Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Fuse panel location Ideas

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 10:36 AM
  #16  
Jolly Roger Joe's Avatar
Jolly Roger Joe
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Originally Posted by Tilleyman
Ok, I'm not the smartest at electrical stuff - in fact it's my least favorite part of my rebuild. But now I'm confused.

I did the 6V to 12V conversion, and rewired everything under the dash to engine using a harness kit, but haven't done anything, or even realized I had to do something, about fuses.

Help please.
The original '52 came with 2 circuit breakers (15 amp and 30 amp) and no fuses. These probably sufficed in the original configurations.

I think most 12 volt conversions are done to support more accessories, which should be fused. I'm still 6 volt, but removed my cb's and installed a fuse panel when I rewired the truck.

I don't know (but someone on here will) if the first 12 volt trucks had fuses or still used the circuit breakers.
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 10:45 AM
  #17  
JimG1098's Avatar
JimG1098
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
tilleyman,

The original trucks did not have very much in the way of fuse protection. My 54 only had 2 thermo fuse buttons. The new lay out will have 21 circuits and fuses all set up in a nice package. There are some nice pics in this thread
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 10:49 AM
  #18  
Tilleyman's Avatar
Tilleyman
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
From: Lewisberry, PA
Well it sounds like fuses are certainly a good thing. Where would I find a diagram converting from the circuit breakers by my gauges to a fuse panel?
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 11:14 AM
  #19  
JimG1098's Avatar
JimG1098
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
There is usually a schematic in the back of the Repair Manuel. You can also find it on line by putting you truck year and model and searching foor wiring diagrams. If you have any trouble, get back to me and I will help you fine one..
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 11:46 AM
  #20  
Jolly Roger Joe's Avatar
Jolly Roger Joe
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Originally Posted by Tilleyman
Well it sounds like fuses are certainly a good thing. Where would I find a diagram converting from the circuit breakers by my gauges to a fuse panel?
I got this one from ClassicCarWiring.com. I find it's easier to read than the ones in the Shop Manual and it's color coded per the original wiring color scheme. It does not include turn signals or the cigar lighter. It's 11x17 in size and is laminated so you won't get grease on it.

1951 1952 Ford Pickup Truck Wiring Diagram - ClassicCarWiring

I got my fuse panel from Amazon. I went with the 14 gang panel, but could probably just gotten the 10 gang, since I'm only using 7 of the fuses to protect all the lines that were originally protected by the circuit breakers (and I added one for turn signals).

Amazon.com: Sierra International FS40440 ATO 14 Gang Marine Fuse Block: Automotive Amazon.com: Sierra International FS40440 ATO 14 Gang Marine Fuse Block: Automotive

Amazon.com: ATO/ATC FUSE BLOCK 10 GANG: Sports & Outdoors Amazon.com: ATO/ATC FUSE BLOCK 10 GANG: Sports & Outdoors
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 12:05 PM
  #21  
rustybits's Avatar
rustybits
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I put one in the left kick panel area and one behind the seat.
 

Last edited by rustybits; Dec 15, 2015 at 12:07 PM. Reason: trying to attach photographs
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 03:30 PM
  #22  
Harrier's Avatar
Harrier
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,680
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
The diagram Joe mentioned is great. But, it is the stock wiring without a fuse panel. For my 55, I couldn't find a diagram that had turn signals either.
The instrument lights are run off the headlight switch and turn signal.
Here is a diagram I have put together that includes a fuse panel and headlight relay for the lighting system. This is for a 55, so yours might be a little different. I also haven't fully tested my diagram, but I think it is pretty good.



The turn signal wire colors are what were on my truck. The new ones you buy are different colors.
I have similar diagrams for Generator circuit, ignition circuit and some other basic diagrams for lighting. Drawing them sure helped me understand the systems more.
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 03:33 PM
  #23  
Tilleyman's Avatar
Tilleyman
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
From: Lewisberry, PA
Thanks so much. Is this website the greatest resource or what?!!
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 05:10 PM
  #24  
HILLBILLY BOB's Avatar
HILLBILLY BOB
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 21
From: HUDSON, FL
that idea of puting the fuse panel on the glove box door is a great idea
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 07:59 PM
  #25  
Jolly Roger Joe's Avatar
Jolly Roger Joe
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Originally Posted by Harrier
The diagram Joe mentioned is great. But, it is the stock wiring without a fuse panel. For my 55, I couldn't find a diagram that had turn signals either.
The instrument lights are run off the headlight switch and turn signal.
Here is a diagram I have put together that includes a fuse panel and headlight relay for the lighting system. This is for a 55, so yours might be a little different. I also haven't fully tested my diagram, but I think it is pretty good.



The turn signal wire colors are what were on my truck. The new ones you buy are different colors.
I have similar diagrams for Generator circuit, ignition circuit and some other basic diagrams for lighting. Drawing them sure helped me understand the systems more.
That's a good drawing Joe.

I used the ClassicCarWiring diagram to identify which circuits were protected by the circuit breakers, so I could use 15 amp or 30 amp fuses accordingly. On my '51, there are only 6 circuits protected directly by the cb's: the light switch (headlights, taillights and instrument lights), the stop lights through the stop light switch and the dome light. This changes if you add turn signals, as you said, but the t/s switch comes with a wiring diagram.

I fused the ignition switch, stop light switch, headlight switch and dome light with individual 30 amp fuses. (I later added a relay to the headlight circuit) I fused the taillights and the turn signals with individual 15 amp fuses. I put a 25 amp fuse on the cigar lighter (not shown on the diagram). So I only used 7 fuses in my 14 bus panel.

And I mounted my fuse panel to the firewall next to the "entry" hole for the harness from the engine bay. It's on a board with the barrier strips I used to connect everything.

 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2015 | 08:49 PM
  #26  
fordman75's Avatar
fordman75
Lead Driver
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,293
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
I want to mount mine in the glove box area. My idea is to make it so all the fuses are easy to get to by opening the glove box door and removing a small access panel.


Now whether or not I can accomplish this is yet to be seen. I will be running a Vintage Air unit. So I'm not sure how much room I'll have left to work with. I'll find out when I get a little more of my project done.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2016 | 04:22 PM
  #27  
Tilleyman's Avatar
Tilleyman
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
From: Lewisberry, PA
Now the time has come for me to get serious about this. Jolly Roger Joe - what are barrier strips?
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2016 | 04:27 PM
  #28  
Jolly Roger Joe's Avatar
Jolly Roger Joe
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Originally Posted by Tilleyman
Now the time has come for me to get serious about this. Jolly Roger Joe - what are barrier strips?
They're called different things, but this is what they are.




https://www.fruugo.us/4-position-dua...FQyHaQodWn8HHg
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2016 | 04:35 PM
  #29  
Tilleyman's Avatar
Tilleyman
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
From: Lewisberry, PA
What do they do? Are they necessary to have with the fuse panel?
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2016 | 04:54 PM
  #30  
pbsdaddy's Avatar
pbsdaddy
Hotshot
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 17,559
Likes: 1,081
From: Central Delaware
If under the hood locations are what one desires, but are afraid of potential heat problems, a heat sink can look good and take care of the issue.


One of this design would work well. 513201B02500G Aavid Thermalloy | Fans, Thermal Management | DigiKey
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:49 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE