Started working on my auxilliary fuse box installation today after I came home from Virginia. Bonus! I was spotted by MuddyYota on 495, and actually got a thumbs up from a silver lifted
4th Gen. Lots of T4R guys in VA!
Back to the box...
Anyone following my thread knows I do things a little, well...
differently. No exception here! To tell the truth, I have installed many fuse boxes in boats over the years, but it never occurred to me to install one in my vehicle. :redbrick: Duh. Considering all the crap I add that requires a power source, I could kick myself.
Thanks guys- you inspired me!
So... I checked out Okki's excellent writeup in his build thread for some ideas. I have no need for an ignition-only fusebox, (not yet @ least) so this will be powered directly from the battery. Basically, it's a place to easily distribute fused power that is reliable and done "right".
I can sell my Stock in mini fuse-taps now...
I started by fabbing up some aluminum brackets- different than Okki's, but along the same lines. After 3 designs, I still wasn't too happy with the results- then I saw it. It was calling me to make it into something special. It was a Coleman plastic cutting board that you take camping. Never been used.
Why would I use such a thing? I'll tell ya.
In the marine industry they have a product called Starboard. It is an expensive, but extremely versatile material. It's used to make lids, cupholders, rod holders- basically anything you would make out of wood. Starboard is very similar to cutting boards, but has UV stabilizers and such to make it bulletproof in the marine environment. There aren't too many UV rays under my hood these days, so I'm good with what I have here...
Basically, this cutting block can be worked just like wood. Cut on a table saw, drilled, tapped, sanded, etc. It won't rot or warp, and holds up to heat relatively well (I wouldn't go making exhaust hangers out of it, but you get the idea). With the fuseblock mounted to the board, I have an excellent platform that is sturdy, and a great insulator from electrical shorts. It also protects the wires from chafing.
Here's what I have so far...
Oh yeah- the box is a BlueSea Systems ST Blade unit. It provides 6 individual 30A circuits- not exceeding 100A total, and grounds. All the hardware is stainless, contacts are tin plated copper, and the cover is Lexan. It also comes with labels for your circuits. High quality stuff, for around 40-50 bucks.
Power will come directly from the battery, into the main 60A fuse (just a standard setup you would use for, say, an amplifier hookup), and is routed into the box. The board will mount on top of the driver's side wheel well, directly behind the factory engine compartment fuse box. The studs on the board will line up with some fenderwell holes, and I will attach it in the wheel well with some stainless locknuts. All the hardware is stainless, BTW. I think I'll also utilize the grounding terminals on the fuseblock for accessories like the CB. Maybe I can get rid of some of the interference that I currently have.
CONTINUED......