Grounding Problems Cause By Frame Painting?

[ericr]

We have consistent comments here about grounding issues, and not just on the rear taillight.


Do you guys think this problem is due to restorers wishing to put heavy coats of shiny black enamel on the frame, whereas the frames when new had the thinnest of coatings on it?


Surely the cars when new did not experience these problems....

[chrs1961815]

It is probablya combination of heavy paint products and worn/poor reproduction parts.

[1ton]

If using an existing hole in the frame to ground something, yes, you should clean that area for good ground. If drilling and tapping for a ground bolt then the threads alone should be sufficient. Using dielectric grease or a dab of silicone to cover the connection will help with future corrosion. Poor grounds lead to future problems.

[54vicky]

the paint will definitely play hell with grounding.that is why I believe they use star washers.they work on factory grounds with a hint of paint not a mile deep paint

[Tom Endy]

There is a raised boss on the frame where the hole is located for the battery ground cable bolt and nut. This is the most neglected electrical connection on the car. Not only do people paint and powder coat the area, it becomes rusted and coated with crud. The boss should be cleaned to bare metal and the bolt, lock washer, nut, and the end of the cable should be wire wheeled any time you replace the battery.

Tom Endy

[Kurt in NJ]

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I cleaned the boss to bare metal, then tinned it with solder-- been trouble free for 45 years. Had some trouble with headlights grounding-- found some new lock washers with ridges that cut through paint-- no more problems there
Powder coating I think creates more problems than painting for grounds---

[Synchro909]

Whenever I make any electrical connection, I use a SMALL amount of dielectric grease - just a light smear. I end up with a good connection and a VERY durable one.