I'm installing an aftermarket electronic distributor in my '70 Deville and need a good source for (key on) 12 volts. The fuse box doesn't have spade lugs that I can tie into. What about one of the wires that ties to the starter solenoid? It'd be nice to find a wire that is 10 to 12 gauge, if possible. Any ideas?
What about the hot terminal on the coil? That's +12V when the key is on.
You won't be needing the coil anyway.
Brian
I assume you will still use the coil, if so that 12v is resisted down to 7v anyway, you can use an adapter that fits under a fuse that is key on only, then attach your wire to this make sure it is powered when cranking also.
I believe you will find that the resistor wire part of the ignition wire ends near the firewall on the engine side where it again becomes pink in color. Cut the resistor wire out at that point and splice in a new wire to your coil (using the Pertronix setup?). That will give you 12 volts using your same ignition switch wiring. Easy to do, been there done that on my '73.
Perfect time to do it while you've got the engine out.
Here's a way to grab 12 volts from any fuse in your old style fuse box:
http://www.vetco.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9669&gclid=CPnvmeqN970CFfNxOgoduDoA0w
Don't ya just love google?
Brian
That's the adapter I was talking about. :)
If you use that style adapter make sure to pull the fuse out and use a test light or meter to see which side of the fuse holder is hot with the key on.
Put the adapter on the cold side so that the new load will be protected by the fuse. If you connect on the hot side and do not install an inline fuse you will have a live wire that is hot with the key but not protected by a fuse.
Brian
Thank you for the replies! Got the adapters ordered just now. Will look for the resistor for where it ends near the firewall. Many, many thanks!!
8)