Adding some low amp circuits

[njoconnor]

During the shakedown cruises this past weekend, Pat noticed we had no GPS....nor power ports for GPS or phone charging. I'd like to add 2-3 auxiliary power plug receptacles to the 72. Here's what I'm thinking:

10 gauge ring terminal and wire (red) from battery post, leading to
30 amp in line ATO fuse holder and fuse, then to
a 6 slot fuse block (BWD FB70 or similar), then
run red 18 gauge power leads to each plug receptacle, then
black 18 gauge grounds to nearby grounding points.

(oh....and update my copy of Brad's wiring diagrams!)

What anm I missing? This seems to me to be a "always on" power condition (direct from battery). Anything I should add for safety sake? Better idea from anyone? (trying to avoid any connection to ignition switch, to prolong its life).

Thanks

Neil

[seabeelt]

Relay the circuits off of fuse 9 or 10 ( to the coil of the relay). Really no additional draw to those fuses and you can have key on/off circuit(s). Mount the hole deal on the crops rail under the glove box for easy access. That's where I put all of my relays for the headlight upgrade and heated seats.

R/

[njoconnor]

Thanks, Mike! That makes better sense than a constant live circuit. Back to the parts store!

Neil

[njoconnor]

Bumping this 'cause I finally got around to finishing the project last night!

Having experienced the delight of sparks and burning insulation many years ago with my 71 Coupe, avoidance of repeats was the main objective. Mike's suggestion of using power off the fuse block to operate a relay was an excellent one, so that was my starting point. During the interior rebuild, I'd disconnected and blocked off the seat belt and key buzzers, but left them in place on their little underdash tray. I still had switched 12V power on the yellow/black leading to the key buzzer, so that became my relay power lead. Off to the parts store to purchase 10 ga red wire for the battery power leadm an in line fuse (30 amp), 14 ga red and black for the outlet leads, a bunch of assorted crimp on connectors, and these two items:



I'll probably never use all six fuse circuits, but figured the expansion ability might be welcome. Planned for 5 amp fuses in all, since nothing I'd be running would be greater than that (cell phones, GPS's, the occasional tablet).



Don't smoke, so the old lighter was superfluous....and did not really play well with some of the cell/GPS power plugs. Found this at O'Reilly's: it's a direct slide in/screw clamp just like the original lighter, which saved me from modifying the original opening in the center console. While I had the center console opened up, got to thinking: wouldn't it be great if I could use my 9V "memory saver" plug in so I didn't have to reset the radio every time I disconnected the battery? So I joined the outlet's power lead with the radio's low power constant power lead, put a 10 amp fuse downstream, hooked it to the old lighter's constant power lead, and it worked like a charm! No more radio futzing!

Here's how it all turned out:

Fuse block installed:



Passenger outlet installed (single outlet on driver's side):



How it looks:



Can't see anything different, which was Objective # 2!

Everything works, no crackly sounds, and I'm done tweaking until NOV and end of driving season. Next up will be H4 headlamps/city lights, a possible (likely) alternator upgrade, and new fuel pump.

Neil

[seabeelt]

Well done '

[njoconnor]

Thanks, Mike! You get co-production credit; the relay idea helped the rest of the plan fall into place.

Hope to get it out this week/weekend. Beautiful cool days here in WI, and golf on Saturday!

Neil

[spider2081]

I use the same fuse panel mounted on the drivers fender well in engine compartment. It protects the headlight relays, driving light relay, starter relay and coolant fan relay and wiper relay circuits. The relays are mounted in close proximity to the fuse panel. The relays remove the major current flow from the ignition switch, headlight switches etc hopefully extending their life.

[seabeelt]

Neil, Thanks for the kind words. I'm hoping to get back on the road soon also. My better half had rotator cuff surgery and is out of action for a few weeks. (6 so far) Its better every day, but I'm doing double duty around the house so no time for the car and at the moment she prefers to ride in her Audi if we have to go anywhere.

[scrapironchef]

Check these out, a relay and three fuses on an interlocking base.http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-pin-relay-bas ... 20e618d221

I used these to add headlight and horn relays, it's nice to be able to crimp and solder the lugs before pushing them into the sockets. Very compact once assembled.

[SoFlaFiat]

Well done Neil!
Yours is becoming a leader in well sorted cars!!

[njoconnor]

Mike, I hope Deborah feels better soon! And, yeah, an Audi makes more sense during the healing process...

'chief, that's a great looking piece (nice rice too)! If I decide to add anymore circuits, I'll be back for one.

Alan, thanks...high praise indeed coming from you. A little at a time, and the improvements add up.

Now its time to drive it until NOV, and then work on lighting and fuel system tweaks until the snow flies (and the car goes to its winter garage). Had it out most of the weekend, with fantastic weather, and simply a joy to drive!

Thanks to everyone for the comments, support, and help!

Neil