The Ford Barn - View Single Post

rotorwrench · 08-11-2019, 10:04 AM

The Ford model A vehicles are very good to learn basic automotive wiring systems and circuits since they are so simple. They were actually a little too simple since they had no circuit protection originally. Most folks add a fuse at the starter connection to protect the wiring. Most all automotive systems use the physical connection of electrical components to the frame of the car for ground since it is a very important part of the of each circuit. This way most all circuits only use a power wire to function each electrical component. With this being said, it is very important that all these electrical components have a clear ground path back to the frame of the car. A good example is how the headlamps and horn are installed. The ground path has to go through the component to the headlight bar then on to the fender and fender brace. The fender and brace both connect to the frame. All these connections can be problematic if there is any corrosion or crud blocking the ground pathway. Fiberglass fenders are out there but not as likely on a restoration from the early 60s. Fiberglass is not a ground path so you can see how that might be important for tail lamps, etc.

You need good conductor pathways and ground pathways. That light switch has to have all the correct parts for reliable function as was indicated previously. The bale has to secure it well to the bottom of the steering column too. For 1928 thru 31, this was an effective piece of technology when compared to the model T cars. It kept most of the wiring all in one place but the area it was placed in was a swampy area so it wasn't the best place to put a switch. Ford used that location for the light switch clear up to 1939 with good results as long as it was maintained in good condition. A crack in the steering box horn wire carry through tube can leak steering gear oil right into the switch housing and it does happen now and then.

Make sure all your terminal connections are as clean and tight as you can get them. Loose connections create resistance and get hot. This heat can melt things like reproduction terminal boxes and the vinyl covering on the reproduction wiring. Use as much original type equipment as you can but make sure it all functions as it should. As was mentioned, a lot of reproduction electrical system parts are not made as well as the OEM stuff and this can cause a lot of problems down the road.

08-11-2019, 10:04 AM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,506	Re: Lighting issues The Ford model A vehicles are very good to learn basic automotive wiring systems and circuits since they are so simple. They were actually a little too simple since they had no circuit protection originally. Most folks add a fuse at the starter connection to protect the wiring. Most all automotive systems use the physical connection of electrical components to the frame of the car for ground since it is a very important part of the of each circuit. This way most all circuits only use a power wire to function each electrical component. With this being said, it is very important that all these electrical components have a clear ground path back to the frame of the car. A good example is how the headlamps and horn are installed. The ground path has to go through the component to the headlight bar then on to the fender and fender brace. The fender and brace both connect to the frame. All these connections can be problematic if there is any corrosion or crud blocking the ground pathway. Fiberglass fenders are out there but not as likely on a restoration from the early 60s. Fiberglass is not a ground path so you can see how that might be important for tail lamps, etc. You need good conductor pathways and ground pathways. That light switch has to have all the correct parts for reliable function as was indicated previously. The bale has to secure it well to the bottom of the steering column too. For 1928 thru 31, this was an effective piece of technology when compared to the model T cars. It kept most of the wiring all in one place but the area it was placed in was a swampy area so it wasn't the best place to put a switch. Ford used that location for the light switch clear up to 1939 with good results as long as it was maintained in good condition. A crack in the steering box horn wire carry through tube can leak steering gear oil right into the switch housing and it does happen now and then. Make sure all your terminal connections are as clean and tight as you can get them. Loose connections create resistance and get hot. This heat can melt things like reproduction terminal boxes and the vinyl covering on the reproduction wiring. Use as much original type equipment as you can but make sure it all functions as it should. As was mentioned, a lot of reproduction electrical system parts are not made as well as the OEM stuff and this can cause a lot of problems down the road.