Parts Hunting - Part 3
Upon first inspection of the Torino GTS vintage race car, I noticed that it had the basic electrical components of a dirt track stock car. There was a main power shut-off knob, a tachometer, and a couple of gauges. These were all hooked to a small birds nest of wires that tangled into the engine bay and back to the battery tray just behind the drivers seat.
Here is a picture of my first glance into the interior of the car...
And here is the cluster of wires and components that I pulled out of the car...
Beyond the fact that it is all a mess, none of it looks like it is from the correct era. Punky raced his Late Model Dirt Track Torino in the 1974 racing season. I need to install a "new" set of components that look like they belong in a vintage stock car.
I also intend to use the Torino Tribute car for other purposes than just racing. I might end up going to car shows and perhaps a parade, so I need to design the electrical system to perform beyond that of a simple race car.
Generally a dirt track car is equipped with a battery for power and the alternator or charging system is eliminated to save on weight. I intend to run an alternator, so I am designing my electrical system to include that component.
First off, I started to collect all the separate components that I will be installing in the car. During the process I was careful to try and find parts that looked like they were from the correct era.
Tachometer...
I also intend to use the Torino Tribute car for other purposes than just racing. I might end up going to car shows and perhaps a parade, so I need to design the electrical system to perform beyond that of a simple race car.
Generally a dirt track car is equipped with a battery for power and the alternator or charging system is eliminated to save on weight. I intend to run an alternator, so I am designing my electrical system to include that component.
First off, I started to collect all the separate components that I will be installing in the car. During the process I was careful to try and find parts that looked like they were from the correct era.
Tachometer...
Gauges...
Switches...
Here is a collection of the parts I have purchased so far....
I decided that it would be a good idea to build a fuse block panel in order to safely run power to the assorted components I will be using. I don't know the first thing about building one of these, so I had to rely on some research and YouTube videos for help.
I ended up finding a video that showed how to build a 4 relay fused circuit board on an ABS plastic panel. I bought an assorted terminal kit, soldering iron, mini torch and shrink tube kit. I then sat down and started to put it all together.
I ended up finding a video that showed how to build a 4 relay fused circuit board on an ABS plastic panel. I bought an assorted terminal kit, soldering iron, mini torch and shrink tube kit. I then sat down and started to put it all together.
The finished fuse block doesn't really look period correct, so I will most likely install it with a cover. I was mostly concerned with having a clean, dependable and safe electrical system in the car.
I can now look into the various electrical components I will be connecting to the fuse block. I will most likely be running an electric fuel pump, a few safety lights, and whatever else I end up needing in the car. I can do all this by running the higher amps through the relays and fuses. In addition, the rules require that I include a main power shut-off switch, and an oil pressure switch hooked to the electric fuel pump.
I now need to start designing the rest of the electrical system and figuring out where it will be located in the race car. The Battery Box is something else I will be fabricating. I found a couple of samples for reference and will be fabricating a test piece. Most likely, it will be welded up and installed as far back in the car as possible.
I can now look into the various electrical components I will be connecting to the fuse block. I will most likely be running an electric fuel pump, a few safety lights, and whatever else I end up needing in the car. I can do all this by running the higher amps through the relays and fuses. In addition, the rules require that I include a main power shut-off switch, and an oil pressure switch hooked to the electric fuel pump.
I now need to start designing the rest of the electrical system and figuring out where it will be located in the race car. The Battery Box is something else I will be fabricating. I found a couple of samples for reference and will be fabricating a test piece. Most likely, it will be welded up and installed as far back in the car as possible.
The next goal for the Punky Manor Tribute Torino GTS is to purchase the last few parts I need in order to start the actual rebuild. I need to pick up a new fuel cell, wheels, steel tubing and a sheet of expanded steel. Then I will hopefully have enough parts to make a big push on rebuilding the Torino into a presentable race car!
