Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

[Gary B.]

I’m working on my parking brake warning light circuit and that project got me to look at the fuses in the fuse panel on my ‘66. Turns out someone put a 15-amp fuse in the upper fuse slot, where a 10-amp should go. In the process of purchasing a new 10-amp fuse, I took a look at the description of the fuses in the ‘66 JG. It reads “The fuses have straight solid thick internal metal strips, not narrow strips with a broken-jagged pattern.”


Here are some images of C2 fuses that I’ve found on the DB, plus a new, 10-amp Littelfuse that I just bought. (Ignore the fact that one fuse has a colored band, which I know is correct for ‘67.) I’m just asking about the geometry of the internal metal element.


Some elements are dog-boned, some look spiral, some are straight with no dog-bone center section, including the new Littelfuse brand I just purchased. What is correct for ‘66. And what does the “broken-jagged pattern” in the ‘66 JG refer to?


Thanks,


Gary

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[Robert P.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Gary , good question i just got my car judged for 3rd time and was told my 4amp dash light fuse was incorrect , shows a picture of the judging guide with an odd ball fuse in that location. my 4amp fuse looks like all of the rest of the ones in the picture
Bob Peckham

[Gary B.]

[Jack J.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

These are Buss fuses with their respective amperage.

[Gary B.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Jack,

The fuses you show are comparable in design to the fuses in the lowest two slots in this photo from the ‘66 JG. Those have what I’m calling a dog-bone element. But I’ve been told the 4-amp panel lamps fuse has a different design. Do you know what that 4-amp fuse looks like? Does it have a wire-like portion mid-element? That may be what I’m seeing in the JG photo.

Gary


Image from ‘66 JG
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[Jimmy G.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Amp rating determines the size of the metal inside Small wire blows early the larger the element inside the higher the rating Simple electronics

[Gary B.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

These are Buss fuses with their respective amperage.

Jack,

Do you have a photo of the 2.5 or 3.0 amp radio fuse used in 1966 and earlier?

Gary

[Gary J.]

[Jack J.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

[Robert P.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

My question is if you had a 4amp in the panel fuse slot #3 that looked like the rest of the fuses in the picture
would that be wrong
thanks Bob Peckham

[Gary B.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Bob,

You mean if they all looked like this style. Gary

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[Robert P.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Gary, that is correct
Bob Peckham

[Thomas S.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

During the period of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, there were only 2 major fuse company’s, Bussman (founded by Joe Bussman) and Littelfuse (spelling is correct). One followed the other for the most part and the filament designs changed over the years.the minimum cross section combined with the alloy will determine the fuse capacity. That actual capacity varies widely from the stated capacity and the duration of any current surge is also a factor. You have normal, fast acting, and dual-action slow-blow. The diameter and lengths also vary and some fuses had ceramic bodies for high voltage.

Filament designs changed over the years as well as manufacturing sources so anything new that you might find is likely not to match the original. With the phase out of lead, other alloys were substituted which would result is the fusible link having a different profile or shape.

The old Bussman P/N numbers will always start with the letters AGC (G=glass) followed by the current rating. I’m in the wholesale electronics distribution business and I don’t remember any color coding on any fuses back in the early years.

When looking for the real deal, make sure they come in a 5-pack like this and that the end caps are stamped around the circumference with the part-number. Also, the flat ends would have metal solder residue compared to welded points.

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[Jack J.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

First, I just want to say my 16 -Buss AGC 25 (amp) are painted White. My Buss AGC fuses rated 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, & 2 were the only ones with soldered ends. I suspect that because of the very fine filament wire, enclosed within the glass fuse, soldering was the only way to achieve continuity across the ends.

[Jack J.]

Re: Correct configuration of metal fuse element in C2 fuses

Those prior pics show a Buss AGC 5 (amp) resting on a 15,500 Volt fuse, rated to blow at 0.50 amps. The other pic shows the protruding pin which indicates a blown fuse. Just a conversation piece, serves no practical purpose.