Front lamp sockets crumbling as we speak

[Dodgerdallas]

I'm in the midst of upgrading my headlight/motor wiring system on the 66 and my headlight sockets are literally crumbling in my hand,does anyone know where I can purchase new ones along w the side mount connectors that go with it or will I have enough room behind the lamps to use regular straight out wire sockets? Also I'm using a Maxi fuse on my main pwr wire into firewall/dash instead of fusible link-what amp fuse should I use? Thanks!!!

[Mopar Nut]

You can try YearOne.

https://www.yearone.com/Catalog/1966.74.a.b.e.body/electrical/harness-accessories

[Ghoste]

For the sockets, I don't know offhand if they are available new, you might have to look for a good set of used ones.

[A383Wing]

are you talking about this one that plugs onto the back of headlight?

available new at any auto part store

[Dodgerdallas]

No ,I can't seem to download the pic but the wires come in from the side-maybe someone knew of a source for them

[Ghoste]

And the sockets I'm talking about are the metal bulb holders btw.  I took it to mean those were the parts crumbling but you also wanted connectors?

[Dodgerdallas]

As pictured below but the wires connect to flag terminals at the back of sockets

[Dodgerdallas]

There's limited space behind the lamps

[Dodgerdallas]

See if the pic comes thru...yes,ok see the wires enter from the side and have these flag type connectors

[A383Wing]

so you are talking about the ones that plug into headlights?

[Dodgerdallas]

Yes I am sir

[A383Wing]

again, as I replied above, available at any auto parts store, many styles offered

[Dodgerdallas]

Ok then that answers the one question,I didn't know they offered sockets that have 90 deg wires off them but ill certainly check it out at Autozone-any advice about the Maxi fuse?

[Carrnutt]

any advice about the Maxi fuse?

Tough question, that gets varying opinions. Especially since that feeds most all of the electrical in the car.

It isn't hard to replace the fusible link. Why is it you want to put a fuse in it's place? If you have frequent blowing of the link, you should repair the issue causing that before putting a fuse or link in.

My only suggestion, other than staying with the fusible link and maybe doing some relay mods, is to start with lower amperages, rather than higher. It's much better to blow the fuses than it is to burn up the car. If you have things on relays, it would reduce the amperage needed.

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

As Carrnutt said you'll get different opinions on fuse systems and values. My take on it is fusible links are rather crude technology and car makers eventually replaced them with Maxi-Fuses. The original  fusible link was a piece of 16 gauge link wire(blue color) that likely melted somewhere around 50 to 60 amps. If you have a stock electrical system in your 66, I would use either a 50 or 60 amp Maxi-Fuse. 50 amp gives you a little more protection, 60 a little more margin.

[Nacho-RT74]

http://www.cycleterminal.com/headlight-connectors.html

[Nacho-RT74]

found this... in UK LOL

http://www.polevolt.co.uk/acatalog/info_HEADCON.html

it seems Range Rovers use those, so...

( I think my parents 75 Mercedes too... every car with headlight back covers seems to use it )

[Nacho-RT74]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-pcs-High-Temperature-Socket-for-H4-9003-bulbs-/131083218760?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e852b2f48&vxp=mtr

I guess as mentioned, should be available at parts stores. Maybe not a straight just plastic piece replacement, but replacing with terminals to be sure about terminal fitting into the socket