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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Fuse box cover
Posted by: slotty008 Dec 10 2017, 03:57 PM
The cover of my fuse box is missing. I can buy a new cover from Sierra Madre or get a new fuse panel. But Jwest doesn't have it at the moment and Pelican neither. I could buy a 12 way fuse box on Ebay but I'm not sure it will fit
I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?
Posted by: mepstein Dec 10 2017, 04:15 PM
First, I’m a big believer in using all new fuses. Spend $5-10 and replace them all.
Second, the original fuse panel is simple and works fine. Clean up the contacts.
I found a second panel, cleaned it off in vinegar and then switched the wires, one by one, into the clean panel. Then cleaned the old one so I could do the same for the next car.
I would just get a new cover. The old ones get brittle and crack.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 04:17 PM
There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.
Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then. Damned hard and fast if my math still works.
Posted by: slotty008 Dec 10 2017, 04:20 PM
First, I’m a big believer in using all new fuses. Spend $5-10 and replace them all.
Second, the original fuse panel is simple and works fine. Clean up the contacts.
I found a second panel, cleaned it off in vinegar and then switched the wires, one by one, into the clean panel. Then cleaned the old one so I could do the same for the next car.
I would just get a new cover. The old ones get brittle and crack.
Not a bad idea!
Posted by: slotty008 Dec 10 2017, 04:22 PM
There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.
Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then.
The other player?
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 04:40 PM
There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.
Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then.
The other player?
Yes, there is another manufacturer for this. It's here's somewhere.
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 04:48 PM
DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?
Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 10 2017, 04:52 PM
DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?
It was Engman, who of course passed away a couple years back. The Whitesell boys may pick it up. I love mine so much, I did the same on my 240Z.
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 05:17 PM
He's paying more than he'd like on this one but I'm loving it.
Posted by: Coondog Dec 10 2017, 05:22 PM
Wait until J-West has them in stock
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 05:33 PM
DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?
It was Engman, who of course passed away a couple years back. The Whitesell boys may pick it up. I love mine so much, I did the same on my 240Z.
Thanks Rob It was Engman I was thinking of. It surely needs to be picked up as long as it doesn't step on anyone's toes. Mikey would be the logical choice. (Dude you still wear those? You're married, right?
)Posted by: shoguneagle Dec 10 2017, 10:02 PM
The old type fuses always seem to present a problem over time. I bought one from Engman several years ago, installed it, and never looked back. Changed wire for wire without a problem, used longer mount bolts (2) with spacers.
Wait for JWest or Mikey; both provide excellent products.
Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2017, 10:17 PM
When you say wait, you mean mikey. Engman and Jwest already did it. Don't wait for the unknown, go to Jwest now.
Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 10 2017, 10:39 PM
When you say wait, you mean mikey. Engman and Jwest already did it. Don't wait for the unknown, go to Jwest now.
I think by “wait” he means wait for JWest who says they are out of stock, which could mean, he needs several orders before he’ll pull the trigger and make a few, or alternatively, wait for the Whitesell boys. I have no clue if they’re even considering it.
For the present, I’d just clean up the original.
Posted by: 914_teener Dec 11 2017, 11:39 PM
The cover of my fuse box is missing. I can buy a new cover from Sierra Madre or get a new fuse panel. But Jwest doesn't have it at the moment and Pelican neither. I could buy a 12 way fuse box on Ebay but I'm not sure it will fit
I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?
Go with Jwest and watch your knees in the mean time.
Posted by: JamesM Dec 12 2017, 01:20 AM
I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?
If it aint broke...
I actually have a couple Engman panels that I purchased when he was still around still sitting in the box he shipped them in. One, because I read about interference/shorting issues with them on early cars and two, because none of my 914s actually have a problem necessitating the replacement so i never bothered to dig in and see for myself. For that matter most of my 914s are missing the stock fuse cover and they seem to get on just fine.
Posted by: Rand Dec 12 2017, 02:56 PM
If it aint broke...
It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.
Posted by: Rand Dec 12 2017, 03:27 PM
James, fast respect. We don't have "likes" on here, but I like what you said.
The pace..... I wish forums could keep up with social media. If it could, it would only mean gold.
Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Dec 12 2017, 05:07 PM
If it aint broke...
It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.
Your opinions are not supported by all. I am only responding to convey accurate facts to folks to keep them objectively informed.
Unlike the currently available aftermarket generic fusebox units:
The original fusepanel design was not deficient and uses high quality materials. Its certainly possible to kick them out, but its operator error. Never been a problem for me.
Lighted, blade style fuses are great, but that does not negate the function or utility of the original bullet style fuses, or make them deficient.
The current aftermarket generic fuseboxes were not designed for the 914 specifically and are not an upgrade but a compromise because they strain the wires at the 90 degree terminals and require the loom ties to be loosened up at the fusepanel.
Direct short to ground conditions have been documented when installing some of these aftermarket fuseboxes in the early cars, its not known if this condition has been corrected or not.
Posted by: Rand Dec 12 2017, 05:20 PM
If it aint broke...
It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.
Your opinions are not supported by all. I am only responding to convey accurate facts to folks to keep them objectively informed.
Unlike the currently available aftermarket generic fusebox units:
The original fusepanel design was not deficient and uses high quality materials. Its certainly possible to kick them out, but its operator error. Never been a problem for me. Don't overlook part of the real problem: You could knock them all out accidentally by just getting in the car. THAT is seriously the biggest problem. I'm happy it hasn't happened to you.
Lighted, blade style fuses are great, but that does not negate the function or utility of the original bullet style fuses, or make them deficient.
The current aftermarket generic fuseboxes were not designed for the 914 specifically and are not an upgrade but a compromise because they strain the wires at the 90 degree terminals and require the loom ties to be loosened up at the fusepanel.
Direct short to ground conditions have been documented when installing some of these aftermarket fuseboxes in the early cars, its not known if this condition has been corrected or not.
I am not questioning the quality of the OG materials. I just mean the newer blade design is better. Thus why they are used today more often than the 70s.
The real problem is a combination of the loose fitting chicklets combined with where they are located. Clearly you've never knocked them loose by accident. I have.
(Please don't take these comments personally, Jeff. I love your work and only respect you. Heck I made a logo years ago, hah, bet you don't remember that.)
Posted by: 914_teener Dec 12 2017, 06:27 PM
James, fast respect. We don't have "likes" on here, but I like what you said.
The pace..... I wish forums could keep up with social media. If it could, it would only mean gold.
If Andy comes up with a "like" button I.m done here.
I for one appreciate everyone's opinion wether it is subjective or objective and the resultant discourse. I believe it is healthy and informative so long as it is authentic and not someone trolling.
Let the OP make his objective decision by the discourse that ensues.
Ya aint gonna get that with "like".
Posted by: Rand Dec 12 2017, 06:49 PM
I'm with you on this. Words, even as simple as "like" when typed are better than a button click. But social media is changing, whether we like it or not. I'm happily in the old-school, but have to work with current social media every day too.
Posted by: Front yard mechanic Dec 12 2017, 07:42 PM
I was following this thread thinking someone could use one of the many cracked covers I have but decided I " don't LIKE this thread"
Posted by: Spoke Dec 12 2017, 07:54 PM
As an EE, I wouldn't change the fuse panel unless there's something wrong with the original unit. Disturbing 40+ year old wiring is the best way to induce other wire/connector-related issues or mixing up wires.
If you like the modern fuses and are game to changing the fuse boxes, go for it. I would just clean all contacts and install new fuses. You must have a cover on the original box for the fuse box to be secure and enable robust and worry-free operation.
Just my $0.03.
Posted by: MarkV Dec 12 2017, 08:55 PM
You guys have me thinking my car is going to spontaneously combust out in my garage.
I used to constantly knock the fuses out on to the foot well, usually at night...maybe I am just an oaf.
They used to sell the 12 circuit blade fuse panel at Digi-Key. I changed mine out about 10 years ago. I made a standoff plate out of 16 gauge metal and drilled holes in it to mount the female relay plugs and flasher relays. there really isn't anything to manufacture. I think I was careful not to strain any wires and so far it still works.
