61 electrical question

[Ernest C.]

I have finished a body off restoration, and used Lectric Limited complete wiring harness. The first time I drove after dark, and I turned on the headlights I lost all power to the rear lights. The headlights still worked, but nothing on the rear. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Timothy B.]

Re: 61 electrical question

Ernest,

I don't know much about C1 but look at the turn signal switch as much of the rear wiring runs through it.

[Ernest C.]

Re: 61 electrical question

Tim, thanks for the reply. Actually when I drove the car before dark, everything worked fine including the turn signals. The rear lights failed when I turned on the headlights. I don't know if the headlight switch could fail, but I guess that's what I should replace next.

[Jack H.]

Re: 61 electrical question

Yes, it's possible for there to be a fault with the HL switch as well as various wiring interconnect issues. But, pay heed to the advice given on the turn signal switch...

The design (add-on feature from Guide to convert a non-TS car into a TS equipped car) is ANCIENT! Passenger cars and trucks stopped using the system circa 1954... Due to scarce tooling $$$, Corvette continued to use the arcane design up through 1962.

The system is almost totally based on mechanical integrity. If there's ANY degree of 'slop' between the TS housing and the steering column, all (*&& can break loose. Why?

The switch inside the TS housing has NO DETENT positions! It relies entirely on the cancelling mechanism to put the switch smack dab in the center AND to hold it at its RH and LH turn positions. In between, these three positions, the switch is OPEN CIRCUIT and you have NO POWER feeding your rear lamps!!!!

They're stuck in 'no mans land' between straight ahead, normal driving and either a RH or LH turn signal flasher engaged position. When a C1 is restored properly, the TS housing is ROCK HARD against the steering column AND the selector lever moves CRISPLY between its three positions with NO SLOP.

Your typical 'tuckered out' C1 has appreciable slop in both the housing to steering column mount as well as in the TS lever's holding position characteristics. IF that's the case with your car, it won't be 'safe' to drive until the worn parts are replaced and the mechanical nature of the TS assy is put back to factory fresh condition...

[John H.]

Re: 61 electrical question

Only the bright rear filament circuits (brake lights and turn signals) go through the turn signal switch; the rear running lights (and license light) are on a totally independent black wire circuit, directly from a terminal on the headlight switch, and that circuit has no fuse.

If you pull the headlight switch out to either the parking light position or fully out to the headlight position and don't have power at the terminal on the switch for the black wire, the switch is defective.