fuse box problems 73Z

[thomas franklin]

I have a 73 Z that had one of the headlights that would only light up dimly. The other is just fine. After checking the alternator and voltage regulator the check out ok. Recently it started blowing fuses when I turn on the headlights. I took the car to a auto electrical shop and they tell me that the fuse box for this car was inadequate from the factory and that they run "hot" and break down after 30 years. What I need to know is: 1 is there a aftermarket fusebox that can be used for this car? 2. Where can I find such a product to have installed? Any help would be great. Tom

[EScanlon]

You just got the typical brush off from a repair center that basically means "It's too much for us to do without charging you more than you're willing to pay for."

If you'll check this forum you should find about a dozen or more postings on just that subject alone.

In very brief notes:

Fuse Box: Check the holders, pull out and replace the fuses with new. Clean contact springs and tighten before re-inserting the new fuses.

Headlight Connections: Clean contacts, both at the actual headlight bulb but also where the harness connects to the headlight pigtail.

Combination Switch: Very common to have the contacts in the headlight switch to get corroded and cause higher resistance than required. Some people have shot contact cleaner into the switch and were done, others have disassembled and refurbished, yet others have just bought new.

Although the work is tedious and involved, once you're done with it, if you've done it right, usually you're done with it for a few more years. Biggest problem is that there are few contacts that are sealed from the environment and eventually they develop a film that increases the resistance which causes the fuses to blow.

Good Luck

Enrique

[Da Flash]

When I was having problems with one dim headlight, I basically I did what's posted by EScanlon. In my situation it was mainly the fusebox, after I replaced that and cleaned up a few connections, it was the difference in night and day....literally!!

Oh yeah I found the really niced used fusebox on an auction site for $35.