Putting fuse box under the hood

-
273

273

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 14, 2012
Messages
6,705
Reaction score
4,080
Location
Ontario
I’m need to rewire my 68 Valiant plan on using aftermarket fuse box and wiring kit, is there any reasons not to mount the fuse box under the hood ?? Would like easier access then under the dash.
 
As long as it's properly covered, there's no problem. The factories have done it for decades. As mentioned though, moisture is a big problem and also heat. So locate it accordingly.
 
I don't like the idea. Fumes, from whatever, and heat, battery acid, gas, etc moisture and road splash are CORROSIVE. And I can see your argument coming........"all the new cars have............"

Well they DO corrode depending on the climate etc.

If you fix the wiring or rewire it RIGHT you will seldom need to access the thing.
 
67Dart273 said:
If you fix the wiring or rewire it RIGHT you will seldom need to access the thing.
Click to expand...
As usual, you beat me to it. I totally agree. I've been done with the restoration on my car for years, and I have had no need to crawl under the dash for the fuse box.
 
harrisonm said:
As usual, you beat me to it. I totally agree. I've been done with the restoration on my car for years, and I have had no need to crawl under the dash for the fuse box.
Click to expand...


True makes sense
 
So true, but I did have to keep replacing under the dash fuses...when my windsheild leak dripped near it.
 
Those newer vehicles that have fuse and relay enclosures under the hood have a second fuse box inside. I think the glove box is a better location. Nobody has a pair of gloves in it anyway.
I forget what vehicle had my favorite design but its fuse box was hinged with a small latch on one side. Fold it down to see/service, then fold it back up out of sight. Of course the wiring in it must be well attached.
 
I put a second fuse box, separate of stock wiring, in my glove box. Mounted it right to the hardboard with clip nuts. Ran all the wiring across in the stock harness holders to power my wide band and stereo. Lots of room there between the box and the heater box.

I have read of people replacing the stock box in the stock location with a Painless box. Just be sure you buy something with enough circuits to meet your needs.
 
273 said:
I’m need to rewire my 68 Valiant plan on using aftermarket fuse box and wiring kit, is there any reasons not to mount the fuse box under the hood ?? Would like easier access then under the dash.
Click to expand...

I use Marine Grade electrical components when adding electrical things to my car. They often have a greater variety to choose from and are of superior quality than generic car stuff. They are easily sourced online.

Even the fuse selection is better and often available in much higher amperage ratings. Most of the stuff is rated for wet conditions as well, but mine never get water near them under the hood due to my choices of placement.

The wire is a lot nicer too. I use heavy duty fine stranded welding cable for heavy current loads. Solder, heatshrink tubing and quality wire ends make for a neat job. I prefer a mall pizo torch for bigger soldering and a quality gun style soldering tool for the finer stuff.

I follow the general ideas and theory of the Madd Electric techniques when adding electrical items too.
 
20201024_163533.jpg


I mounted a secondary beneath the dash to the right of where the booster bolts come through the firewall.
 
Chevy trucks did it right, fuse panel right at driver end of dash: open cab door, open fuse box door and they are there in the sunlight. All the stuff is written on backside of the door. My Plymouth breeze had it there too I believe. They (Chevy) had an alternate fuse box in the engine bay but it was sealed in a weatherproof box. Then Mopar has to get stupid and mount the battery in front of the left front wheel. Had to service it with the tire either off or cocked to the right and it as still very tight.
 
If I did a retro wiring harness ever again the Fuse box would go in the trunk. There is a strong change the battery will be right there with it. Clean installation and easier to work with. I've only seen it done a few times and it just made sense to me....

JW
 
pishta said:
Chevy trucks did it right, fuse panel right at driver end of dash: open cab door, open fuse box door and they are there in the sunlight. All the stuff is written on backside of the door. My Plymouth breeze had it there too I believe. They (Chevy) had an alternate fuse box in the engine bay but it was sealed in a weatherproof box. Then Mopar has to get stupid and mount the battery in front of the left front wheel. Had to service it with the tire either off or cocked to the right and it as still very tight.
Click to expand...

Uh..............my Dodge "trucks" are in the same spot!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top