To clean old tarnish off replacement fuse box?

[RickB]

What should I use? Is there something that I could dip the thing into or spray onto it to remove the years of tarnish?

I know the fusebox is one location that really needs attention, when my tail lights don't come on I go and give the wires there a slight jostle and the lights come on.

This won't help the issue where one headlight comes on bright and the other comes on brown until I wiggle the barrel connectors up front on the drivers side inner fender.

Also my dash lights really have a mind of their own, sometimes they come on just fine and other times they are off. Never flickering, either fully on or fully off. Mostly off.

Hey, I have to have something to work on right?
He is running great. I ought to look at brakes just as a matter of PM, but he sure is running good.

Just a few little electrical issues. :wink:

 

[bill_young]

I recommend dipping the entire fuse block in CLR (common household cleaner for metals) and then rinsing with water. Dry well and then I recommend soldering the spade terminals to the rivets on the rear side using an adequate amount of flux and a high wattage iron or soldering gun. (This is the area where I've seen most of the intermittant connection probelms on fuse blocks) CLR also works well to clean the female bullet connectors and spade connectors on the car. Just dip the connector in a cap full and let it soak for a minute or so then rinse. On the female bullet connectors, take a look inside after they are clean with a good light and check for cracks in the metal. These tend to crack and loose tension causing intermittant connections, if in doubt get a new one.
Soldering the fuse block connections and cleaning or replacing the female bullet connectors will eliminate about 90% of the dreaded Lucas curse from your LBC.

 

[RickB]

Thanks for the tip on CLR - that sounds like a great idea.
Where do you get a handful (or more) of the new bullet connectors? Are these soldered on or crimped?
I know just where I want to start.

 

[v8mgbal]

speaking of fuse boxes, has anyone ever located the box inside the car out of the elements. and if so where did you put it.

 

[bill_young]

Victoria British has both the male and female connectors in the catalog. I've seen both crimp on and solder on male connectors, I prefer the solder on items. The female connectors just connect two or more male connectors which just push in. It's the female connectors that are usually the problem in intermittant connections.

 

[RickB]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]It's the female connectors that are usually the problem in intermittant connections.[/QUOTE]

Yes - I've cleaned the male ends a lot - is there a tool that works for cleaning the insides of the female connectors?

 

[jlaird]

yes a .22 gun barel cleaning brass brush.

 

[RickB]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]yes a .22 gun barel cleaning brass brush[/QUOTE]

Thanks Jack - I probably even have one of them!

 

[Scott_Hower]

Thanks for the tip on CLR - that sounds like a great idea.
Where do you get a handful (or more) of the new bullet connectors? Are these soldered on or crimped?
I know just where I want to start.

British Wiring ... https://www.britishwiring.com/

 

[JPSmit]

I bought them real cheap off ebay UK - though the shipping might be expensive.

https://tinyurl.com/65kbhb

bought fuses from the same seller

 

[bugimike]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]It's the female connectors that are usually the problem in intermittant connections.

Yes - I've cleaned the male ends a lot - is there a tool that works for cleaning the insides of the female connectors? [/QUOTE]


:blush: Boy, if this weren't a car forum you guys would be in real trouble with that kind of trash-talk!!!