Electrical Issue 1960

[Jimmy G.]

I was driving today on a 200 mile trip in my 1960 and about half way the amp gauge jumped to full change i.e. needle pegging. I stopped and sure enough the battery was hot so apparently it was overcharging. Checked all the connections and decided to travel on and see what happens. Oddly enough in about 1 minute everything went back to normal.


I know when the battery is going bad as the needle at 2500 RPM runs at about 5 - 10 amps charging. Put in a new battery about 5 months ago and amp gauge went back to 3 - 5 until this last hiccup. I assume the regulator went south for a while, reset itself and now all is well. Anyone got any thought on this issue.


Also give me some feedback as to where your needle is at running speeds. Thanks

[Don H.]

Re: Electrical Issue 1960

Hey Jimmy, Yes, it sounds like the regulator. My '60 gauge runs right in the middle when driving - assuming the battery is fully charged. I think it might discharge at slow idle with the lights on. Let me know if you need more info as I might drive it tonight to a cruise. Good luck, Don H.

[Paul J.]

Re: Electrical Issue 1960

I think you both have found the problem.

Paul

[Frank D.]

Re: Electrical Issue 1960

Does sound like the regulator is "running away"; best not to drive it like that. The wiring is not meant for over-voltage and these early cars are "lightly fused" to put it kindly... The V/R is a problem because there are only a few restorers and they stay slammed or aren't taking new work on. The repros are dicey too. I ran a solid state conversion in my '61 but the 92 year old man that did them passed away and nobody took up the baton to make more.