32 pickup fuse?

M

Marv 119

Junior Member
I am installing a new wiring harness in my 32 pickup.The scematic shows a fuse between the amp guage and the light switch. I thought of just using a circut breaker but dont know what amp rating to use. Any ideas?
Marv
 
What wattage are the headlights you plan to use and the gauge of the wiring going to the headlights. Mac's catalog states All quartz bulbs require 35 amps for proper operation that would make them about 200 watts each * 2 (400 watts). I would not wire it with less than a 12 gauge circuit and at that amperage use a relay.
 
I really have no clue as to the wire size.I purchased the harness from Dick Spadero and it came from California. It has sealed beam adaptors in it now but i am planning to put stock type bulbs and reflectors back in it as soon as i find them.Really have no intention of driving it in the dark anyway i guess. Marv
 
Hi, If your 32 ford has original 6volt system with 32 to 35 watt headlight bulbs, plus your tail ,stop,dash lights and ignition coil current draw then a 25 or 30 amp glass fuse in the original fuseholder will be high enough. Even with a 12 volt system and 60/55 watt QH headlight bulbs, plus other lights and some small extras a 30 amp fuse will be OK. The above statement regarding MACS QUARTZ HALOGEN Bulbs requiring 35 amps (each) for proper operation is a little incorrect. MACS statement means that a generator or alternator should be capable of a 35 amp charging output (at least) to cover the higher current draw of QH headlight bulbs. Take note that the 1932 ford generator was only good for about 14 amps continuous safe output so wont keep up with QH bulbs., and your battery will get run down after an hour or two of driving. Hope this helps, regards, Kevin.
 
Thanks Kevin
That answeres my question.I do not have a glass fuse holder so i plan on a circut breaker. I think i will start with a 25 and see how that goes.The pickup is all origional . The headlight switch shoirted to ground and burned up the wiring because of no fuse so i want to preve4nt future trouble. Marv
 
For what it is worth, while the majority of '32 pickups were not originally equipped with a fuse in the lighting system, those that were so equipped used a 20 amp fuse.
 
Marv, There a two main types of circuit breakers (and many different makers including original ford types) you could use. One type is a bi-metal and will click in and out thus turning power off and on repeating so long as the short is still present. This type was incorporated in many older style headlight switches. The other type will trip out and stay out (off) when a short occurs. They have a reset button to press so as to make the circuit turn on again. I would use this type if I had to choose. While this is all good I still prefer a fuse so long as you carry spares close handy in your car. The bi-metal type breaker was common and the theory was if there was a short in the headlights and the breaker would turn them off and when it cooled it turned the lights back on again in a few seconds (probually dim) so that you were not in total darkness. Anyway take your pick. Regards, Kevin.
 
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