Anyone swap out ERA fuse block for LUCAS 7fj

428street · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 04:38 PM

Just curious if anyone has done this conversion....I am no electrical expert but it appears other then the ends it might be an easy swap...both have four sets of connectors on both sides...Any comments?

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 05:59 PM

Pretty straight-forward. The only thing I could foresee tripping you up is that if you didn't notice that Fuse 1&2 and Fuse 3&4 have their feeds "shunted" across. If you missed that you'd have a mess.

Here's a shot showing you what I mean:

ERA Chas · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:04 PM

Putnam broke his hump to design and engineer a bulletproof electrical system. I haven't had so much as a fuse blow in 23 years.
If you regard 'correctness' as more important than reliability then prepare for mystery failures of many magnitudes.
You can't show off how 'correct' it is if you can't start it.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

If you regard 'correctness' as more important than reliability then prepare for mystery failures of many magnitudes. You can't show off how 'correct' it is if you can't start it.

I don't know. I think if you want to increase the "originality factor" of your ERA then you have to increase its electrical failure rate.

428street · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:23 PM

There are people who accept things as they are and there are people who always look for ways to make things better or make them the way they want. I ask a lot of questions and always look to see if it can be done better. Can't change that.

To your point, it is bullet proof which is great. Thats why I'm asking BEFORE doing...I'm sure Bob will chime in.

As many of you know I am trying to make this car as close as possible to an original. I realize most guys could give a rats behind. I respect that.

Don't kill me for going out of the norm...

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

Don't kill me for going out of the norm...

Changing the fuse block is not major surgery. Just make sure you shunt those fuses or most of your electricals won't work.

428street · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:46 PM

I won't do anything until I talk to Bob and Doug...

strictlypersonl · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:48 PM

The original car only used 3 or 4 fuses in a system with a simplified electrical "philosophy". You can change out the current fuse boxes for the Lucas ones, but it's not possible to reduce the number of fuses without a complete re-design. I do have some new black fuse-box covers that cover both boxes, held on with a single screw. Haven't put them on a car yet. When I do, I'll post some pictures.

patrickt · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

I do have some new black fuse-box covers that cover both boxes, held on with a single screw. Haven't put them on a car yet. When I do, I'll post some pictures.

Those sound cool, can I get one from you?

428street · #10 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:56 PM

Ok Bob. I want to make sure I'm not misinterpreting anything. I can do the swap out but can't reduce the number of fuses in the current system, i.e., I would need two LUCAS fuse boxes to make it work?

I'm going to play with the cover of a 7FJ to see if I can figure anything out.

Thanks.

ERA Chas · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

Don't kill me for going out of the norm...

Street,
I have total respect for your mania. Your car is a complete knock-out. It is obviously a car that's been 'done right' a comment I've heard often too.

It's my experience, however, that no one whose opinion you would respect would be disappointed with your car 'cause it didn't have a 43 year-old BAD design feature for further 'authenticity'. For the same reason you don't have 4" tubes under it (you chose an ERA with superior chassis equipment-a major originality compromise) why add an inferior electrical system for originality's sake? A Kirkham would have been a better starting point for your apparent priority-costs notwithstanding.

There are dozens of things 'not-original' on ERAs. Radiator and it's attachment, Jag (or ERA) rear, fuel tank, hood and hood prop, brakes, all the hinging, harness, body material, chassis and front suspension-you know them all. Why will (crappy) fuse boxes float your boat?

I have 'no more sheet metal screws' either-threadserts and buttonheaded allens throughout-no original had those. That creates satisfaction and practicality to me as builder and impresses the serious enthusiasts and professionals. Your car will blow people away-don't live with risky crap to try to further that or let a close-minded philosophy compromise your ownership experience.

The other major thing to consider is that your car FEELS like an original, which for me is the greater thrill and accomplishment than the appearance of minute details. (Which in this case, could bite your a$$)

You asked for comment and I've done that-but maybe not what you sought.
I'm just trying to encourage you to temper your emphasis for 'originality' with the knowledge that a first-class car like yours is MOST satisfactory with quality parts and systems as designed. Bob, Phil, Ted, Doug and Peter are brilliant engineers and car-builders.

I've enjoyed that for 23 years.

428street · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:33 PM

Chas, I here ya and you are right. I constantly have to remind myself of what I have...which is a replica...all your points are valid on the ERA....I LOVE my car and everyone associated with ERA...at some point in the future maybe a Kirkham is the car for me...I have no idea...I know that I am super happy with my car and I really enjoy driving it and I only have 125 miles...feels like I'm going to pick up a new girlfriend every time I take it out for a spin...

computerworks · #13 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:39 PM

Try and just get the open fuse block covered...with a Lucas-ey looking cover.

You don't want the melting Lucas fuse block.

Plus, any detail freak (

) who would recognize the correct Lucas fuse block would immediately see that your wire colors are wrong.

(....just ribbing ya.

)

Rick Parker · #14 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:46 PM

428Street: I agree whole heartedly with ERA Chas. The Era wiring is far more advanced that anything created or used by the British. I chose ERA's diagram and related parts when I rewired my NAF a few years ago. It's real easy to get caught up in the originality theme but keep the upgrade to parts that will help eliminate you being left at the side of the road scratching your head OR reaching for a fire extinguisher. Remember the British drink warm beer because Lucas builds refrigerators! Ask ANYone with a British car what the weak point is and it will undoubtedly be the electrial system.
If you need to be snapped back to reality, just rap on the fender.

428street · #15 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 08:52 PM

Ron: You're correct. I need to chill out and enjoy the car for what and as it is....I had some time today and was poking around and seeing what I could do better....this was the result of that....I'm going to concentrate of my bolt fetish and finish matching as many nuts, bolts and screws as I can....I found the front hoop bolts were chromed as was the two bolts that hold the windshield on the cowl were as well....I love the details...

428street · #16 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 09:07 PM

Do I have permission to take the wire markers off?

strictlypersonl · #17 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

Do I have permission to take the wire markers off?

But how will the electricity know where to go?

ERA Chas · #18 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 07:15 AM

Street,
The BRG finish, Sunbursts and the little black top-your car is all class and beautifully understated. I wish I could do another just like it (maybe with a Cammer in it though). Maintain it and enjoy it.

By comparison, my car is like bringing a hooker to your HS reunion...

Thanks for considering my advice.

patrickt · #19 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

By comparison, my car is like bringing a hooker to your HS reunion...

... unless, of course, you should happened to be married to her as well.

428street · #20 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 06:14 PM

It's all good! Sometimes you just need a slap in the face to come back to reality. Thanks for the slap.