Well, I had a smoke smell Sunday and by the time I pulled over it was too late. Don't know what caused it, but had an electrical fire in the engine compartment which luckily put itself out and pretty much stayed in the regulator area.
I guess I'm looking for somewhat who might have that section of wiring that they might be willing to part with. The previous owner had some type of foam on the tarboards and I believe that is what caused the problem and was actually burning. Luckily the engine kept running and I was able to nurse it home. Was NOT able to shut engine off however so I know that there is some damage to the actual wiring. The starter still starts it, but I have to snub it to shut it off and disconnect battery. Oil and Amp light no longer work either.
I'd like to get this car back on the road asap. Anyone have this wiring they are willing to part with or are able to help me get what I need? Thanks all
I got a Ghia last fall that I have been rebuilding. The regulator was mounted over some kind of foam board on the firewall. When I took the regulator off, I saw that the foam board under it was melted and charred (but no apparent fire like yours). Looking at the bottom of the regulator, I saw a coil of wire on an insulator that appeared to me to be designed to get hot. I think your guess that the foam is what actually caught fire is correct. I was considering making a bracket to standoff the regulator from the firewall, and after reading about your problem, I am definitely going to do that.
About your wiring, if you can't get a replacement harness piece (I don't have one), what I would do is to splice in a good wire for each burned one. Go one at a time and use the same gauge or size of wire. I would porbably use the insulated crimp-on connectors. It looks like you might need a new relay - that one looks like it got melted. Might need a new regulator, too.
Sorry to read about the fire. I am rebuilding my 74 coupe and I have a new wire harness and the old harness is up in the loft of my shed. Let me check it out when I get home from work today and see if what you need is there. If so I'll let you know by early this evening and we can work out mailing etc off line.
When I bought my 68, the previous owner had burned up everything in the engine compartment, even melted some parts it got so hot, and toasted the the deck lid. When I put a fresh 1600 in it I went with an alternator with an internal regulator because I had suspected that the fire was caused by the same reason. Kits are cheap and easy to install.
Well, I had a smoke smell Sunday and by the time I pulled over it was too late. Don't know what caused it, but had an electrical fire in the engine compartment which luckily put itself out and pretty much stayed in the regulator area.
