1950s Fixed charging issue?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

59 seems to be charging at 14.5 volts per the service manual.  Drops to 14-13.8 with full draw.  While driving my dash lights seem dimmer than normal.  Is this due to resistance or is the rherostat goofed up enough where its not showing full brightness?  Any suggestions?  Runs fine otherwise.

[Dave Shepherd]

Gen output is ok, I'd  check the headlite switch and connector, the 59 I had in the shop a had a burnt harness connector  at the switch.

[D. Mailan]

Hi Tim,

I had a similar issue with my 59 Sedan de Ville. Definitely check your rheostat and clean the contacts on your headlight switch with a wire brush or wire wool. That will most likely be the culprit.

What I found on my 59, was that my dash wasn't grounding good. Thereby causing the speedo lights to be dim. I added a ground wire from the lower passenger side speedometer housing screw behind the dash, to a screw on the under the dash nearby. It ensured my gauges and lights were properly grounded. Made a huge difference.

Just some thoughts!

Derick

[Jon S]

Easier fix - just turn the rheostat back and forth full cycle about 10 times. Any corrosion will be gone.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Easier fix - just turn the rheostat back and forth full cycle about 10 times. Any corrosion will be gone.

Does not work all the time: if the corrosion is between the small contacts between the main switch and the rheostat body, removal from the assembly will be required.