I am sure this has been brought up before (although I couldn't find it), what is the best way to update the fuses to the blade type and which manufacturer makes the best fuse block. I have a 72 Spyder with a 2000cc carbed engine and wiring is a nightmare. Seems to me the best place to begin a full rewire is the fuse block, but I know some of them can be more trouble than what came with this car 41 years ago. Any suggestions are totally appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Update fuses
- FiatMac
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:14 pm
- Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spider
- Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
Re: Update fuses
Used the Search Function above. Searched on "blade type fuse block" and specified search in "Electrical Issues". The second thread listed had this link to the Mirafiori site frequently asked question section.
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/fu ... eblock.htm
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/fu ... eblock.htm
Stan McConnell
Retired Mechanical Engineer
Salisbury, North Carolina
82 2000 Spider (driving)
78 124 Spider on the rotisserie
76 124 Spider parts car or possible Lemons racer
83 parts car
Retired Mechanical Engineer
Salisbury, North Carolina
82 2000 Spider (driving)
78 124 Spider on the rotisserie
76 124 Spider parts car or possible Lemons racer
83 parts car
-
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:00 pm
- Your car is a: 1973 Spider [sold]
- Location: Baltimore, MD
Re: Update fuses
The Bosch-style fuses used in our Spiders are probably the weakest link in the electrical system. However, once you replace the block, you still have headlights and brake lights going thru the ignition switch, the bizarre hazard/flasher circuit, and so on. Plus the 40-year-old wiring itself, which I've seen shed its insulation just by bending.
If you have the time and the skills necessary to perform the blade fuse block swap, you might consider replacing the entire wiring harness with a modern design. TXL wire is about half the diameter of vintage wire, incredibly tough and flexible, and if used in conjunction with "modern" (USA post-1960's) circuit design, yields an electrical system you'll never think about again.
http://dcfiats.org/tech/Installing%20th ... less-C.pdf
If you have the time and the skills necessary to perform the blade fuse block swap, you might consider replacing the entire wiring harness with a modern design. TXL wire is about half the diameter of vintage wire, incredibly tough and flexible, and if used in conjunction with "modern" (USA post-1960's) circuit design, yields an electrical system you'll never think about again.
http://dcfiats.org/tech/Installing%20th ... less-C.pdf
Re: Update fuses
Wiring is not a mystery to me, thanks for the info on wiring harness, I will look into it.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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- Posts: 141
- Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:56 am
- Your car is a: 1980 Spyder 2000
- Location: Alabama
- Contact:
Re: Update fuses
This is what I went with for both my Fiat and 66 Chevy Van restores. I havent installed in my Spider yet but the one in my van is SWEET! Besides just 30+ year wiring that I worried about, replacing that rats nest under the dash sure will be nice.
Bought on eBay for $135 for a 21 circuit system with the relays and everything. The wires were long enough for my Sport Van (which I just replaced the inline 250 6 cylinder/3 speed with a EFI 350 with 700R4 auto) so will be no issue for the short Fiat.
They have less circuit units, 12-21 circuits. I went with 21s since it wasnt much more and it leaves open a lot of room for expansion without piggy backing another circuit. Looks like he sold the 50 he had at this price but can check his store for others.
Here is link to what I bought.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310595639866?ss ... 1497.l2649
Bought on eBay for $135 for a 21 circuit system with the relays and everything. The wires were long enough for my Sport Van (which I just replaced the inline 250 6 cylinder/3 speed with a EFI 350 with 700R4 auto) so will be no issue for the short Fiat.
They have less circuit units, 12-21 circuits. I went with 21s since it wasnt much more and it leaves open a lot of room for expansion without piggy backing another circuit. Looks like he sold the 50 he had at this price but can check his store for others.
Here is link to what I bought.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310595639866?ss ... 1497.l2649
Matthew Basaraba
1980 Fiat Spider 2000
1980 Fiat Spider 2000
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Update fuses
I too have been really interested in upgrading the fuses. Do you plan on installing the new block where the old one is, or relocating it? I assume these get patched in with solder and shrink connections? Just cut the wires one at a time and connect the new? I must admit I am intimidated by working in such a confined space under the dash where the current block is.
Pete
Pete
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
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- Posts: 141
- Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:56 am
- Your car is a: 1980 Spyder 2000
- Location: Alabama
- Contact:
Re: Update fuses
I took my dash out and tore out every piece of wire that was in the car.
It comes with new sockets for the headlights and then it is connecting to the connectors that are already there. I will solder and shrink wrap anything I can not wire directly, like I did on the van. Some things I will use new spade connectors to replace the multi wire connectors so they are new. I found lots of corrosion in some of my wire connectors.
It comes with new sockets for the headlights and then it is connecting to the connectors that are already there. I will solder and shrink wrap anything I can not wire directly, like I did on the van. Some things I will use new spade connectors to replace the multi wire connectors so they are new. I found lots of corrosion in some of my wire connectors.
Matthew Basaraba
1980 Fiat Spider 2000
1980 Fiat Spider 2000