Need help with wiring, guage install...

[FFSchooley]

I am in the process of installing my guages tonight but I hit a problem. I wanted to wire the hot leads directly into one of my empty slots in my fuse box, but had no luck getting to the back of it. Any way to get it out to do some wiring to it? It seemed like I had to take the entire dash appart. Anyone have any suggestions on a clean way to wire my guages up? I was thinking of maybe just splicing into the factory guage and light wires, but I couldn't trace them to see which ones they were. Help!!! Thanks in advance!

 

[EMDDIESEL]

For gauge lighting, use the BROWN wire behind the headlight switch, its easy to get to, jsut remove the dash face (simple, no screws, just pull it off) and take the 2 screws out that hold the headlight switch in, then pull it out and use a tap in or splice and solder it.

 

[Puff]

FFS,



I used a fuse tap in the empty fuse slot (#16 I think) to wire my hot leads. I bought some fuse taps at Checkers; they didn't quite fit, so I had to grind them down a little, but it's working fine. This fuse is switched, so power is off when I turn the key off. Seems to work well.

 

[Archive]

If you want to get power from the fusebox for your gauge lighting, use the top of #5 fuse. It will allow you to dim the gauges with the dimmer switch.



Other options are as stated above.

 

[WeirCummin]

Rob is right on the money. I used the #5 fuse location and added the Littlefuse Add-A-Circuit model#FHM200 which, just like it sounds lets you add another fuse in the #5 circuit for extra protection.

 

[tmacc]

I used the TAN wire on the head light switch. Top left as your look at the front of the switch. You have a multimeter, right? This is the stock gauge lighting, so your new gauge's lights will dim w/ it. Easy to access once the bezel is removed. The cigarette lighter is another good source to pull you gauge power from and easy to get to as well.

Tom

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by WeirCummin

Rob is right on the money. I used the #5 fuse location and added the Littlefuse Add-A-Circuit model#FHM200 which, just like it sounds lets you add another fuse in the #5 circuit for extra protection.

Weir , what do the Add-A-Circuit look like whear do you get them how do you use them ? sound good . Ron in Louisville KY

 

[Michael Hughes]

If you take a look at my How-TO on

St Louis TDR Members web, you can see the fuse taps that I used. Hope this helps.

 

[WeirCummin]

Ron, you should be able to pick them up at any parts store that carries Littlefuse products. They cost about 4 to 5 bucks and are well worth the insurance and protection they offer.





http://www.littlefuse.com/ASP/Search/detail.asp?ID=420

 

[Eventer]

Thanks guys!



I was trying to figure the same thing out tonight. I knew it was one of the brown wires (#4 or #14), but I couldn't figure out which was the correct wire. (Lower left is #14, the bigger of the two brown wires. )



I had a volt meter, but I couldn't get it to work. I am sure it is me, not the meter!



Anyway, I have a "Tap-in" and will power up everything tomorrow. Next comes the drilling into the air horn and exhaust manifold then I am done with my gauge install!



These search engines sure are great. I had missed this post the first time.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by Michael Hughes

If you take a look at my How-TO on

St Louis TDR Members web, you can see the fuse taps that I used. Hope this helps.

Thanks Michael . Got two at Auto Zone after looking at your St Louis TDR page . Works fine after mod of body too fat and prongs too long ,filed them down ,to fit . Saves a lot of work . Again thanks ,Ron in Louisville KY