Final update on this topic for me...I was able to stick my hands behind the dash, pull the wires out of the rheostat, and tie them together. If I ever take the dash off or pull the tach for another reason, I can install the new rheostat, but for now I can drive at night again! Thanks everyone for your help! I've also got the headlight and taillight relay kit from MSA on my birthday list! Wahooo!

Okay, I'm dense. What is "MSA" and do they sell the headlight relay kit I need for the 1971 FairladyZ to get the switch-frying problem resolved?

MSA is Motorsport Auto, aka Z Car Parts.com -- Motorsport Auto -- Home

We like them, they're good people.

Found it. Thanks.

Looks like a good kit which will resolve the issue for me.

  Captain_Zeros said:

MSA is Motorsport Auto, aka Z Car Parts.com -- Motorsport Auto -- Home

We like them, they're good people.

I bought the kit from Dave before MSA started carrying it. Installed 3 years ago, I believe, and love it. So will you. Simple install.

I grabbed a relay box from a modern car at the JY. I think it was from an Altima. It has some relays and a couple circuit breakers in it, so you could use it for a few things besides headlamps, and it doesn't look like a homebrew setup wit the nice cover. I cut it out with a foot or so of wires. I think I will use one relay for a set of driving lamps. If a relay goes bad, you can probably get a new one easily.

Didn't Sarah (FastWoman) put the relays on her '78? I think she also posted a diagram of the wiring.

Edited April 9, 201410 yr by TomoHawk