Should I add a fuse?

newshirt

newshirt

Well-known member
I'd like to hear from the purists about whether I should add a fuse block to my A. (It's a driver, not a points car.)

I understand the obvious reason for fuses, but can't stand the non-authentic look of the things. I cring every time I look at my seatbelts, which my wife made me add. But I don't know if I could tolerate a modern fuse block hanging off the starter, unless I was assured it was a period aftermarket accessory. Did they even have cylinder-shaped fuses in 1929? Any period photos to ease my pain?
 
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I was trying to convince a friend that he should add a fuse. I wasn't having much luck. As we closed the garage door I told him I thought I saw smoke. He thought I was joking. I made him open the door and we found a short in his wiring that was moments from bursting into flame.

Charlie Stephens
 
Most Model A's today have the fuse block installed, at least the drivers do, so the fuse block on top of the starter doesn't look that much out of place.

Whenever I secure for the day I lift the fuse and stand it on its head at one end of the clip. This insures that all the potential electrical loads are disconnected.

The only down side to the single fuse installation, is if it should blow while you are rolling down the road the generator will run wild and burn itself up. This usually doesn't happen since the generator is carrying the load, not the battery.

Tom Endy
 
Why not use an in-line fuse that can be tucked out sight? Maybe in the wire from the terminal box to the ammeter--that would cover everything except the wire from the starter switch to the terminal box. You could make the ammeter wires long enough so the fuse could hang down a bit out of the gap between the firewall and channel to the dash--unseen in normal usage.

Another idea I've heard of is someone hid their fuse in the channel at the side of the windshield, somehow.

There is somewhat of a dilemma if you go with only one fuse. You've got to size it for the largest capacity wiring, which leaves the smaller diameter wiring unprotected.

Steve
 
These kind'a have the vintage look Ray, attaches to the motor side of the starter (Snyders)

A11450SF-7248-xl.jpg
 
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As I was nearing completion on my Model A speedster I added the single fuse holder mounted on the starter. On my first trip out of the driveway the fuse blew shutting down everything. A second fuse also blew. When I noticed that the dash light bulb was blackened I had found the problem. After disconnecting the original dash light I have had no further problems. I would certainly prefer the fuse over a fire.
 
I would much rather trade the "look" of the fuse holder shown above for watching our Tudor go up in flames. Yes, it isn't authentic, but it IS a lot better than losing one's car. I'd stop cringing and start wrenching. :)
 
Yep.. the day I brought my truck home my 85 year old nieghbor came over for a look, pointed to the wire on the starter and said "you better fuse that wire or your going to burn your garage down"
 
Would you rather add the fuse to the top of the starter[looks like it belongs] or down the road when the car burns up say..Dam, should have put that fuse on...Safty First [Question Answered]
 
On a driving A I believe this is a very good safety item. If you develop a short, the fuse blows; it tell you that there is a problem in the wiring. Better to blow a fuse than burn up the wiring and car.

Ron
 
I disagree with everyone! Do not ruin an original Model A with a fuse,,,,,much better to let it burn up and give You a great chance to warn others!!!
 
Ray,
Look up my posts about adding a circuit breaker. It could be hidden out of sight. I prefer mine in plain sight with a tag on it that reads, "OL' BILL LOVES HIS CAR, VERMIN!"
By the way, I'm not a "PURIST." I'm part of the 99% majority!
 
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The model A needs a fuse or any equivlant circuit interupter and should have had one from the start. End of story.


Even a modern blade fuse looks far better on a model A then a fire.
 
The simple fuse blocks shown are good insurance. They are accepted on fine point show cars as they are an important safety device.
 
Fuses are for protecting wires. The fuse is sized to the thinest gauge wire in the circuit. Most guys have too big fuse which can falsely give a feeling of protection. Yes it might blow with a short circuit but enough current will flow to overheat other wire in the harness. To properly protect the car you need correctly sized fuses on each wire.

The fuse holders have also been sources of intermitant failures. It is a cheesy fuse holder out in the weather with a fuse not ment to be in the weather.

That all being said. Most guys do not fully understand eletricity and some fuse is probably better nothing given the condition of the wiring. Just be aware of the limits.

If you have a quality harness in your car and it is properly installed then the need for a fuse is significantly reduced. The A has made it 80 years and still is not known to catch on fire. Ya some wire got hot and smoked but the do not burn easy.
 
steve s said:
Why not use an in-line fuse that can be tucked out sight? Maybe in the wire from the terminal box to the ammeter--that would cover everything except the wire from the starter switch to the terminal box. You could make the ammeter wires long enough so the fuse could hang down a bit out of the gap between the firewall and channel to the dash--unseen in normal usage.

Another idea I've heard of is someone hid their fuse in the channel at the side of the windshield, somehow.

There is somewhat of a dilemma if you go with only one fuse. You've got to size it for the largest capacity wiring, which leaves the smaller diameter wiring unprotected.

Steve
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You want the fuse close to the the power source. I have one on the starter and a circuit breaker on the generator. They have both saved the wiring. My dad bought a burned up Model "A" when I was a small child. He said the fire was started by an electric fire. He put the engine in his "AA" truck. The frame sat in the back yard for years and we use to sit and play on the frame.
 
YES!!!

the Snyder's setup pictured above is very good.

Bill in Lebanon CT ("2manycars" on this board) was selling a fuse setup which installed inside the car below the gas tank on the firewall opposite the terminal box. that one is very inconspicuous.
 
So what amp fuse is too big. I have used 10 amp fuses in these blocks for years and also with in line fuses on my antique bikes. I think most folks understand the need to protect the smallest gauge wire.
 
Steve Ciccalone said:
So what amp fuse is too big. I have used 10 amp fuses in these blocks for years and also with in line fuses on my antique bikes. I think most folks understand the need to protect the smallest gauge wire.
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What does your ammeter read when you have the headlights, turnsignals, and dashlight on, step on the brakes, and hit the horn all at once? A lower rated fuse will convert the normal brownout-with-horn-grunt under these conditions to a total blackout. Ten amps won't make it.
 
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