Classic/Antique Car Repair/1955 chevy p/u

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/9/2008


Question
I have a 55 Chevy p/u. I noticed that under the dash on the drivers side panel,
there's some kind of porcelain things with wires running to them. There's one
that has coils on the side that are turning red hot. Is this something that's
normal or do I need to find out where the wire goes to and replace it. I
recently had 2 hot wires heat up to where they melted the insulation on the wire, but
I replaced them both. I'm just not for sure if this porcelain one was turning
red then or not. It's just something that I noticed now that I had to replace
the other wires. I never looked under the dash before so not for sure if the
coils were hot or not. Any help is appreciated.
Ronnie


Answer
Hi Ronnie:
If these wires are hot, It surely have a problem. My guess is a short where there should be a fuse to break that circuit. Sounds like it may have been re-wired at some point. Find out where the wires are going and what the amps are. Maybe you should add the correct amp fuse to break the circuit when it over heats or shorts out.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Vern Bullock

Expertise

Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

Experience

I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

Organizations
Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

Publications
All around the Internet

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors
I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

Past/Present Clients
See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.