Not your grandmother's Bugeye electrical system

[Sarastro]

I finally finished a project I've been planning for some time: updating Ruby Redcar's electrical system with modern fusing, sensible wiring, and relays in appropriate places. I also wanted to make it reasonably expandable, in case I were to add even more electrical junk--err, equipment--to the car. Someday, for example, I'd like to have a radio, even though I probably won't be able to hear it over the wind noise.

Even though I don't drive at night much, I added relays for the headlights. Danged if it didn't increase the brightness noticeably! The contacts in the headlight and high-beam switch must have been pretty awful. Also, eliminating maybe eight feet of (probably) undersized wire may also have helped.

My write-up on the modification, with pictures and a wiring diagram, is at https://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/electrical.

It was a fun project. Now, I have to figure out what to attack next.

 

[jhorton3]

I like what you did here, and great documentation. I talked with a fellow at the MGT show who had done this to his B. It's a great idea if you're going to use as a daily driver.

 

[TexasSprite]

Thanks! This is my next project and your article could not be more timely.

 

[Guest]

Thanks! This is my next project and your article could not be more timely.

Funny how that always seems to happen.

 

[tdskip]

It was a fun project. Now, I have to figure out what to attack next.

Simple - my car!

Nice write up.

 

[mightymidget]

Yes this is my next project also. Since my Bugeye will be for daily driver I paln on rewiring the complete car, I am starting on the rear wiring as we speak

 

[Morris]

Thanks for the article. Awesome! Now that I have knowledge, all I need is money and time. :frown:

 

[tao724]

Sweet as can be!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Sarastro]

Thanks for the comments. I'm glad the article might be useful to someone.

I should point out that this is just what I did--I don't claim that it's the best or the only way to do it. One problem is working around the existing wiring, and if you're willing to replace some of the parts, like the integrated headlight and ignition switch, you probably can avoid some of the dilemmas. However, one rule for all of the modifications I've made is that it has to be easily returned to stock configuration if some later owner wants to do that. And, I want the car to look stock externally, if not under the hood.