59 wiring problems

[Ed Jennings]

I removed the instrument cluster from a 59 for reburbishing. When I removed the cluster, I disconnected the wires from the ignition switch and the gauges. I removed the light switch, but did not disconnect it from the wire harness. I also disconnected the turn signal switch since I was replacing it with a new one. Upon reassembly, I have no power to the light switch. I have the 14 ga pink wire connected to the "Bat" connection on the ignition switch, the 18 ga pink to the other terminal, and the "acc" terminal open. I'm pretty sure this is correct. I have voltage all the time on the 14 ga pink, and voltage with the key on at the 18 ga. pink. I think I should have voltage at the red wire on the HL switch all the time, but I have none, switch on or off. The wiring diagram leads me to the fuse block as the connection between these two wires, but all the fuses check good. The fuse block was not disturbed during R&I. Any suggestions???

[Ed Jennings]

Addendum

Using my 62 as a guide, I have the 18ga pink wire on the "Bat" terminal, and the 14 ga on the unmarked terminal, vs what is stated above. The wiring diagram isn't too specific in this area.

[Al C.]

Re: Addendum

Ed - yes, the 14 Red to the light switch should be hot always. It is fed from a splice with a 12 Red from the battery side of the ammeter, which also feeds the clock connector; oighter; 12 Red to the center connect on the horn relay; and 14 Red to the right hand side of the top two fuses (taillights and unused), as well as feeding 14 Red to the terminal on the keyswitch (at a U shaped terminal with no second connection 90 deg CW from the 14 pink that feeds the flasher).
... Al '58 #378

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Addendum

Thanks Al. The top two fuses are dead as a doornail on this one. I need to go back and check the connection at the ammeter. I seem to remember only one wire on each side and I think the battery side should have two. I'll check the wiring diagram again. (I know it's backwards) Bubba has spent some time under the dash on this car. I may end up rewiring it, though the idea is not too appealing.