65 Coronet Dash/Ignition Problem

[ywestbrook]

Hello all, my apologies in advance as this is my first time doing this.

I have a 65 Dodge Coronet with a slant 6, cars been running for the 2 years that I got it. Haven’t done much besides keep it roadworthy until recently me and my dad took the dash out to fix some gauges and now it won’t start. It’ll burn up the fusible link when I hook up the negative terminal and i’ve taken the dash out to make sure everything’s plugged back in. I’m not very electrical savvy but I’m young and stubborn with a lot of free time, was hoping someone could guide me in the right direction.

Thanks for the read

 

[twecomm]

I don't have experience with a 65, but i'm guessing that your issue may be at the rear terminals of the alterantor ( amp meter) gauge. A short to ground on either wire connected to this gauge will burn up the link. In my 66 Charger, the 2 studs that come from the rear of the alt gauge housing have fiber shoulder washers that keep the threaded studs centered in the housing holes and insulate the studs from the case. You may have a short at the point where the stud goes thru the fiber washers from over tightening. Both terminals on this gauge are + battery voltage. This gauge is basically in series between the battery and alternator so both terminals are electrically + battery. The short could also be inside of the gauge.
You can test for a short with an ohm meter. With nothing connected to it, you should not see any continuity from the metal case to either stud terminal on the alt gauge
Always disconnect the battery when doing work on anything electrical. Of course, you will need to replace the fusible link.