Hello All,
I am installing a Guide accessory self cancelling turn signal switch in my 51. Electrical is not my strong suite so I need your help. There is no fuse anywhere in this system and that makes me uncomfortable. The 6 volt power source is the headlight switch (actually goes through an accessory junction block). If I put an in line fuse just after the headlight switch, will that protect the system if there is a short? Thanks for your help.
Jeff

Your thinking ahead about adding a fuse is good. If I remember correctly there was a 10 amp fuse in an inline fuse holder on my ‘37.

One point to consider is whether there is “switched” power to the turn signals. In my car I wired the turn signals so they worked only when the ignition was on. By design the ignition switch on a ‘37 does not have an accessory function. I did not want the turn signals to operate anytime you moved the lever.

You also mentioned taking power from the light switch. You do want the turn signals to work even if the lights are not on.

According to the Chevrolet instructions, the proper way to install this is through an accessory junction block. That is wired with one wire to the light switch (a permanently hot lug) and another wire to the ignition switch so the signal only works when the ignition is on. I don't have that junction block and a previous owner had another Guide 6004 installed (not a correct Chevrolet unit) without one and power coming directly to it from the light switch. It worked any time the battery was connected. There is now a fuse coming off the brake switch but I don't want to cut the original wires on this new unit since all the wires and terminals are in place from Guide so O want to put the fuse right at the light switch and plug right into that. This looks like it could be an NOS unit. I really have no problem with not having it switched since I have a disconnect at the battery that I always turn off when I'm not in the car. I just want to feel better about it by putting in a fuse in a different location. I am looking for an NOS junction block that I will probably add. All the ones I have sen are coming from Canada and the shipping is expensive. I'll keep looking but I want to install this unit now.
Thanks for the response!
Jeff

Like your idea I would be putting a fuse in the system and connecting to the coil side of the ignition switch, that way they wont operate if you accidently bump the lever.
Tony

Thank you both for your input! I got it all figured out and the system works perfectly. Turns out the previous owner did, in fact, install a fuse just off the headlight switch where the system receives its power. As I said previously the proper way is to use the junction box so that the signals won't operate unless the ignition is on but for now it is fine with full time power as log as I undo the power shut off at the battery or am sure that the signal arm is in the off position. I just spliced into it there and hooked everything up as in the directions and it works great- so far anyway.
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for sharing your success.

Jeff,
There are quite a few NOS '53 acc. junction boxes around. Watch eBay.

Mike

35Mike,
I have been searching on eBay and have found those '53 junction blocks. I'm not sure they are the same as for the '51 as they have a different part number. I did find one in Canada that I probably should buy except I have a problem with the shipping expense from there. It's almost as much as the item. Maybe I should just close my eyes and pay up.
Jeff

Will the junction block designed for 53-53 Belaire work on my 51? It has a different GM part number than that specified for the 51. There are several NOS for sale on eBay. Thanks for you advise.
Jeff

In my experiance it will not hook up properly.

Thank you for your advice!
Jeff