Fuses

[Bushwacker]

Hi. I am slowly working through a warren of electrics for 1961 Series 2. Ultimately I’ll buy a new harness and redo it all but for now I’m just trying to fix the brake lights and remove all dead wiring.

I’ve attached a photo of where the fuses used to be. The vehicle has been converted to negative earth. My questions:

1. Why are there seemingly 2 redundant fuse boxes on rather side of the voltage regulator?

2. Given I have failed to find any fuses anywhere, how should I best proceed to add fuses back into the correct location as I try and gain some semblance of organization again?

thanks.

[charles1943]

Firstly, the fuse box covers seem to be missing....or did you remove them temporarily? IMPO, changing polarity to negative earth is ill-advised. Originality is, at least in my shop, GREATLY appreciated. ALWAYS. I've recently found some original fuses but they're still overseas and spoken for by 2 of our regular clients. I 'll look for more and hopefully have more soon. Returning to positive earth is quite straightforward and I believe will serve you well in the long run. Your wiring looks scary...carry a fire extinguisher, minimally, and I HIGHLY recommend fitting a quick-disconnect battery terminal .

[Bushwacker]

Thanks charles1943 appreciate the input. The fuse box covers are sadly long since lost in its prior life. I have enough non original I've decided to stick to the alternator conversion including the -ive earth.

You are right on the fire hazard - I have the extinguisher and have actually just ordered a new harness and plan to tear out the mess for the reasons you mention!

I will look into a quick disconnect, that's a good idea.

many thanks.

[jimrr]

as charles 1943 mentions, you can also install a hi amp on/off switch to de-energize the electrical system when you're not around and to lessen the hazard of a accidental circuit going hot.

[Bushwacker]

Thanks jimrr thanks. Could I just use any toggle on/off switch and install in the dash? I am assuming it would wire and function like a battery switch in a boat to isolate only the bildge pump to automatically work when needed and also be killed?

[jimrr]

Thanks jimrr thanks. Could I just use any toggle on/off switch and install in the dash? I am assuming it would wire and function like a battery switch in a boat to isolate only the bildge pump to automatically work when needed and also be killed?

nope, you have to go to a decent parts store and ask for a rotary 400 amp switch, the switch has to carry lotsa power to run that starter on a cold day, or crank your way out of a VERY tricky situation on a hill side or something. it has to carry all the power that can be delivered in those big cables on your battery so any regular toggle switch will about vaporize when you hook batt cables to it, (if you could)!