39 ford electrical issue

R

RobH

Junior Member
I found a short on an electrical component on my 39 ford 1/2 pick up. Upon touching, I found the case very hot. I am would like to fix/replace this part but I'm not sure what it is. Does anyone know what it is and how to fix or where to buy?

thanks
Rob
 

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yes, but the 39 had only a fuse and ballast resitor? I like the idea of a self resetting circuit breaker, but not sure what to purchase.
 
From what I see is that the nut is discolored from heat and the wire terminal probably has a bad connection at the crimp---the insulation looks damaged from the heat of the bad connection, clean up the threads and get new nuts cut the end off the black wire and crimp and solder a new end on it
it is the circuit breaker, and if you fix the connection it will probably be ok

Don't forget to replace the lock washer if there is one ---the electric flow goes through it also
 
I agree with Kurt. The small part on the left in the picture will be hot normally, it's the ballast resistor. Don't burn your fingers on it.
 
Hey Rob, good luck with your electrical repairs. I am re-wiring my 39 using a Ron Francis BareBones 12V panel/wire kit.

Please join the 38/39 P/U & Panel social group, lot's of folk's in various stages with these truck's an answer mostly just a click away:D. Scott
 
How do I join the social group.

I will try to rewire and replace connection hardware. I am thinking about getting a new cowl harness also.

thanks for the advice
Rob
 
Circuit breakers are good for obvious reasons but funny, I still like looking at the blown fuse for some reason. And like they say, Keep it simple stupid (KISS).
 
That box looks like a horn relay. My 39 has a fuse at that location. Oops a horn relay has 3 lugs on it.
 
Referencing the '38-'39 Ford book by the EFV8 club, 1939 Standard cars used the fuse block, 48-12250, and 1939 DeLuxe models used the circuit breaker, 91A-12250. The circuit breaker is for the lighting system. The ballast resistor is the same for both models.

If you have a lot of current flow (lights on) then that box will get warm. It's a self-resetting thermal circuit breaker. Once too much current flows, it will pop, cool off and reset. In the meantime, you should get an indication (i.e. your light go out or flicker) that the circuit breaker popped.

It is possible the circuit breaker has failed and you have excessive current flow without it popping. Usually this condition is paired with another indication...usually smoke or fire as something shorts out.

Hope that helps.

COE Dan
 
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