When I converted my 60 Lark to an alternator I did not install a fuse or fusible link in the 6 ga. wire from the starter solenoid to the alternator, but I did install an in-line fuse in the positive wire going into the wiring harness, to prevent any voltage back feed from the engine bay, if a problem occurs. My original generator shorted internally, I had just pulled into the garage and turned the car 0ff, I usually open the hood and disconnect the battery and then just leave the hood open until the next time I want to drive it. If this had not been my normal practice - my Lark, my wifes car, and my house would have burnt. Just as I opened the hood the generator and the feild wires from the generator flashed into a bright glow luckily my tool chest is directly in front of where the Lark sits, I grabbed a cable cutter and cut the positive battery wire, I then looked up and saw that the inside of the passenger compartment was filled with smoke, the short had back fed into the inside wiring harnes via the ammeter wire, for some reason [?] I had a gallon of distilled water in the garage I grabbed it and was able to distinguish the burning wires under the dash as well as the engine bay, before any major damage was done. When I replaced the wiring harness I added fuses that probably were not necessary but I do feel secure in the fact that the fuses will open before something like tat can reoccur I also decided that there would be no ammeter reinstalled in my car, I converted it to a volt meter (with fuse). Prior to this, I had no idea how FAST a car could go up in flames, Like I said if I had just turned the car Off and gone inside, my house would have been burning in a matter of a few minutes. I strongly recommend that you take the time to pop the hood and disconnect the battery, also add some fuses.
Studebaker Fever
60 Lark
51 Champion
Phil
Studebaker Fever
60 Lark
51 Champion
Phil
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