Expert: Brad Sears - 3/9/2010

Question
Hello,
I just bought a 1963 Impala, I was driving it fine and all of the sudden it turned off and had no power what so ever anywhere...after a few minutes it would start againg... thinking it was the coil I replaced it, and started fine, drove it some and did it again.  So I know it had to be electrical, I was looking under the dash to see if I saw something obvious and did not, so the I wiggled the wires and it started right up.  So I noticed that when the car is on and I touch/wiggle the plug that goes into the top of the fuse box it dies, so do I need a new plug or fuse box? or both? how difficult is to replace this unit.

Thank you so much for taking the time.

John

Answer
The fuse box is held on to the fire wall with a couple of easy to get at sheet metal screws. Before touching it disconnect the battery cables to prevent a short and the possibility of fire. It is possible that there is a bad connection in the fuse box and parts can be located in Hemmings Motor News. My stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad