Model "A" Wiring and Switch Options

So I have a fenderless, mildly channeled RPU with a rubber rake I am running the stock motor for now with the intention of hopping it up once I have everything else done. I am at the point of needing to wire it. I know this has been discussed repeatedly but I am looking for advice for my situation.

I would like to run 12v but I am ok with 6v. I would like to run sealed beam headlights and two tail lights and turn signals in the rear. I need to wire the lights and ignition. I would like to run cloth wire. I would just get a stock wiring harness but I don't want to run the stock light switch.

So far it is coming together as a pretty early style build so I would like to use early style switches and wire.

So to sum it up I need advice on a early light and turn signal switch and wiring harness/kit. I will probably use stock style ignition wiring unless someone has a better idea.

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

So either no one has ever used a wiring harness on a Model "A", my topic has been discussed too much, or I posted at the wrong time and got buried.

 

If you haven't already, post your inquiry over on the Fordbarn site, also. More folks running stockers with added on circuitry.

 

The stock A only has a few wires and if you use universal switches from any parts store you can simplify even more. As to going 12v, just do it. all that is so easy that Theres Nothing worth mentioning. Leave the 6V starter and use a one wire alternator with usual clamp-on-the -column turn signal


myA by farmgate, on Flickr

original engine with New Bill Stipe B cam, 7:1 hi-compression head, electronic ignition, stainless header with 2 SUs, dropped axle, fully synchronised 3 speed with overdrive and self energizing, self adjusting brakes

 

Damn Manyolcars, That is a bad ass car! I've really been digging these style cars lately. I,ve been considering just buying a couple spools of cloth wire and building it myself. I'm not afraid of electrical work by any means. I have two other "A"s Im building right now that will need it soon so the leftovers would find a home quickly. Its more of a time issue. I can install a harness in a couple hours vs. a whole day building my own. I have a pretty busy life with a two year old and one on the way, building a house, I travel for work often, three "A"s, a few OT cars, a few customer cars here and there and the list goes on. I'm not complaining I like a full plate its just a fine balance between time and money. So I have been looking for a "kit". If the price is right I'd go that route.

 

Hi there . I converted my 30 coupe from 6V to 12V . if your not already aware , these early fords are 6v positive earth but to go 12V neg earth is no big Deal . Obviously you would change the battery . i used all the original lights with 12V Globes & they are plenty bright enough . Mounted an aftermarket HotRod Indicator Switch on the Column with the flashing Globe in the End of the Lever & mounted some Tiny led clearance lights . The starter & Original Distributor will handle 12V no probs . You'll need a 12V coil though , We mounted an Alternater on the 4 banger & removed the interior light on the instrument Cluster & replaced it with an Exciter light for the Alternater to work . . the Headlight Bail at the bottom of the Steering box will work as it is also . if you make a loom or part there of , you should be able to locate someone who handles vintage wireing looms , to wrap it in the Cloth that you require . Hope this helps .

 

I like the Idea of using cloth loom with modern wire, that would make life easy. Though if I have to order loom I could just order cloth wire. Part of the problem is I don't have the stock headlight switch so I am looking for alternative switches that look the part, as I'm not a huge fan of the stock switch. If I go with a stock switch it makes the harness easy... but that sounds too easy. I'm running with a 12v batt. now with the Gen. disconnected. I'm not a big fan of the look of the alt. It will go quite a while on a charge but once I have power to my lights that will change.

 

some left over Romex... That ought a do it....

 

Just use a stock A harness and eliminate the steering column bail. There's 3 circuits inside the bail so just run switches between the circuits.

 

So your saying splice into the stock harness? I don't think the stock harness will have enough wire to get into the cab will it? Seems kinda silly to buy a stock harness just to splice into it or maybe I'm missing something?

 

I got the romex! You got any wire nuts?

 

As 554coupe said, a Model A is a piece of cake to convert to 12v. One thing, be sure you get a coil that has an internal resistor or you will need a ballast resister added. Be sure to get your coil polarity right. Some guys forget that.

I have always used a 900 series Signal Stat turn signal switch. the directions are very clear and makes a good addition.

You will smile when you hit the starter!

 

Thanks that turn signal switch is just the kind of switch I'm looking for! Anyone Know of any other turn signal switches or suggestions for a good looking pull switch for the lights? I was thinking I could mount one between the driver and passenger in the seat riser. Like I said I already am using 12v. I'm not worried about converting I was just saying I'm open to options.

 

I am in the process of wiring my 31 roadster with a mild A motor now. I stayed 6 volt and used a stock ign harness. For turn signals I used a Guide 6004 seven wire switch and an early headlight two position switch with a fuse. I am making my own harness. Your only talking about 6 wires.

 

The model A harness is cheap so splicing it wouldn't be a huge loss and all your hookups will be color coded. The connectors at the stock headlight switch are already female terminals so it would be a piece of cake. The stock A harness is also a larger gauge since it was built for 6V so it will easily handle 12v.

 

Great input guys I really apreciate it. I like that guide switch. What headlight switch's are you guys using?

 

I'm using a Henry Cole switch. Markings on box are Henry Cole, F. C. Hersee Co's Boston Mass. Switch # 7127. Picked it up off of Ebay. Comes with a fuse attached to the switch. Not sure of the age but it looks 40's.

 

A whole coffee can full in all the colors of the rainbow....and I have a headlight switch from a 1970 elcamino.....thought that would work for you...

 

Here in CA, the first thing taught in the DMV book is Hand Signals. Why put turn signals? Why put 2 lights? Keep it OG

 

what is OG?

 

sorry about that. Original.

There's no law that say you have to "Get a New Car" nor "Update/Modify your Car"

 

Tons of ways to do it. The only thing i'll bring to your attention is that when doing the headlight harness i seperate it at the firewall and run the wires complete down each of the framerail and into the pigtails - there isn't any wires crossing over from the left to the right tring to be hidden in the radiator surround or tucked into the crossmember etc.

 

Moved from the La Puente area to WA. They don't get it here. They think that means "go around"!!!

 

Use the sacramento vintage ford cloth wire loom kit. It's very high quality and has the old timey look. You won't regret it.


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Yeah! It'll be bitchin!

 

I'm not opposed to that. I'm just checking into options. My last (finished) car was a 1915 "T" with a single kerosene tail. I loved it.

 

That switch is great I love that it has the fuse in it.

 

Definitely consider one of those Sacramento Vintage Ford cloth wire kits. I got one for my AV8. Very nice quality, lots of instructions and very complete. One of the things I ended up doing was getting brass ends for the wires so I can run them straight into the bulb sockets without having to splice them to vinyl covered wiring. I'm running a turn signal switch and plan on soldering the cloth covered wires directly to the inside of the switch. Probably overkill, but every time I drive it, I'll be happier knowing I did it that way.

 

J scow, how's the project coming along? Any pics?