Fuse Box Help

[70spider]

Hello Everyone,
I'll start by saying my knowledge of automotive electrical is limited to when I instaled an ignition switch in a 68' Ford (in 1984). With that said I have a pic of my fuse box.



When I opened it I noticed that the PO had a couple of wires in there. I traced them and they lead to a toggle switch which is for the custom fog lights. Is this a normal way of doing this, I have never seen wires inside the fuse box on any car before. The plan is to get rid of the lights anyway. Also, form the look of the box would you say a new one would be a good investment?

I'm trying to figure out why I have no tail ligths or turn signals so I am starting with the fuses and bulbs. Should I attempt the electrical restoration or should I have an expert do it? Any advice would be great.
Thanks Pesto

[70spider]

Update:
I followed the orange wire and it leads to the ignition coil. I found this mess, what is this breakerless ignition?

To follow the second red wire I have to pull the center dash panel, I think it may lead to the set of old school sun gauges, which are being taken out when I get the new dash wood.
Thanks, Pesto

Also would these fuses work for the Spider, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 867wt_1001

[ORFORD2004]

These fuses will work.
Look like the PO remove the breaker and condenser for an electronic one.
Check Brad Artigue for electrical wiring diagram and use a test light to see if you have voltage.

[70spider]

Thanks
Pesto

[TStark]

It is entirely normal for previous owners of these cars to wire crap like that.

[70spider]

At this point my level of frustration and inexperence with electrical stuff is telling me to take it to a shop that will return the electrics back to normal.
Pesto

[ORFORD2004]

the last 2 fuses look very rusty.

[70spider]

Update. I remove the stupid KC lights and the Sun gauge cluster. That gets rid of two of the wires the PO had jumping off the fuse box. I repalced the tail light bulbs. When I press the brake two of the passenger side work one bright one dim and the driver side has one medium and no others works. I don't think I got the right bulbs, I just eyeballed them at autozone. I'll do a little more research to find out which bulbs fit. I still have no turn signals.
My last issue with the fuse box is there is a wire jumped off the box and is connected to the ignition coil balast resistor,


Anyone have any idea why it is wired this way? Does anyone else have a breakerless ignition?

Help, Pesto
Edit: I found out what that Max thing is, it is an old school form of an electronic ignition.

[majicwrench]

Turn signals, almost always fail to function because of the wiring at the emergency flasher switch, it gets messed up when someone yanks radio etc. Get a wiring diagram, or search here.
Good luck,
Keith

[JEEPER]

the last 2 fuses look very rusty.

It looks as if the fuses are more amps than factory specs so heat has caused corrosion on the contacts. The easiest thing to do is use inline fuse holders to replace those two after you sort things out and get rid of those extra circuits. The clear glass fuses aren't correct so who knows what amperage they may be.

[70spider]

Thanks for the info, I ordered a new fuse box and it should get here Wed. so the plan is to replace the electronic ignition back to the points (can't afford the distributorless ignition yet) and put in the new fuse box. I got a new flasher relay however, the diameter of the connecting points are smaller than the original screws that secure the leads, so I have to find smaller screws.
Plus I should get the correct tail lights this week and I plan on going thru each connection and clean them, the cost for new tail-light assmbly is beyond my budget at the moment. Once, I get that done next are the wipers.
If the worst happens and I need to get new steering column switch assembly any help on how to replace would be great.
Thanks, Pesto

[wizard124]

A Dremel tool and an assortment of brushes is a Fiat must have! Certainly less work to brush those fuse connections than replace the box.
Disconnect the battery, pull all the fuses and shine those contacts. Replace with spec fuse and check to see what works. Cruddy grounds are also a problem. Dremel shine those too.

[70spider]

Wizard,
Which tips work best?
I clicked on your photobucket tag and wow nice job on your restoration excellent pic documentation.
Thanks, Pesto

[njoconnor]

+1 on the Dremel and brushes. I have all the wire brushes Dremel makes, and usually use the steel disc shaped one (the cup shaped one is a little tricky to use). Hold the wire with a needlenose, make sure the brush spins away from you (don't ask), and polish till it shines. Makes a difference.

I used a very fine sanding drum on the insides of my bulb sockets. Took it slow, and did not overdo it. If you can find one, get a Dremel Stylus....shaped like an old Trekkie phaser. Got a kit for $50 when Home Depot closed them out a year or so ago. Easy to hold, cordless, and lots of speed choices. Uses all the regular Dremel rotary bits, brushes, and drums.

Neil

[wizard124]

Harbor Freight tools has inexpensive wire brushes and ends. I don't know about their dremel like tool, probably decent.
Eye wear is a must! The wire wheels spit out their fine wires, ,, beware.

BTW, thanks for the complement