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Our '62 Fuelie has lived a hard life but thanks to Jim Lockwood, it's returning to it's former glory. However, before getting it back on the road, I wanted to sort out the wiring. It has suffered over the years from a lot of well meaning people running miscellaneous wires to address one short term fix or another. This weekend, I started fresh with new engine and dash harnesses from LectricLtd. It went surprisingly well and I've been assured by the doctors that my numerous cuts and bruises should heal in time. I'm left with only a few questions or concerns.
Prior to my ownership, the generator and regulator were replaced by a single wire alternator. As a result, the new engine harness has a large gauge red wire that was intended to be connected to "voltage regulator battery terminal" leftover. I asked LectricLtd about it and they didn't seem to know where it should go. They indicated that it probably should be routed through the ammeter or perhaps to the alternator post but couldn't say for sure. I'm a bit surprised since I think a lot of these cars would have been updated with alternators. Can someone weigh in on where it should go?
On the Delco ignition switch, there are 6 spade connectors. Two of them are bridged and labeled "BAT", another two are bridged and labeled "IGN", and the last two (non-bridged) are labeled "ACC" and "SOL". The harness has a 3 plug connector that attaches to one of the BAT spades, one of the IGN spades and the SOL spade. The harness also has two single wire connectors that are identified as "IGN BRIDGE TERMINAL" and "ACC TERMINAL". I'm assuming that the ACC TERMINAL connects to the ACC spade. Does the IGNITION BRIDGE TERMINAL connect to the remaining IGN spade? I'm assuming the remaining BAT spade is fine left open. I have attached a photo of the back of the ignition switch.
Finally, LectricLtd emphasizes that many of the cars of this vintage have had their cigarette lighters replaced with a newer design and that these units are very prone to producing a dead short. The instructions talk about a bi-metal element on the lighter that indicates that it is not an original unit. I'm not sure what the bi-metal element looks like. I asked LectricLtd. if I could send them a picture of my lighter and they could tell me whether this is right unit or not. Too much responsibility for them and declined to look at it. Something to keep in mind when selecting a harness supplier. I'll attach a photo of my lighter and see if anyone in the forum wants to stick their necks out. Regardless, I guess I could put a fuse inline with the lighter's power and that should take care of the issue.
I seem to recall that the bimetallic strip is on the inside of the lighter housing. Below is a link for a Dash Harness to Cigarette Lighter Fused Jumper Wire.
I don't have a '62 but have always wanted one. At this point in my life, I guess that it isn't going to happen. I'll have to live with my '69 coupe with a 427 & 4 speed.
I have been trying to download different year wiring diagrams and AIM's so I looked at what I have.
The ignition switch in the wiring diagram that appears to be from GM looks a little different that your switch and the switch in the AIM looks like your switch.
I have cut out a piece of the ignition switch and will post it here. Hopefully it might help.
Glutton For Punishment
