changing fuse boxes

freebird67 · 02-10-08, 06:14 AM

I wanna change out the fuse box in my 67 bird. Anyone know where to get the parts to update the box.

Chuck · 02-10-08, 10:16 AM

Painless Performance: News Bout the only place I know.

A.X. · 02-10-08, 03:38 PM

Changing the box, often means changing the harness. Even if you can get just the box, you have to connect all of those wires.

Chuck · 02-10-08, 05:35 PM

Aren't they a two piece box like the 70's? With a plug in harness? Even if so you should work on replacing the harness too.

A.X. · 02-11-08, 12:17 AM

I don't think. I think the engine compartment plugs into the main box through the firewall. not sure how each wire is connected to the box though. I doubt if it's as simple as plugging them in.

Chuck · 02-11-08, 04:26 AM

I'm not sure I haven't really messed with first gen's all that much. But I have replaced my wire harness in my 79.

CATBIRD · 02-11-08, 10:22 PM

There Are 4 Harnesses In The First Gen Firebirds. The Main One Is The Under Dash Harness With Most Of The Wires For Instruments, Switches, Radio, Etc. This Is Wired Directly Into The Back Of The Fuse Block. The Engine Harness Has The Wires For The Ignition, Gage Senders, Starter, And Alternator, And Plugs Into The Rear Of The Fuse Block Through A Gasketed Hole In The Firewall. The Forward Harness Has The Wires For The Front Lighting, Horns, And Voltage Regulator, And Plugs In Next To The Engine Harness. The Rear Lighting And Gas Sender Wires Plug Into The Under Dash Harness. It Would Be A Major Undertaking to Change The Fuse Block, Involving Much Cutting And Splicing And Trying To Keep Track Of All Of The Wires. All Of The 4 Harnesses Are Reproduced. Why Do You Think You Need To Do This In The First Place?........John

freebird67 · 02-15-08, 05:04 AM

Mines full of carroded leads and thought that if I had to replace it i might as well uppdate it to a newr version.

A.X. · 02-15-08, 06:26 PM

Exactly what I thought. Changing just the fuse block would be a pain. You'd probably be better off with replacing the entire harness.

CATBIRD · 02-15-08, 10:39 PM

In This Situation I Would Unplug The Engine And Forward Lamp Harness From The Firewall (just Below The Master Cylinder) And Check Those For Good Clean Connections. Then Check The Rear Lamp Harness Where It Connects To The Main Harness (near The Lower Steering Column.) If These Are Good Then You Could Get Away With Just The Main Harness, Which Includes The Fuse Block. Unfortunately This Is The Most Expensive One! I Would Recommend The "M&H" Harness Sold By Ames. That Is A Direct Replacement For The Factory One, And Your Others Will Plug Right In. Be Careful Of The Gereric Ones "Painless." You Will End Up Rewiring The Whole Car As It's Not Pulg And Play. Hope This Helps........John

A.X. · 02-16-08, 02:14 PM

If your connections are corroded or dirty, you can clean them. Unless they are rusting away, or have become loose, there's really no point in replacing a wiring harness because of it. Some folks use a Dremel tool with an abrasive wheel to clean up the contact points. Works great too. It's a little time consuming, but it's much cheaper than buying a new harness.

there are also sprays that will help clean up the contacts, but if they are too corroded for that, the dremel tool works wonders.

Chuck · 02-17-08, 08:41 AM

I've used contact cleaner and a brass wire brush (toothbrush size). Just make sure the batteries unhooked.

A.X. · 02-17-08, 12:28 PM

That will probably work too. Anything you can get in there with, and clean things up, should work fine.

freebird67 · 02-18-08, 04:56 AM

Ill give it a go then. thanks

poncho1961 · 02-18-08, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

I've used contact cleaner and a brass wire brush (toothbrush size). Just make sure the batteries unhooked.

Unhooking the battery is for sissies

If this is the bird you been doing all the work on, its probably fairly stripped. You may also try a small sand blaster with some fine grit to clean the fuse block. It may be messier, but if the interior is stripped, it would be an easy and quick way to clean.

freebird67 · 02-18-08, 07:43 PM

yeah shes pretty much bare bones right now. Found more wire probs under the hood that need attention too. fu**in mice will eat anything.

poncho1961 · 02-19-08, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird67

yeah shes pretty much bare bones right now. Found more wire probs under the hood that need attention too. fu**in mice will eat anything.

except mouse poison

freebird67 · 02-24-08, 03:29 PM

Well ended up ordering a whole harness set off ebay for 450.