Installing ReFuze It Panel

[Steam Driver]

I just finished installing the “ReFuze It” fuse panel upgrade (Available from our host and other sources) in the SC. Itis a big improvement over the stock fuses. On my car most of the fuses and fuse holders were pretty gnarly looking, and a couple of the fuses were corroded in place in the holder and very difficult to remove.

I think the total retrofit took about 2.5/3 hours. Not difficult, just “fiddly.” However if you want/need to do to do this sometime in the future here are some tips.

1. Follow their directions implicitly. PARTICULARLY the advice to photograph the original installation first, close-up enough to be able to easily see what color wires go into what fuse holder. I recommend not using a cell phone camera for this unless you have one that does high quality images. I did the photo bit and it came in VERY useful on reassembly. I made the images with a camera then transferred them to my iPad so I could have the images in the trunk with me and enlarge as needed. For the most part the wires tend to stay in order, but I wouldn’t bet on that. ALSO, as they recommend, zip-tie pairs of wires that go to one fuse position together. The kit includes wire ties for this purpose; use them.

The following are not in the instructions:

2. The fuses in the trunk are not one continuous 21 fuse block. It is one eight position block and one 13 position block. I installed the eight position block first (Again, this is per the instructions; start with the smaller blocks and move to the bigger ones. I think this is to “train” you in doing it before you have a lot of loose wires to deal with.) With it installed and tightened down, however, I found that the mounting screws for the 13 position block didn’t line up precisely with the holes in the bracket on the car. However the solution is easy. There is a “step” around the bottom of the fuse block. Just sand this step off on the end where the blocks meet. That was enough to make the holes line up well.

3. Along with the above, the 4mm screws provided are just long enough, which is OK once they are installed. However they make looking between the fuse block and the mounting bracket difficult. So I went to the hardware store and got a pair of 4mm screws slightly longer - 30 or 35mm in place of the 25mm ones provided. This allows you with a large enough gap to see the screw holes in the bracket and get the screws started. Once they were installed and tightened I removed them one at a time and replaced them with the more appropriate shorter screws. There is enough space to just leave them there, but it also leaves sharp threaded objects sticking out into an area where a lot of wiring runs which could vibrate against the screws and eventually cause a short circuit. Murphy’s Law is highly applicable here!

[Flojo]

Nice.
I ordered mine some time ago and later received an email from Jonny Hart (classisretrofit) saying that parts are on backorder, so I'll have to wait some time longer unfortunately.

Question: als I have no more heaterblower and no more rear windowheater, could I not delete the rear fusepanel?
Or is it Part of the electrical setup and thus I might encounter dificulties with other stuff?

[timmy2]

Flo,
These are not the classic retrofit ones.
These are from California.
I have used them for a number of customers and they are a nice product.
Here is their website: https://www.cddautogear.com/shop/

[Steam Driver]

Regarding the one in the engine compartment, I have the same issues; was it really necessary since I no longer have the blower and obviously don't need the relay either. But I installed it anyway since it came with the kit. I don't think omitting it would cause any other issues (unlike a modern car where you just don't know what the computer is looking for before it decides whether it will cooperate or not!).

My particular kit came from Sierra Madre; was in stock and was delivered right away.

[timmy2]

Didn't know Alan (CDD owner) had them listed on Sierra Madre.
Great guy to deal with. Super fast getting them out, will custom build to specific needs.
For sale right here on Pelican too.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search_2016.cgi?command=DWsearch&description=Refuze

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Please let us know if anyone has any questions on the ReFuze It product!