Idea: Easy way to convert from glass fuses to blade ones - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Project1970 · 09-16-2002, 06:23 PM

The stupid old glass fuses on these old trucks just tick me off...especially mine, since the tabs that hold them in are EXTREMELY stiff and almost every time I have to pull one, it breaks. I've even broken some trying to get them in.

Anyway...I was thinking...given the dimensions of standard glass fuses and the blade-type seen on newer vehicles...would it be possible to manufacture a 'socket' of sorts that could replace a glass fuse and allow a blade fuse to be plugged into it? Just a thought, that's all...it wouldn't have to be complex or anything, and it'd be a lot easier/cheaper than wiring in a new fuseblock with new-style fuses.

Does such a product even exist yet?

tom hand · 09-16-2002, 06:27 PM

You can get circuit breakers that plug right in in place of the glass fuses. The only thing I don't like about them is they auto reset.

TERRYP · 09-17-2002, 02:20 AM

BUSS makes adaptors that plug into your old sockets, and accept blade fuses. So does someone else, don't know who, tho.

bobs409 · 09-17-2002, 08:31 AM

I never had any trouble with the glass ones. I use a small screwdriver and pop them out from the side.

Just me though, I even like powerglides, manual steering and drum brakes!

barn9 · 09-17-2002, 10:00 AM

Just reading this post got me to thinking about this subject, and I can't remember changing a fuse in years on my truck. My point being, that if you are having to change fuses often, there might be a problem somewhere that should be checked out. Maybe I'm just lucky concerning fuses, never really talked with anyone concerning fuse problems before. Just a thought.

ckhd · 09-17-2002, 11:39 AM

I'm with bobs409! Glass fuses rule! "Glass has class"

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 09-17-2002, 12:15 PM

I agree with barn9.......... I haven't changed a fuse on my 72 in years. I wouldn't be suprized if a couple of them are rusted in the sockets because it's still my work horse. Switching to a blade won't help much, it'll still blow. And the nice thing about glass fuse... you can see a blown fuse much easier (for us older folks) and in a DIRE EMERGENCY, you can wrap them with tinfoil (although not a smart thing to do) Just don't try using a .22 Long Rifle bullet like that guy did in the Darwin Awards a few years back.

Project1970 · 09-17-2002, 10:35 PM

Oh no, it's not like I'm blowing them regularly...it's probably been a long time I've messed with them, I think last time was to replace my wiper / tachometer main power fuse...most of the fuses I've had to replace weren't from being blown, but from breaking them when prying them out to tap into the power, heh.

bobs409 · 09-18-2002, 08:47 AM

It's still a good idea though. If you build it, they will most likely buy it! (except us die hard glass fuse people) In this day, you could sell just about anything.

Hey, someone came out with lighted window washer squirters so...

Maximum Overdrive · 09-18-2002, 09:53 AM

They make a tool for taking those type of fuses out. But I suppose you are like me where you rarely mess with them and buy the time you do you have already lost the tool. lol

Project1970 · 09-18-2002, 12:32 PM

No, they're in there so hard, the tool is useless.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 09-19-2002, 04:14 AM

You might try prepping the fuse ends with WD-40, Blue Shower or silicone spray to penetrate the rust. If it's really bad Ron Francis and Painless have replacement fuse blocks that do use the newer (and less robust) blade- type fuses. While my truck was down --waiting on a new harmonic balancer-- I had time to pull all the fuses, continuity test them, use a dremel on the contacts and scotchbrite on the fuse ends. A whole new set of fuses might be a lot less trouble and more reliable, but I like tinkering. You might also get another GM fuse box out of a wreck at a local junker. Sounds like your rig belonged to a snowbird once! '67-'68s are the same, '69-'72s have the lettering on sideways (BC of the handbrake deletion and change to emergency footbrake on the later mods.)
Good Luck

Project1970 · 09-19-2002, 11:57 AM

Actually, no...my truck has lived its entire life in Arizona with a short stint in SoCal.

They're not rusted at all...just stiff.

And I actually do have a spare fuseblock with wiring harness sitting around, got it from some guy who was junking the rest of the truck...but it's not really in any better shape than mine is, and IMO that's a lot of work to swap out.

imaindianoutlaw · 09-19-2002, 03:29 PM

Aluminium Foil!

LostMy65 · 06-29-2014, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imaindianoutlaw

Aluminium Foil!

Old thread....
But the Aluminum Foil trick brings back memories.

**LockDoc** · 06-29-2014, 08:14 AM

-
As long as this is back to the top this stuff works wonders for making bulbs and fuses easy to remove, plus helps protect from corrosion and moisture.....

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...-grease-detail

Available at almost any automotive store.

LockDoc

jjzepplin · 06-29-2014, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
As long as this is back to the top this stuff works wonders for making bulbs and fuses easy to remove, plus helps protect from corrosion and moisture.....

