Mornin', looking at sorting out the birds nest of wiring behind the dash and I have decided that a good starting place would be to replace the existing fuse box with something a bit newer. Anyone done this? if so, any recommendation on a make or type of fusebox. ta
If your existing one is working and not tatty I wouldn bother changing it....unless your confident with wires you may wish you had left well alone having said that, the only issue you may get is the lengths of the existing wires maybe fine for you original fuse box, but are too short to reach differnt terminals in a new one......but you can always extend them. I'd be more concerned about bodges to your current wiring. If your still going to change then you can get some good modular clip together fuse boards, they also clip together with relay holders (or you will then have to worry about modifying your wiring to resite the relays).....you may have to replace the original relays to fit into any new fuse box you get have a look on AES they have som good stuff http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product_list/63 or VWP http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/fuses/holders1.php http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/relays/sockets.php
The Wiring is a real mess and as i currently have the windscreen out, the top of the dash removed and access is a dodle, i thought i'd take the opportunity to sort the wiring. Terminals 11 & 12 are shot. I thought about getting a new Fuse Box and transferring the wires one by one, replacing the major cables as i went along. The relays do bother me however as i'm unsure as to how to mount them........ :-(
If your going non standard fuse box, then you will have to go non standard relays. The links above have relay holders that mount into the modular fuse boxes, you will then have to source a suitable alternative relay that will fit the carrier .....might be easier to get a 2nd hand original fuse box if yours is that far gone and just tidy up your wiring. If your wiring is that bad you might be better off replacing your cab loom rather than the fuse box?
I had my whole loom and fuse box replaced - they do kits starting at around £350 - upsides is more certainty on the integrity of the wiring (i.e. fewer breaks, clean connectors and the wiring itself has less oxidisation and less brittle insulation) and the ability to use modern blade fuses. Downside is cost and faff time. If you want an example of benefit - my headlights are perfectly workable with ordinary bulbs now, whereas they were pretty dim. I can see the initial validity of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' but as an ex autolectrician, it's not always that simple as wiring becomes more dangerous as it degrades and tend to catch fire when it finally gives up the ghost. If you are going to attempt major surgery, I'd replace the lot as it will be cheaper in the long run.
the incoming side on both terminal are hanging on by about a millimeter, they been stretched back and forwards numerous time by the PO i think, and have fatigued. My fear is the next time i replace the fuses then the 'tangs' will just snap off.... :-(
Ah, I see . I'd honestly recommend you get a used original fusebox - minimal hassle, and it'll fit! Sometimes on eBay, or fbi or megabug etc should be able to find you one. Nothing really wrong with the torpedo-type fuses.
Forgot to add...if you've got the whole dash out, perfect opportunity to strip out any "improved" wiring and also pull every terminal off the switches (best to take the switches out one by one), clean 'em up with a small wire brush, and give the crimps a little squeeze. You'll then be immune to electrical probs in the future .
......Snotty, that's exactly what i've been doing this afternoon, amazing how much 'Salt', corrosion is around the terminals!
Great minds think alike . It's normally the wiring terminations that give problems: the cables themselves are pretty clean.
Dude ! as a trier re my own bus electrics , never ! mount! your fusebox, think popeye(and olive) !ok, tis true, nasty !
