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Thoughts on adding a positive bus bar

Started by SpeedD408, June 11, 2021, 07:07:48 AM

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SpeedD408

I have a '71 Cuda 383 that's been modified a bit before I got it.  For instance it has the 72> electronic ignition. 

After reading the electrical threads, I bought the headlight, road lamp and AC relay kits from @crackedback last year and the kits look great.  I have the headlight/road light kit just about installed and I noticed the lug on the back of my alternator doesn't have much room left.  It took a min to get the nut on with just the stock and head/road lap relay wires and I have one more to add for the AC relay.  Therefore, I had a thought....  maybe it would be better to run a 6 AWG or maybe 4 AWG cable to a bus bar and then I would have additional terminals to attach these relays and do the parallel wiring to take the load off the Packard connections at the firewall as well.

Thinking a 4 position bus bar like:

https://smile.amazon.com/Pike-Industries-Copper-Busbar-Terminal/dp/B08JKXKF3Q/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=bus+bar+red+400a&qid=1623419032&sr=8-2

or

https://smile.amazon.com/Post-Power-Distribution-Block-Pair/dp/B07THLYYH3/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=bus%2Bbar%2Bred%2B400a&qid=1623420283&sr=8-4&th=1

Does this sound like a good idea?  Stupid?  Other/better options/thoughts?

Thanks.
1971 Cuda - 383, Rallye Red, Rallye Cluster, Disc Brakes, Rear Defogger, A/C, Road Lamps, AM/FM Radio
Tag #1- N1B FE5 H6XW V1W A01 A62 B51 C16 C55 G11 G36 H31 H51 J25 J45 J54 L25 L31 L34 M21 M25 M31 M88 N41
Tag #2- N42 N85 R35 26

Skdmark

I'm considering adding a sealed fuse / mini relay / bus panel under the battery tray.
Something from Eaton Bussmann

https://www.waytekwire.com/products/1369/Power-Distribution-Modules/

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Burdar

The bus bars linked in the 1st post are a lot bigger then you would think.  I ordered one and was shocked at how big it is. No way would I be able to hide something that big under the batter tray without it being seen easily. 

I found one that was much smaller and I think it will work just fine.  I added an 8 gauge wire from the alternator stud to the starter relay.  Then I ran another 8 gauge wire from the relay to the bus bar under the battery tray.  That's also where I have the fuse holders for the headlights and convertible top relays.  They are completely hidden but still gives you access to the fuses if you ever need to get to them.




Burdar


crackedback

You could certainly put a busbar in if the alt output is too busy.

Thanks for the compliment on the kits.

Rob

SpeedD408

Ok, so the conclusion seems to be that this is idea is appropriate.  The only question being how big of a bar and where to put it. 

I agree the 4 terminal bus bars are larger about 6 inches in length.  The 2 terminal bars are naturally smaller, but I like the covers on the 4 terminal bars.  I guess it's time to hunt for a short bar that has a cover (not a fan of having positive connections exposed).

Thank you all.
1971 Cuda - 383, Rallye Red, Rallye Cluster, Disc Brakes, Rear Defogger, A/C, Road Lamps, AM/FM Radio
Tag #1- N1B FE5 H6XW V1W A01 A62 B51 C16 C55 G11 G36 H31 H51 J25 J45 J54 L25 L31 L34 M21 M25 M31 M88 N41
Tag #2- N42 N85 R35 26

Burdar

Quote(not a fan of having positive connections exposed).

I thought the same thing...I wanted the + connection covered.  But then I realized that the starter relay is exposed.  The + battery terminal is exposed too.

On mine I guess I could put a rubber cap over the exposed studs but it clears everything under the tray.  I can't see how it could be grounded accidentally.  What ever you are comfortable with I guess though.  Post pictures of it when you're done.


crackedback

You could get a single post and load them up.  Don't have to be a bar, similar to what was posted in here.

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/47217/Junction-Block-Stud-47217-Non-Feed-Through-/

SpeedD408

Agree, doesn't have to be a bar.  Found this one:

https://smile.amazon.com/MGI-SpeedWare-Power-Distribution-Junction/dp/B08K78ZV2J/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2RVHSJW4RHYS22JHP93Y

I can run a nice AWG to the center from the alternator through the cap.  Put 21+ amp loads on the center stud and then 20A loads and smaller to the connections off the small connections around it.

I bought it, not sure it will be what I end up with but have to start some place.
1971 Cuda - 383, Rallye Red, Rallye Cluster, Disc Brakes, Rear Defogger, A/C, Road Lamps, AM/FM Radio
Tag #1- N1B FE5 H6XW V1W A01 A62 B51 C16 C55 G11 G36 H31 H51 J25 J45 J54 L25 L31 L34 M21 M25 M31 M88 N41
Tag #2- N42 N85 R35 26

anlauto

Quote from: SpeedD408 on June 11, 2021, 02:37:18 PM
Agree, doesn't have to be a bar.  Found this one:

https://smile.amazon.com/MGI-SpeedWare-Power-Distribution-Junction/dp/B08K78ZV2J/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2RVHSJW4RHYS22JHP93Y

I can run a nice AWG to the center from the alternator through the cap.  Put 21+ amp loads on the center stud and then 20A loads and smaller to the connections off the small connections around it.

I bought it, not sure it will be what I end up with but have to start some place.

I'm using this exact one in the resto-mod I'm building, feels like pretty solid construction, I'm happy with it. :twothumbsup:
You can see it in the upper left hand corner of this picture...I'm using it to connect the main power cable coming from the trunk to the power cable going the the engine harness.
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