1963 Corvette: "Electrical Problem"(with AMP GAUGE)-with engine running!!

[John D.]

I hope someone can "HELP" me on the following "Electrical Problem"(with the AMP GAUGE), on my 1963 Corvette. Please note the wiring "HARNESS" for the "DASH" & "ENGINE COMPARTMENT" have been "replaced" with "NEW" reproductions.
WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING:
1.) I get a "SPARK", when I manually "GROUND OUT" the Voltage Regulator(I "believe?", this might be "normal?").
2.) The Amp Gauge(-40/+40) works fine when the Voltage Regulator IS NOT GROUNDED(while "hitting" the GAS PEDAL ONLY!!).
3.) The Amp Gauge "GOES CRAZY"(and will eventually "Pin" Its self at the 7:00 O'Clock Position), when the Voltage Regulator IS GROUNDED(while "hitting" the GAS PEDAL ONLY!!).
4.) The Amp Gauge "GOES CRAZY"( and will eventually "PIN" its self at the 7:00 O'Clock Position), when I APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL(this "releases" the pressure off the "Brake" switch)....when the Voltage Regulator IS GROUNDED!! and when it IS NOT GROUNDED!!).
PLEASE NOTE: I have "switched out" the Voltage Regulator and the problem still exists. I would appreciate any "HELP" on this matter.

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963 Corvette: "Electrical Problem"(with AMP GAUGE)-with engine running!!

John,

I'm no expert but here is what I would suggest.. I say this because I had something similar with my 1963, but not as dramatic....

I would double check that you have the correct "new" harnesses installed.. If for some reason they are for another model that could contribute to your problem.

I would also spend some time making sure that each and every connection is correct, i.e. made to the correct component. If need be get a new set of eyes to go over this... particularly if you did this wiring yourself.

In my case, I had the dash restored. when I put it back in the car, I crossed a couple of wires and as a result had some strange things happening.... like connecting the pink wire to the coil positive causing the horn to sound! Going over the connections, using the wiring diagram for my car, did the trick.

I would also make sure that the through the firewall connections are solid.. I've had strange things happen, also with the charging circuit, when those connections were not solid.

Good luck...