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Old 11-19-2025, 08:48 PM   #1
Kube
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Default wiring question, '36 Ford

Guys, I can't make sense of the wire in the diagram that I have an arrow point to.

Starter Solenoid battery terminal? What?
There is no solenoid on a '36.

My other '36's do not have this wire.

What do i do?

Thanks guys.
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Old 11-19-2025, 09:48 PM   #2
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

That looks like the power supply for the horns. The drawing is dated 1991, so maybe they are saying connect to the battery terminal or starter solenoid. Just my guess for the night.
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Old 11-19-2025, 09:54 PM   #3
koates
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

On an original 1936 Ford the foot starter switch battery cable terminal is the same as a solenoid terminal for battery cable on a later model. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 11-20-2025, 12:56 AM   #4
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

koates has got it! Auto electrician by trade....run the feed to light switch directly from foot starter terminal
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Old 11-20-2025, 01:47 AM   #5
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

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koates has got it! Auto electrician by trade....run the feed to light switch directly from foot starter terminal
Actually the main feed wire (yellow) goes from the battery side of the foot starter switch and then through the ammeter and then to the fuse holder to lighting and ignition circuits. The ammeter has to show the discharge or charge of all circuits except the horns. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 11-20-2025, 02:04 PM   #6
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

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Kube, are you saying the 36 you are working on already has a starter solenoid in it? They
were sometimes added so that the headlights would get the full 6v and they would be brighter. terry
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Old 11-20-2025, 03:31 PM   #7
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

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Kube, are you saying the 36 you are working on already has a starter solenoid in it? They
were sometimes added so that the headlights would get the full 6v and they would be brighter. terry
NO. The car does not have a solenoid.
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Old 11-20-2025, 03:32 PM   #8
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

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Originally Posted by koates View Post
On an original 1936 Ford the foot starter switch battery cable terminal is the same as a solenoid terminal for battery cable on a later model. Regards, Kevin.
Okay, I believe you and I KNOW you are a lot sharper in this stuff than myself.

I still question why my other 36's do NOT have this wire in the harness.
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Old 11-20-2025, 06:51 PM   #9
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

That wire (yellow) is there otherwise you would have no electrical power anywhere. Take a very close look at the starter switch, the terminal stud that has the main heavy battery cable on it that goes to the battery negative terminal, its a positive to ground system as original build. Also on that same starter switch terminal will be a smaller wire (yellow) which disappears into the harness and ends up at the ammeter. If its not on the starter switch it may have been modified from original and moved to the battery neg terminal. Its there somewhere for sure. Take a look at a wiring diagram for your 36 Ford and follow the wire. The drawing you posted is not a wiring diagram as such but a picture of the harnness. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 11-21-2025, 04:02 AM   #10
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

Mike, as Kevin says, it's the main feed for all the electrical circuits on the car (except horn). All your cars must be getting their power from somewhere. There is a battery cable going to a terminal on the solenoid (or foot switch). That terminal is where the wire goes to to supply the power for all the circuits. (except horn).
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Old 11-23-2025, 08:25 PM   #11
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Default Re: wiring question, '36 Ford

I want to extend a sincere THANKS to all that advised me. No surprise but the advice was spot on. Thanks again.
I continue to learn. Kinda fun actually
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