Installing extra fuse protection

[Nick F.]

I just received my new LL dash harness for my 65 vert. Been reading to many horror stories about dash fires. Any suggestions as to where I can install extra fuse for cigarette lighter? Does the cigar lighter draw 30A when activated? If so, how big of a fuse is needed? Any other circuits that I should fuse that weren't originally done from factory? If so, what size fuses and can I install in-line fuses?

[William C.]

Re: Installing extra fuse protection

Nick..I think 67 was the first year for the lighter fuse. A 20 amp fuse is used and the clock, lighter, courtesy and hazard warning are on the circuit..Bill

[John H.]

Re: Installing extra fuse protection

Nick -

The main power feed circuit for the whole car from the big battery cable stud on the starter solenoid also didn't have any protection until 1967; you can add a 16-ga. fusible link on the end of that 12-ga. red wire (photo below shows a 14-ga., but you need a 16-ga.).


FusibleLink.JPG

[Nick F.]

Re: Installing extra fuse protection

John H, what size fuse do you recommend for the cigarette lighter? Can this also be a fusible link ?

[Alan D.]

Re: Installing extra fuse protection

We, I think, are trying to prevent the dash area from a fire! The biggest problem has been the cigarette lighter. Since GM in 67 spec a 20Amp fuse for it and a few other items then that would be the largest size to use. Could use something smaller, but just what size would need to be calculated. That step is really not necessary since if the 20Amp blows the wring to the lighter should be protected (at least that's what GM felt and they seem to know). I would use a standard in-line-fuse

[John H.]

Re: Installing extra fuse protection

John H, what size fuse do you recommend for the cigarette lighter? Can this also be a fusible link ?

Nick -

Since that wire only feeds the lighter, a 10-amp fuse should work OK.