Ammeter / Alternator Gauge Fuse...... factory? or added?

[DC_1]

I took my dash apart quite a while ago to restore everything including the cluster and gauges. I now have it all painted and am starting reassembly. One thing I noticed was I had this 30 amp fuse on the back of my old Ammeter gauge (I replaced with a new Alternator Gauge during cluster rebuild). Anyway, in the pictures of other restored or even original clusters I have come across I do not see this fuse. Should I assume it has been added by someone along the way or have any others seen this in their clusters? The way it was attached it looked like it was factory installed.

Sorry for the blurry picture. It is the only one I took before the disassembly



   

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

That's a circuit breaker and it is definitely an added non-factory part. At 30 amps it is a bit too low in current capability to handle the full charging circuit or car electrical load. Although, I have to say someone did a reasonably professional job on the installation.

That circuit breaker being there does raise the issue however, of whether the original fusible link is still between the 5/16" battery stud on the starter relay and one of the bulk head connector pins. You would want to check on that. The fusible link is often blue in color and often has a small molded tag on it reading FUSE or LINK.

[John_Kunkel]

Some cars with power windows/power seat/power tailgate/convertible top came from the factory with a CB powered directly from the battery side of the ammeter.

[Pete in NH]

Some cars with power windows/power seat/power tailgate/convertible top came from the factory with a CB powered directly from the ammeter.

You're right! I forgot all about those as they were not very common. It was a power take off for the accessories and not part of the charging circuit.

[DC_1]

Some cars with power windows/power seat/power tailgate/convertible top came from the factory with a CB powered directly from the battery side of the ammeter.

I have power windows.

I though it sure looked factory. The brackets and mounting look to good to be added on by former owner.

[tan top]

   see green star thingy

[DC_1]

Yep, that's it!

I looked at the wire diagram I had of the cluster and I didn't see it but this def shows it.

In all the pictures I have seen of the back other people's clusters I have never seen the CB before.

[DC_1]

Here are some better pics for anyone finding this thread in the future and wanting to see this circuit breaker installed on the cluster.

[tan top]

Here are some better pics for anyone finding this thread in the future and wanting to see this circuit breaker installed on the cluster.

  good pictures for reference