Electrical System Testing on 1963 with no Motor

[Rob M.]

How can I safely test the various electrical components, wires, etc. (e.g., headlight buckets) without an engine in my 1963? Can I just connect the battery ground to the frame and the battery positive to the loose starter wires or voltage regulator? Do I need to put a safety fuse in the system? Thanks!

[Joe R.]

Re: Electrical System Testing on 1963 with no Motor

How can I safely test the various electrical components, wires, etc. (e.g., headlight buckets) without an engine in my 1963? Can I just connect the battery ground to the frame and the battery positive to the loose starter wires or voltage regulator? Do I need to put a safety fuse in the system? Thanks!

Hi Robert,

I think your plan is pretty good. I would recommend a fuse in series with the battery positive lead sized no bigger than the heaviest load (probably the headlights). I think I would disconnect the alternator / generator and the voltage regulator just to be on the safe side, since they're not doing anything without the engine running. But I don't know if that's really necessary.

Joe

[Frank D.]

Re: Electrical System Testing on 1963 with no Motor

I'd prob put a 30 amp fuse in the power line to the car.... A Dr. Rebuild pictorial schematic can be a huge help....

http://docrebuild.com/oosoez/8963101.html

These have the mistakes existing in some of the GM schematics corrected, show pictures of the connectors and have been tested against real cars.
Do NOT mention anything about the NCRS when ordering! Long story - you don't wanna know..

Be aware that the ignition switch plays a role in certain electrical functions e.g. radio, heater blower, etc..

[Rob M.]

Re: Electrical System Testing on 1963 with no Motor

Thank you Joe and Frank for the responses. Appreciate the help!