Electrical gremlins - 69 camaro

[g356gear]

I have been working on a car that was restored in 89 and has been sitting since....only 250 miles in 20 years. I am having the following issues....

1. Amp gauge is fine when car is idling. Turn on running lights and the amperage is fine. Turn on headlights and amperage drops. Ideas why? Maybe regulator or faulty alternator?



2. Signals are not working. I am thinking a ground somewhere for this problem since the dash was out to replace the tach that was sticking.

[jfaria78]

Your first question. Your amp gauge will drop because the amount of amperage your car is using is a lot more when the headlights are on when compared to driving lights and a few other little accessories.

Just as a cautionary note: Get rid of the amp gauge, it is a huge fire hazard. Instead run a voltage gauge they are more accurate and give you a better description on how your electrical system is acting...

Ran Francis wiring has a pretty good write up on why not to run a an amp gauge in their catalog.

I think a 69 camaro had a 60 amp alternator from the factory. Don't change it to a higher amperage rating if you plan on running the stock amp gauge.

[MonzaRacer]

Well I ran 8 gauge to amp gauges, had a 120/140 amp alternator with a 60amp gauge and never ran into a problem, simplw crimp, solder and shrink tube EVERY connection, as the AutoGuage, Auto Meter and Stewart Warner gauges can handle over amperage as the link inside is usually solid metal, cheaper gauges use foil/cardboard wrap and are rarely induced as smart, rodders dont use them.
But I do agree a voltmeter will give you all the info you need, just make sure you use a good alternator. I use the newer CSI144 series alternators for just about anything. My favorite part number to cross over is older AC Delco 321-411.

[g356gear]

Well, I swapped out the original console gauges for a new OER set and everything there works fine now.

Only problem left is that I have hazard lights but no signals at all. I went through the wiring diagrams and found that there are 2 dash grounds...1 on the LH side dashboard and the other on the dashboard brace. I think I found the LH ground (see pic) but I can't find the other ground. There is one loose black wire (ground?) under the center dash speaker. Where does this one attach??
If the flasher is bad where can I find a new one?? It looks like I have one of the signal dash bulbs burned out as well. Any ideas where to get new dash bulbs? Thanks for the help.