Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeB
I'm trying to decide how I want to wire the charging and panel feed circuits on my 69 C10. The kit comes with a "charging" sub-kit with 6 gauge (!) wire and 175 amp fuses that is total overkill for me. I'm actually considering using 10 gauge wire, which is one size larger than stock, or possibly 8 gauge, which I used on an 82 C10.
As for routing, I may just duplicate the factory routing from battery to alternator, but use a maxi-fuse instead of a fusible link near the battery. I do not want to feed the alternator and fuse panel off of the starter BAT terminal, because things are very tight down there with my headers.
What have you guys done?
The truck probably draws no more than 30-35 amps through the fuse panel with everything turned on. No killer stereo, power windows, or radiator fans. The Vintage Air system is powered directly off the battery through a breaker.
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Although others will disagree with me on this, I'm not a fan of replacing fuse links with those maxi-fuses. Fuse links are by design, a slow blow fuse, while maxi-fuses are not.
By feeding the Vintage Air system directly from the battery does not take any load off the alternator. Any current draw taken from the battery HAS to be replaced by the alternator, no matter where the "draw point" is located. All current consumption is "replaced" through the wire connecting the alternator to the battery. Not to sound argumentative, but I find it hard to believe there is only a total of 35 amps going through the fuse panel. Besides that, headlight current doesn't pass through the fuse panel. The headlight switch is feed directly, but separately, through a fuse link from the battery.. On average, and I don't know exactly how much current your system draws, but I'd guess more along the lines of 40 - 55 amps.
Remove the main feed wire from the starter and move it to a buss bar mounted near the battery. I suggest you run an 8 ga. wire between the alternator and battery. Run a 10 ga. wire from the battery to the fuse panel. If you're running an internally regulated alternator, connect the voltage sensing wire to this wire near the bulkhead connector. Tie these circuits in with the existing feed to the headlight circuit and you should be fine.