The Ford Barn

cjc56 · 11-17-2023, 10:59 AM

Restoring a 1958 ranchero and noticed a rectangular metal breaker screwed to the driver side under the dash. I think this is a headlight relay but not sure. Red wire one side and red/black other side. I need to replace it because it has no continuity. It says 12V 12AMP. Isn't this quite small amperage for headlights? Is this even for headlight?

cjc56 · 11-17-2023, 11:10 AM

I meant headlight breaker not relay

dmsfrr · 11-17-2023, 02:07 PM

Can you post a photo of the part you're asking about?

'58 wiring diagram....
https://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/...re5765-197.jpg

cjc56 · 11-17-2023, 02:49 PM

Here is a pic

Gene F · 11-17-2023, 04:43 PM

NAPA sells them. Take it with you. Get an old timer, not some young kid on the counter.... They likely will need to look in the catalog, not the PC. It's a generic part...like a headlight. Looking it up by car is not likely to yield results. If you strike out there call Concourse Parts in Nevada.

KULTULZ · 11-17-2023, 05:07 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Do the HDLS work? The breaker(s) for the HDL and exterior lamps are in the HDL SW for that period.

Does it appear as an OEM INSTALL or add-on?

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2023/...-repair-yours/

miker98038 · 11-17-2023, 11:23 PM

I think K is correct, as best I can read Dmsfrr’s diagram. But if you’re working on the wiring, this diagram is some of the best money you’ll ever spend. If you’re old like me, buy the big one.

https://classiccarwiring.com/product...wiring-diagram

Daves55Sedan · 11-18-2023, 09:25 PM

I had a '57 with that breaker under the dash but never knew what it was originally for. A previous owner disconnected the wiring from it and bypassed it altogether.
Sorry I couldn't be of help.

rotorwrench · 11-22-2023, 11:30 AM

Short Stop breakers are still available in difference amp ratings and mounting configurations. The voltage isn't critical since the amperage that trips the bi-metallic switch can happen regardless of the system voltage.

Ford used them for high current draw items like lights and hydraulic pumps for power tops and winows.

11-17-2023, 10:59 AM	#1
cjc56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 123	Headlight breaker Restoring a 1958 ranchero and noticed a rectangular metal breaker screwed to the driver side under the dash. I think this is a headlight relay but not sure. Red wire one side and red/black other side. I need to replace it because it has no continuity. It says 12V 12AMP. Isn't this quite small amperage for headlights? Is this even for headlight?

11-17-2023, 11:10 AM	#2
cjc56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 123	Re: Headlight breaker I meant headlight breaker not relay

11-17-2023, 02:07 PM	#3
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,607	Re: Headlight breaker Can you post a photo of the part you're asking about? '58 wiring diagram.... https://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/...re5765-197.jpg

11-17-2023, 04:43 PM	#5
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,973	Re: Headlight breaker NAPA sells them. Take it with you. Get an old timer, not some young kid on the counter.... They likely will need to look in the catalog, not the PC. It's a generic part...like a headlight. Looking it up by car is not likely to yield results. If you strike out there call Concourse Parts in Nevada.

11-17-2023, 05:07 PM	#6
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: Headlight breaker Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Do the HDLS work? The breaker(s) for the HDL and exterior lamps are in the HDL SW for that period. Does it appear as an OEM INSTALL or add-on? https://www.onallcylinders.com/2023/...-repair-yours/ __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

11-17-2023, 11:23 PM	#7
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,398	Re: Headlight breaker I think K is correct, as best I can read Dmsfrr’s diagram. But if you’re working on the wiring, this diagram is some of the best money you’ll ever spend. If you’re old like me, buy the big one. https://classiccarwiring.com/product...wiring-diagram

11-18-2023, 09:25 PM	#8
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: Headlight breaker I had a '57 with that breaker under the dash but never knew what it was originally for. A previous owner disconnected the wiring from it and bypassed it altogether. Sorry I couldn't be of help.

11-22-2023, 11:30 AM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Headlight breaker Short Stop breakers are still available in difference amp ratings and mounting configurations. The voltage isn't critical since the amperage that trips the bi-metallic switch can happen regardless of the system voltage. Ford used them for high current draw items like lights and hydraulic pumps for power tops and winows.