have to run for lights to work? I have a buzzer that tells me when the lights are on and ignition off. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club