[DeTomaso] Electrical Issues

[Denny Morse]

I agree with all of these observations. I'll just observe that in my case
grounding was the problem. Specifically the lack of it over new paint. When
I added LED bulbs for the marker lights, brake and turn signals it made it
much much worse because they draw so much less current, which means higher
resistance to ground. Properly grounding all of my lens housing fixed all
of my problems.

Cheers,

Denny
-----


On Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 7:19 AM, Boyd Casey <boyd411 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I would start with the rake lights,for two reasons.One is that they are
> essential for safe operation and two it is a relatively simple and isolated
> system. Test the  wiring to the brake light switch, if it's good ( hot)
> then test the actual brake light switch. If the switch is good but the
> brake lights don't work then start checking the connections the brake light
> switch to the brake lights. If you find connectivity
> er grounds and connections. If you findable pattern of bad grounds (
> painted metal) you know where to start ) if you find connectivity problems
> I would recommend  replacing wire connections with more modern
> replacements. MSD makes a series of connectors ( from one  wire to 6 wire
> connectors that provided solid connection and are water proof and just pop
> open and closed. Ken Green turned me on to them. There are numerous others
> availible From other manufacturers, I just happen to be familiar with
> these.  This is a good opportunity to update your wiring connections to
> 21st century standards.. Make sure you have a multimeter and know how to
> use it, a variety of test lights ( there are several types like powered
> line tester with probes that can penetrate insulation so you don't have to
> disconnect  wires in order to test the circuit). A good schematic ( you can
> buy a large color schematic through Asa Jay, just keep in mind that the
> color codes don't always match) several good wire strippers of different
> styles and a good soldering iron.  If you are not experienced in wiring you
> should pick up a book on wiring (last time I looked home depot had a small
> pocket book on wiring ( it was geared more toward household wiring but
> would still be usefull to a novice) Good Luck!
>
> Boyd
> On Wednesday, August 29, 2012, Richard Greenblum wrote:
>
> > All,
> >
> > I just got my car (1974 US GTS) back from a body only restoration‹it was
> in
> > the shop five years.  Glad to have it back, but there are issues.
> > Everything worked when I dropped it off.  Now, the only lights that work
> > are
> > the front and side markers, the right license plate, and the left running
> > tail light.  I haven't tried the headlights, but it was light outside and
> > had no brake or blinker lights.  And the horn doesn't work.
> >
> > Inside the driver's door jam, I only have one jam switch and a cover they
> > added to another hole below it.  I thought I had two switches on the
> > driver's side and one on the passenger side, but the diagram (Pantera
> > Place)
> > doesn't show that.
> >
> > I'm guessing connections are either not made, poorly made, or there's a
> > ground problem, or, all of the above. The fuses are good.  Anyone have a
> > suggestion other than to hit each item and check the wiring one by one?
> >  I'm
> > not to keen on taking it back to the shop because I donąt have brake
> > lights,
> > and I'm not sure I trust them to fix it.  And, last time I dropped it
> off,
> > it took five years to get it backŠ
> >
> > Richard
> > Austin, TX
> >
> >
> >
> >
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