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...-grease-detail

Available at almost any automotive store.

LockDoc

x2!

**Stocker** · 06-29-2014, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Old thread....
But the Aluminum Foil trick brings back memories.

Memories of locating the problem by looking for the smoke...

09-16-2002, 06:23 PM	#1
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Idea: Easy way to convert from glass fuses to blade ones The stupid old glass fuses on these old trucks just tick me off...especially mine, since the tabs that hold them in are EXTREMELY stiff and almost every time I have to pull one, it breaks. I've even broken some trying to get them in. Anyway...I was thinking...given the dimensions of standard glass fuses and the blade-type seen on newer vehicles...would it be possible to manufacture a 'socket' of sorts that could replace a glass fuse and allow a blade fuse to be plugged into it? Just a thought, that's all...it wouldn't have to be complex or anything, and it'd be a lot easier/cheaper than wiring in a new fuseblock with new-style fuses. Does such a product even exist yet? __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

09-16-2002, 06:27 PM	#2
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	You can get circuit breakers that plug right in in place of the glass fuses. The only thing I don't like about them is they auto reset. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

09-17-2002, 02:20 AM	#3
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	BUSS makes adaptors that plug into your old sockets, and accept blade fuses. So does someone else, don't know who, tho. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

09-17-2002, 08:31 AM	#4
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	I never had any trouble with the glass ones. I use a small screwdriver and pop them out from the side. Just me though, I even like powerglides, manual steering and drum brakes! __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

09-17-2002, 10:00 AM	#5
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Just reading this post got me to thinking about this subject, and I can't remember changing a fuse in years on my truck. My point being, that if you are having to change fuses often, there might be a problem somewhere that should be checked out. Maybe I'm just lucky concerning fuses, never really talked with anyone concerning fuse problems before. Just a thought. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

09-17-2002, 11:39 AM	#6
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	I'm with bobs409! Glass fuses rule! "Glass has class" __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

09-17-2002, 12:15 PM	#7
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	I agree with barn9.......... I haven't changed a fuse on my 72 in years. I wouldn't be suprized if a couple of them are rusted in the sockets because it's still my work horse. Switching to a blade won't help much, it'll still blow. And the nice thing about glass fuse... you can see a blown fuse much easier (for us older folks) and in a DIRE EMERGENCY, you can wrap them with tinfoil (although not a smart thing to do) Just don't try using a .22 Long Rifle bullet like that guy did in the Darwin Awards a few years back. __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

09-17-2002, 10:35 PM	#8
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Oh no, it's not like I'm blowing them regularly...it's probably been a long time I've messed with them, I think last time was to replace my wiper / tachometer main power fuse...most of the fuses I've had to replace weren't from being blown, but from breaking them when prying them out to tap into the power, heh. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

09-18-2002, 08:47 AM	#9
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	It's still a good idea though. If you build it, they will most likely buy it! (except us die hard glass fuse people) In this day, you could sell just about anything. Hey, someone came out with lighted window washer squirters so... __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

09-18-2002, 09:53 AM	#10
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,633	They make a tool for taking those type of fuses out. But I suppose you are like me where you rarely mess with them and buy the time you do you have already lost the tool. lol __________________ *"!Ama Sua, Ama Kjella, Ama Lllulla!"*

09-18-2002, 12:32 PM	#11
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	No, they're in there so hard, the tool is useless. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

09-19-2002, 04:14 AM	#12
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,517	You might try prepping the fuse ends with WD-40, Blue Shower or silicone spray to penetrate the rust. If it's really bad Ron Francis and Painless have replacement fuse blocks that do use the newer (and less robust) blade- type fuses. While my truck was down --waiting on a new harmonic balancer-- I had time to pull all the fuses, continuity test them, use a dremel on the contacts and scotchbrite on the fuse ends. A whole new set of fuses might be a lot less trouble and more reliable, but I like tinkering. You might also get another GM fuse box out of a wreck at a local junker. Sounds like your rig belonged to a snowbird once! '67-'68s are the same, '69-'72s have the lettering on sideways (BC of the handbrake deletion and change to emergency footbrake on the later mods.) Good Luck

09-19-2002, 11:57 AM	#13
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Actually, no...my truck has lived its entire life in Arizona with a short stint in SoCal. They're not rusted at all...just stiff. And I actually do have a spare fuseblock with wiring harness sitting around, got it from some guy who was junking the rest of the truck...but it's not really in any better shape than mine is, and IMO that's a lot of work to swap out. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

09-19-2002, 03:29 PM	#14
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Aluminium Foil! __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

06-29-2014, 08:14 AM	#16
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Idea: Easy way to convert from glass fuses to blade ones - As long as this is back to the top this stuff works wonders for making bulbs and fuses easy to remove, plus helps protect from corrosion and moisture..... http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...-grease-detail Available at almost any automotive store. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -



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