Went to start the Midget.

[regularman]

Dead as a doornail. I recharged the battery, but there must be a draw somewhere. I suspect that dang trunk light stayed on, but how do I know :wink: I unhooked the battery until I can hook up my ammeter and find the draw.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Kim,

Get that battery charged up. One of those quick disconnects on the battery might help here. It's getting warmer in Asheville < 2 months until Spring. Get that car ready to drive. Sunny and almost 50 here in Dayton today. If streets weren't major covered with salt Bugsy might go out today for some exercise even if the top is off.

 

[regularman]

Eh, I got to find that draw Jim. What kind of electricain would I be if I gave up and used a battery disconnect :wink: I rode my motorcycle to work this morning (about 15 miles) and it was 20 degrees, but it is supposed to be around 60 degrees for the ride home.

 

[tweety]

I know I have a very very small draw on my 79 idget, also the alternator is not doing it's job perfectly by any stretch. If I don't start the car at least once a week in the summer, or twice a week in the winter it will not start.

I've worked around the issue by using a trickle charger when the car is parked at home. I also carry a jump box in the trunk for the rare occasion that it won't start when I'm out and about.

Interestingly, the one time I could not get it going while not at home was in the Costco parking lot. I went in, bought a new battery installed it and immediately returned the dead battery for the deposit. Talk about good timing!

 

[Glen_B]

I've noticed that the cars with modern radios drain the battery over the winter. I now don't connect the yellow wire that keeps the radio "idling" when "off". Of course you loose all your station presets and time.

Glen

 

[jvandyke]

Interestingly, the one time I could not get it going while not at home was in the Costco parking lot. I went in, bought a new battery installed it and immediately returned the dead battery for the deposit. Talk about good timing!

Is it even possible to pull the battery out with the bonnet on? I didn't try but don't think I could get mine up and over the heater box with the bonnet on. I pulled the bonnet this winter before even trying.

 

[Atrus]

Is it even possible to pull the battery out with the bonnet on? I didn't try but don't think I could get mine up and over the heater box with the bonnet on. I pulled the bonnet this winter before even trying.

I can do this. It doesn't work that well if the bonnet is just held up by the prop rod, but iif it's held to the max the hinges will allow it's completely possible. I've managed with it on the prop rod, but it's difficult.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Simple, tie a rope to the hood latch and hoist it up highrer and tie off to an eye bolt attached to a rafter. Much easier access and safer than the prop rod. I use the same type of setup along with some excess sailing hardware pulleys for a block and tackle to take my BE Bonnet on / off by myself.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Kim,

For now simply take the bulb out of the socket in the trunk. Fix it later, for now get it ready to drive and put that electrical draw on your Job Board as something to fix. Hey had dinner in your new favorite Dayton resturaunt the other night. Excellent as always.

 

[jvandyke]

My bonnet hits the wipers way too soon. Can only open a little really, need to address that too this winter.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Who needs wipers! They never work when you need them. They really are for show.