Glove Box Light - Again

[Michael H.]

On Monday, there was a discussion about the I.P. compartment lamp and how it functioned without a ground wire. The question was answered correctly, stating that the entire compartment frame was grounded through the two lower braces that fastened to the Z bar. (the side to side metal brace behind the I.P., not the clutch cross shaft) At least this is correct for most 63-67 cars.

However, what about early 63 cars that didn't have the two lower braces? I can think of no other point of ground for the frame. I've owned several of these early "no brace" cars but never thought to look for the source of the ground. Always wondered about this. Does anyone have one that's apart to inspect?

[G B.]

I've certainly got one that's apart.

The questions is, can I find the wiring?

[G B.]

I found the remains

The #16 and #18 '63 convertibles each had a small screw hole drilled in the cross-bar face next to the trim tag. My guess is that these holes were for a grounding screw on the end of a wire connected to the glove box metal frame.

[Michael H.]

Re: I found the remains

Thanks Jerry. I'll look for that next time I'm around an early car. I think that early compartment frame without the supports was around for at least a month or two of production.

[G B.]

I looked at #17 today

That car is apart as well, but it has the ground screw hole in its cross-bar too.