1964 electrical issues

[Jef S.]

I have highbeams but when dimmer switch is clciked for low beams no headlights. I have rear tail lights, rear directional signals, and brake llights but when the headlights are turned on I have tail lights, a right directional signal and a right brake light no left directional or left brake light. Any thoughts?? no wiper motor no clock movement I do have the heater motor. EXASPERATED!

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

Sounds like a lot of things going on at once. You should check the dimmer first. That is most likely the problem with the headlights. Could be two burned bulbs though.

Then look for a bad ground on the LH tail light housing. Check all of the normal things on the wipers, fuse, override switch, wiper door switch, and ground.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

Jef, Maybe a little back ground on whats been done to the car recently? harnesses? how and when did it the problem start?

[Jef S.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

Barn find with 36k original miles sitting for decades. body off top to bottom restoration. ready for final assembly steps trying to get all the electricals working before bumpers rear valence front grille etc going back on. origianl harnesses which seem to be in good condition but Im at getting to the point where all new harnesses are the next step. New dimmer switch new directional signal switch new headlight bulbs new outboard tail lights new back-up light switch on transmission which isnt wired in yet. Except for the harnesses everything in the car is either new or rebilt. Very frustrating all the difficult stuff I thought was behind me. UGH!!

[Jef S.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

the dimmer switch is new I tried the old one and the same problem. with high beams all 4 lights are on low beam nothing. would the rear light systems work without the headlights on but not work with the headlights swiched on because of a bad ground?

[Peter H.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

I RAN INTO THE SAME PROBLEM LAST SUMMER..CHECK THE CONNECTORS WHERE THE MAIN HARNESS CONNECTS TO THE HEADLIGHT BUCKET.. MINE HAD A BAD CONNECTION THERE.CLEANED CONTACTS AND IT WORKS FINE..PETER ....

[Edward J.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

Jef, My first step would be to turn on the low beams, then start wiggling connections at the dimmer switch, headlight buckets, firewall, all while watching the headlamps to see if they will flicker or light up.

Another thing, are the grounds all hooked up, there is one that goes to one of the outboard starter bolt, I believe that this is the ground operates the wipers and blower motor. and radiator support drivers side next to shroud.

[Jef S.]

Re: 1964 electrical issues

funny the VERY technical manuver "start jiggling connections" works so often to cure electrical problems on these old girls
Thanks to everyone