Original Fuse box cover solution on ERA stock fuse block w/pics - Page 2

mickmate · #21 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 11:09 AM

If they don't come off in frost heave season I guess you're good!

tboneheller · #22 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 06:07 PM

Install some sort of lanyard on your covers in case they DO fall off. It could be hidden under the covers themselves.

428street · #23 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:59 PM

good idea, I'll see what I can come up with...

patrickt · #24 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

good idea, I'll see what I can come up with...

Then tell me, I don't intend on reinventing the wheel.

428street · #25 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:06 PM

My initial thought is to take some 12 or 15 lb fishing line and wrap in around the screw that holds the fuse block to the firewall, then drill a tiny hole through what is left of the tube in the middle of the fuse cover and weave the line through it with a knot on the end so it won't come off...that should do it...I think...

patrickt · #26 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

My initial thought is to take some 12 or 15 lb fishing line and wrap in around the screw that holds the fuse block to the firewall, then drill a tiny hole through what is left of the tube in the middle of the fuse cover and weave the line through it with a knot on the end so it won't come off...that should do it...I think...

I guess some classy-looking external safety-wiring is out of the question?

428street · #27 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:24 PM

For me it is as it would take away "the look" but hey there is no right or wrong here. My feeling is as cheap as these things are I'm just going to make a couple extra...if they get to be an issue (them falling off) then I have to re-engineer...

289FIA · #28 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 10:50 PM

IF the originals had fuse covers… they would have probably used duct tape to hold them in place.

Just kidding everyone!

428street your covers look great!

Rick Parker · #29 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 11:40 PM

With all due respect, you live in an area with a lot of moisture. The covers are a good idea where you are. Here are a couple of retention ideas:

1. Get a couple of stainless ring terminals for each cover and insert the Monofilament line through the leg where the wire would normally go, tie a small knot in the line and either gently crimp the terminal or use super glue one each tube where the line goes through the terminal and then attach one terminal under one of the normal screws that attach the wires on the fuse block and epoxy the other end to the interior of the cover. Very neat and discreat. Keep the length (4"-6" ?) of monofilament under the cover, keep the tether length in mind so they will not potentially interfere with the throttle linkage.
2. Small amount of clear silicone as an adhesive on the areas where you filed, only necessary to remove (very infrequently) if you are checking or changing a fuse, renew as required.

Yes?

428street · #30 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:39 AM

Sounds like a good idea...

289FIA - you're probably correct on the duct tape, or they could of used chewing gum. BTW, the original did have fuse covers which is why I wanted them...

patrickt · #31 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:57 AM

Just a little string, or the like, fastened inside the fuse box cover, will probably suffice. Once it's on I won't be pulling them off unless there's an electical failure somewhere (and there hasn't been one yet, failed ignition switch notwithstanding). Considering the covers only cost $4 each, losing one is not a terribly big deal. But remember that the throttle linkage is below the fuse box, and if you were really lucky, you could vibrate the cover loose and bounce it right in to the linkage during full throttle acceleration and wedge in it.

If that happened I would attribute it to the mischievous elves that live under my hood.

ERA 778 · #32 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:39 PM

These covers look geat!

Sounds like you can put 'em on when you want and take 'em off when you want!

Where's a good connection for the Lucas parts?

patrickt · #33 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA 778

Where's a good connection for the Lucas parts?

I ordered mine from here: http://www.bpnorthwest.com/.sc/ms/dd...r%20MGB,%20TR6
They're $4.31 each and I bet they haven't sold more than two in the last year. Now they're probably wondered what's going on.

CobERA · #34 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 06:00 PM

I bought one of the new fuse box covers that Bob made up. Attached are a couple pictures. Install took five minutes.

Picture 1 - Blind rivet nut installed.

Picture 2 - Cover installed.

patrickt · #35 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 05:30 AM

Yes, some people love the exposed fuses on the ERA and some don't. I finally got around this week to tackling the fuse box covers -- not really a hefty task by any stretch of the imagination. That said, I don't have the patience to hand-file the inside of the Lucas covers; I used my Dremel tool instead and it took about 15 seconds per cover. In order to keep them on there with heat changes and vibrations, I slipped a black zip around and simply trimmed to length. Cost: Less than $10 Difficulty: Low

Here's a couple of shots -- I really like the way they look.

ERA 778 · #36 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 06:25 PM

I started on mine and wouldn't you know it, Lucas scores again: one of the covers was slightly warped, making it impossible to keep it in place. I decided to use a screw through from the firewall and a knurled brass nut to make it permanent.

It works great and I won't need to worry about it falling off.

patrickt · #37 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 06:29 PM

That's pretty nice. ERA ought to make that a standard upgrade for those of us that just don't like the exposed fuse look.