A ground for running lights
 

Why would the front bumper brackets not provide a good ground for my running lights?

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Maybe paint.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

as bob said if the frame is painted and I think from picture it is add the paint on brackets= no ground

Re: A ground for running lights
 

I scraped off a spot on the bracket to shinny steel and tested with the test light. Still no ground.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Paint, rust. I've taken to running a dedicated ground connection to all my lighting, etc.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Think of the ground as a path. That path must be continuous.
Yes, you scraped the paint off the bumper arm. How about the paint between the arm(s) and the frame?
At this point, I'd suggest you take a jumper wire and connect it beneath the car or better (much better) yet, to the positive (ground) of the battery. Then, connect the other end to the lamp bracket starting at the area nearest the bumper bracket.
There is the possibility that the ground "path" issue is between the socket and body of the lamp itself.
See how far you must go back with the jumper before the lamp(s) light.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Thanks, I'll try that

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Kube, I tried that and blew a fuse. So far I have not been able to find the fuse. In the process I broke another wire, not related to the lights, that is difficult to get to. I appreciate everyone's help. I am too frustrated to continue today. I will attack it tomorrow.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Blew a fuse? What fuse? Is your car stock? 6 volt - positive ground?

Re: A ground for running lights
 

There is only one fuse on the 39, so if it blew all the lights should be off. The fuse is located on the fuse block with the ballast resistor.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

If you did blow a fuse (which you cant find ?) when you ran a temporary ground wire then I suspect that there are incorrect connections in one of your driving lights. Open both of them up and make sure connections are correct and there are no pinched wires. Follow wires inside car from the driving light switch to find the fuse. Regards, Kevin.

Re: A ground for running lights
 

Here is the wire routing diagram if it helps any.