Ballast Resistor
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 201
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From: Hacienda Heights, CA
Ballast Resistor
My '48 F-1 was converted to 12 volt system before I bought it. The ceramic ballast resistor by the coil is cracked and I need to replace it. Are these items generic , ie., can I go to any auto parts store and just ask for one, or do I need something specific for this vehicle? Doing an internet search, I see ballast resistors on sale for early 70's Mopar products; would something like that work? If not, where would I get what I need?
Also, this truck has no horn. I can get any 12 volt electric horn, but what about the relay. Again are they generic or do I need something specific? In catalogues like LMC they show specific 12 volt horn relays for '56 models, '57-64 models, '67-72 models, and of course 6 volt relays for '48-55's. I know I would need a 12 volt relay, but which one? Does it matter?
Thanks in advance, Joe Reilly
Also, this truck has no horn. I can get any 12 volt electric horn, but what about the relay. Again are they generic or do I need something specific? In catalogues like LMC they show specific 12 volt horn relays for '56 models, '57-64 models, '67-72 models, and of course 6 volt relays for '48-55's. I know I would need a 12 volt relay, but which one? Does it matter?
Thanks in advance, Joe Reilly
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 531
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From: New Mexico
NAPA Stores generally have pretty good partspeople. And, more importantly, they have real look-up books with drawings and photos for matching-instead of computers. They should be helpful. I think they are pretty generic but the resistance they have may vary a bit. Same story on the horns. They other parts stores-fuggetaboutit-if its not in the computer, the parts wizards think it doesn't exist.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Ditto what dffay said. Just take the old ballast resistor to any Napa store.
Any 12V horn will work. I didn't use a relay on mine. BTW, some of the monster horns that pull a lot of amps would need a relay to save the horn button switch.
Any 12V horn will work. I didn't use a relay on mine. BTW, some of the monster horns that pull a lot of amps would need a relay to save the horn button switch.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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I've got close to 5,000 miles on my truck now using Blue Streak points without a ballast resistor. Also used them on tractors that have been converted to 12 volts with no problems. They really are far better than any other points I've tried.
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From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by JDMick
I've got close to 5,000 miles on my truck now using Blue Streak points without a ballast resistor. Also used them on tractors that have been converted to 12 volts with no problems. They really are far better than any other points I've tried.
The coil on your truck must be of the internal resistance type,and use the resistance wire. Oherwise you would be eating condensers like they were going out of style.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Originally Posted by 51ford fan
The coil on your truck must be of the internal resistance type,and use the resistance wire. Oherwise you would be eating condensers like they were going out of style.fficeffice" /><O></O>
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