Wiring in some gauges and a stereo.
Yes!
Chrysler frequently used black for power feeds. A little less so by '73, but unless you know its a ground, assume its a feed.
On most* 1973 A-bodies the battery and the alternator output are tied together at a welded main splice.
From the main splice power can flow from either power source to various circuits.
See if you can identify these main circuits.
Problems can often occur at the connections, either the contacts, the crimps or sometimes the wire just beyond the crimp.
Column connector feed and both power supply feeds through the bulkhead are the ones that seem to get the most abuse and deterioration.
The label 'alternator' on the ammeter is unfortunate.
The ammeter is in the battery feed/charge line.
When the battery is supplying power, current flows out of the battery and the meter shows discharge (up to 40 amps).
When the alternator is recharging the battery, the ammeter shows charge.
If the battery is supplying power while driving, something is wrong with the alternator or its connections.
back to your project,
If you will only be using the stereo with the engine running, then you may be able to tie in at the fusebox. See if there is an empty spot. Even so, it depends how much power the unit will draw. On the key switched side that power is going to have to flow through the same feed to the key swtich as every other 'accessory' and the engine systems ignition, alternator, choke assist if present, etc.
*Some Dusters had an optional feed wiring arrangement.
If you see the alternator or battery feeds going through a grommet, that's one of those arrangements
example here Dash Power Feed Confusion
Yes!
Chrysler frequently used black for power feeds. A little less so by '73, but unless you know its a ground, assume its a feed.
On most* 1973 A-bodies the battery and the alternator output are tied together at a welded main splice.
From the main splice power can flow from either power source to various circuits.
See if you can identify these main circuits.
Problems can often occur at the connections, either the contacts, the crimps or sometimes the wire just beyond the crimp.
Column connector feed and both power supply feeds through the bulkhead are the ones that seem to get the most abuse and deterioration.
The label 'alternator' on the ammeter is unfortunate.
The ammeter is in the battery feed/charge line.
When the battery is supplying power, current flows out of the battery and the meter shows discharge (up to 40 amps).
When the alternator is recharging the battery, the ammeter shows charge.
If the battery is supplying power while driving, something is wrong with the alternator or its connections.
back to your project,
If you will only be using the stereo with the engine running, then you may be able to tie in at the fusebox. See if there is an empty spot. Even so, it depends how much power the unit will draw. On the key switched side that power is going to have to flow through the same feed to the key swtich as every other 'accessory' and the engine systems ignition, alternator, choke assist if present, etc.
*Some Dusters had an optional feed wiring arrangement.
If you see the alternator or battery feeds going through a grommet, that's one of those arrangements
example here Dash Power Feed Confusion
