1958 wiring problem (dead short)

[Daniel J.]

Working on a friends '58. Restoration in progress.

I got the wiring mostly completed (FI unit, distributor, coil not set yet)

What works; Head lights, Cig lighter (need to get a key made for Ign. switch to test the rest)

The top fuse (tail lps) blows right away.

I have tried removing / disconnecting the following and no joy;

• ignition switch
• Light switch
• rear end wiring from the connector
• checked all grounds

Any thoughts would be appreciated, Dan Johnson

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 wiring problem (dead short)

That's the Orange circuit....

Goes to Brake lamps via pedal switch, headlight switch feed to hl's, and Courtesy lamp(if equipped).

If it has Courtesy lamp, pull the bulb. IIRC it should be a 2 pin bulb. If 1 pin, it'll cause a dead short to ground if a door is open.

If not, pull the directional switch harness white wire terminal. It's fed from brake switch Orange. But would only be involved if brake pedal pushed or shorted switch, AND the directional switch shorted to ground somehow.

Rich

[Daniel J.]

Re: 1958 wiring problem (dead short)

Thanks Rich...I will work through your recommendations.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 wiring problem (dead short)

Dan, Note that the lighter is fed directly from Bat+(Red) from Ammeter, so use extra caution.

Here's a wiring diagram for reference below. Orange circuit top fuse in the panel.

BTW, there's a doc in the DoRD(database of restoration docs) Sticky above showing how you can add fuses to some unprotected circuits.

Rich

[Daniel J.]

Re: 1958 wiring problem (dead short)

Richard,
It was the Courtesy lamp (it was one a 1 pin style and was shorting out the base)
Thanks for your help, Dan

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 wiring problem (dead short)

Dan, Glad it was a simple solution.

Rich