Posted by: Rand Dec 12 2017, 09:52 PM
As an EE, I wouldn't change the fuse panel unless there's something wrong with the original unit. Disturbing 40+ year old wiring is the best way to induce other wire/connector-related issues or mixing up wires.
If you like the modern fuses and are game to changing the fuse boxes, go for it. I would just clean all contacts and install new fuses. You must have a cover on the original box for the fuse box to be secure and enable robust and worry-free operation.
Just my $0.03.
I respect your experience, but that's like saying you shouldn't upgrade an OLD VW from a 6V electrical system.
If 40 years old doesn't tell you what's wrong with it, the only other thing is accidentally knocking the obsolete chicklets loose. Upgrading things on your car isn't harmful if you do it right. Don't be afraid to make improvements to your car. My $0.01.
New cars use blade fuses for a reason.
Posted by: Spoke Dec 13 2017, 07:52 AM
As an EE, I wouldn't change the fuse panel unless there's something wrong with the original unit. Disturbing 40+ year old wiring is the best way to induce other wire/connector-related issues or mixing up wires.
If you like the modern fuses and are game to changing the fuse boxes, go for it. I would just clean all contacts and install new fuses. You must have a cover on the original box for the fuse box to be secure and enable robust and worry-free operation.
Just my $0.03.
I respect your experience, but that's like saying you shouldn't upgrade an OLD VW from a 6V electrical system.
If 40 years old doesn't tell you what's wrong with it, the only other thing is accidentally knocking the obsolete chicklets loose. Upgrading things on your car isn't harmful if you do it right. Don't be afraid to make improvements to your car. My $0.01.
New cars use blade fuses for a reason.You've read a bit much into my response.
I wrote: "unless there's something wrong with the original unit.". A 6V is wrong in today's 12V automotive environment and needs to be upgraded to 12V for compatibility with the rest of the world.
You wrote: "accidentally knocking the obsolete chicklets loose." This would assume as the fuses are knocked loose, the cover was also knocked loose. The original fuse panel should always have the cover on. The cover is part of the original fuse panel and must always be in place.
I wrote: "If you like the modern fuses and are game to changing the fuse boxes, go for it." My motto is if it ain't broke, don't fix it but if you want to fix it, do it.
Posted by: 76-914 Dec 13 2017, 07:13 PM
I have 2 cars with the old style and the one I just purchased from Bob came with the JWest panel so I can speak to both styles. 1st, the old style is a good product and there is no need to change it out unless you knock the fuses out regularly. I did when wearing my 11.5 D work boots. So I made some covers from 3/16" polycarbonate that will withstand a direct nuclear blast. I also make it a point to spin the fuses whenever I'm in there. A couple of the holders are "sprung" and do not grip as well as the others.
The Jwest is a tighter fit but I found it easier to get into place by using my heat gun (a hair dryer on steroids) set on about 275F to soften the plastic sheathing. It takes about 15 min's to heat soak that bundle and you'll need some gloves to grab the heated bundle of wires when repositioning them. Just be sure to loosen the metal clamps that hold them in place before heating them and don't hold the gun too close. About 10" away is good. Always disconnect the ground before dropping & reinstalling the panel; OEM or JWest. The pro's of the JWest are; you won't need to spin any fuses and if you use they type blade fuse that lights up when it blows, you won't need an Ohm meter to test the fuses, and you can buy a blade fuse anywhere.
Posted by: slotty008 Dec 17 2017, 03:53 AM
Thank you all for your suggestions.
Until now , I've never bumped in to my fuse box ( probably because I have short legs and I never wear big shoes driving the car cos the pedals are too close together.)
So I'm gonna buy some new fuses and look for a cover that's reasonably priced and wich can be sent to Europe for a reasonable price.
Until now I couldn't find one in Europe, unless they still exist OEM
Posted by: euro911 Jan 6 2018, 10:55 AM
I too, have accidentally kicked the open-faced OEM fuse panel (mine didn't come with a cover). I picked up a pre-owned cover at a G&R swap meet and wrapped an appropriate length of Velcro around the panel & cover. Haven't kicked a fuse out since.
I also purchased an Engman panel some years ago ... just forgot where the heck I stashed it 
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