Author Topic: Fuse Block Replacement  (Read 1182 times)

Offline money pit

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Fuse Block Replacement
« on: October 25, 2019 - 09:23:28 PM »
I was thinking about replacing the stock fuse block on my Barracuda with a modern fuse block with more circuits. Has anyone installed one of these after market blocks? I was wondering if this new block will have fit in the old location and have the same type of bulkhead connections. Could I install the block under the hood?  I don't have headers. Thanks




Offline 70chall440

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Re: Fuse Block Replacement
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2019 - 01:44:55 PM »
I have done basically what you are talking about on my 73 Cuda and will be doing it again on my 70 RR. I could not find any modern replacement that offered bulk head connectors similar to the original, rather all of the aftermarket harnesses have hard wired harnesses meaning that all of the wires are connected to the fuse block. On my Cuda I did make a variety of disconnects so that I could connect various circuits but not the engine harness and front end harnesses. I thought about it and could have used multi pin connectors to do it, but in the end it just didn't seem like it was worth it. I might try this on the RR when I get to that point.

A few points on wiring and going the route of installing a new modern harness; you really need to spend a lot of time thinking it through, making a variety of wiring diagrams that include all of the components you want to use or think you might want to use. This way you can configure the harness before you install it all into the car.

As to mounting, again you are not going to find a direct replacement to bolt/screw into the same location as the original; you would have to either close up the original hole or make a place of some sort to cover it. I always hated where the fuse block was mounted so on my Cuda I mounted the fuse block in the glove box (which I remade out of metal). Makes it very convenient to inspect and replace fuses. I removed the entire dash, mounted the fuse block, and ran all of the wiring before reinstalling the dash, made it SO much easier than trying to do it in the car.

There are some really cool electrical block solutions out there, but they all come with a price. I would love to install an ISIS Electrical system but they are just so expensive. The great thing with all of the modern systems is that the wires are marked as to their function every 6" so running them is relatively easy. There are a lot of good systems out there, I have used Kwik and EZ systems which were fine. I would not pay the money for a Painless because, well they are not painless and you are spending money you don't have to due to the name. Ron Francis is good as well. There are some guys who make their own which isn't as difficult as it would seem but a lot of work.

Going modern means you are going to have to deal with connectors, the originals on vintage Mopars were Packard 56 however there are many others to include Deutsch, Metri Pack, weather pack, etc. and they all have different connection/assembly requirements so you will need some tools and an unedrstanding of each that you will want to use. There is some over lap in terms of tools and each has its own nuances as to where/how to use them. Generally, I stick to Packard 56 connectors for high amp uses, metri or weather pack for anything that might be exposed to weather/water.

Hope this is helpful.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline jhaag

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Re: Fuse Block Replacement
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2019 - 01:54:11 PM »
As far as any other fuse block fitting the original location, no they will not without modifying either the firewall or fuse block. Also newer style boxes will not have the same bulkhead connectors. So no, your existing connectors will not plug in. You can put your fuse block wherever you want. Just be prepared to basically rewire your entire car. Sure you can use some of the existing wires, but at that point you are dealing with 50 year old wires that are typically undersized. There are many aftermarket systems available. Some people have used late model fuse blocks from wrecked cars. Do an internet search, or search this sight and others for ideas. Just remember if you are not prepared to do a lot of modifying, or don't like wiring in general, I would recommend not going down this road....
love 70 Challengers

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Fuse Block Replacement
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2019 - 05:06:12 PM »
jhaag brings up some good points, most importantly is that if wiring is "not your thing" then you don't want to go down this path. It is not hard, but it does require quire a lot of thinking, planning, work and a few specialty tools. Generally, I enjoy wiring as there is a certain amount of logic to it but I still get frustrated and confused from time to time. I would not hesitate to wire an entire car especially with one of the newer modern aftermarket systems out there but I completely understand that it is daunting and not for everyone. I built an entire wiring manual form Cuda that contains all of the wiring diagrams I used and made, my point being that if you go down this road you must take some good notes and build some diagrams for anything that is non-standard.

If wiring is not something you are skilled at, interested in, etc. Look towards buying new replacement wiring looms/systems. They will essentially be plug and play although there will still be some challenges.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline money pit

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Re: Fuse Block Replacement
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2019 - 11:34:49 PM »
Sorry for the delayed response. A lot of brush fires out here is So. Calif. Power has been shut down a couple of times due to the winds. Anyway thanks so much for the info. it is very helpful. I think I may do something similar to 70chall440. I need to place the fuse block somewhere it's easier to get to. I have a hard time crawling under the dash.  I currently have the dash out because I replaced the dash pad and I'm planning on installing AC.  Thanks again everyone.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Fuse Block Replacement
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2019 - 12:21:06 AM »
The next one I do (my 70 RR), I am going to put the fuse box in the glove box like I did my Cuda but I am also going to install bulk head connectors to allow me to make have remove the engine harness separately, at least the majority of it. I have found a few of them but I know that there are a wide variety of them used on things like military vehicles.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)