Frankie the Fink

Heat shrink tubing will also insulate just fine. Yes fusible link should be 2 sizes smaller than what it protects.

stafftech

Understand on the size diff for the fusible, is it the same for inline fuses?

Frankie the Fink

No - the ratings for inline fuses are in amps not wire gauge.
For inline fuse sizes in a C1 you can refer to my first post above.

stafftech

Thanks, I wasn't clear on the gage vs amp connection.

Harold Dillingham

I appreciate the information on fuses since I had to rewire my 61 vette once under the hood since for some reason it melted everything even destroyed the solid state distributor.

rtruman

In the electrical industry today they call that 10 ft. tap rule'
wire size, length ,and protection used safetly for a short period.
Most likely not to cause a problem .Would the regular guy know where to look if one of them blow, I look at it like this how many times have I had my starter cable touch shout out thru the years. Only when I tried to start it with screwdriver is when I screwed up.

mickatbp

Great thread, thanks FTF

Frankie the Fink

No problem. I know of at least three C1s probably saved from fires (or at least a lot of smoke) that took the advice in here since I posted it...

Good info in the first few posts before things got contentious

6D2148

I agree , great info Frankie, I can't believe I missed it back when it was started

mickatbp

I will be doing this upgrade when I install my new harness.

ryan22

TTT with this valuable thread...I'm seeing a disturbing number of melted masses of fiberglass for sale in Insurance Auctions that used to be gorgeous C1's & C2's.

Can't imagine the feeling of watching our Corvette going up in flames. The fusible link is 1st on my spring to-do list.

Frankie the Fink

Yup! Electrical fires are bad news followed closely by fires due to fuel leaks....especially in the lightly-fused C1s!

DZVette

Here is a PDF in which I collected this valuable info from Frank, Rich Mozzetta, John Z and others. Both of my cars have had the extra fuses added for clocks, lighters, etc.

Seems like a good time to post it up again.

Dave Z

rtruman

Like I said in post 46 ,I have an NCRS original corvette I don't want a bounce of fuses all over the place .
I don't really have to install them .Simple and Safe .Ran my other 63 for 35000 miles
no problem .If it isn't broke don't fix it . Just my Opinion.

Frankie the Fink

We aren't talking about C2s - they are an entirely different beast.

For one thing the C1s use a full-flow ammeter...nearly 100% of the cars amperage is going through that little gauge just above your right knee, unfused, via wires held on by two tiny nuts (no shrouded, plastic, locking connector).

It IS broke and DOES need fixed..

56early

Aren't these 50 plus year old cars wiring harnesses victim of ageing , deterioration , varmint attacks, oil impregnation and normal wear . Unless they were stored from new in a perfect atmosphere they would be vulnerable from one of are all of the above. Circuit protection is of the utmost importance , as even new cars develop wiring issues . Harness fires spread rapidly . I would rather have an incorrect point hit for incorrect harness than a top flight burnt to the rails corvette.

56early

I forgot to mention , You'll never forget the smell and the little black embers flying about while they burn. If your lucky to salvage it the smell never leaves.

stratplus

Wow, for a minute there I thought you were talking about me. (victim of aging, deterioration, varmint attacks, impregnation and normal wear).

Actually you sound like my doctor at my last physical

All kidding aside. Because of Frank and me adding all of his fuses I have saved my car a few times.

56early

Good one! It could also be me. I'm still 20 that's why I don't have any mirrors in my house ,last time I looked I saw my dad!!!
I can't emphasize how much Frank is correct. Protection is important .

AkrHack

I suspect that wiring harnesses in C1 Corvettes were engineered to last more like 15 years instead of 50!