Adding support bracket to fuse block panel

[Gumball]

I wasn't happy with the flex that I was seeing with the stock mounting process for the aluminum fuse block panel, since it only mounts on two sides - one on the 3/4" tube and the other on the 2x2 chassis tube.

I used a scrap piece of .040 aluminum to make this bracket, which attaches to another 3/4" tube and to the front side of the upturned edge of the fuse block panel. The result is a very solid mount, hopefully leading to protection against failures related to vibration.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/BraceforFusePanel_zps1c60a5dc.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/BraceforFusePanel_zps1c60a5dc.jpg.html)

[dforthof]

I'm just starting wiring on mine this weekend and agree that the fuse block requires another support as it's only supported on two of the four sides. I was also thinking of putting a hinge between the fuse block mounting plate and the dash support to make it easier to see by allowing it to tilt toward the driver seat (also a pin to lock it in it's intended position when not needed). Has anybody done this before? Am I opening myself up to problems? Is it as bad as I think it is to check the fuses on this car once the body is installed?

[Jester]

Looks good

One thought though is that when installing the windshield bolts on the drivers side, the bolts are accessed through this area and removal of the fuse panel fasteners and moving the fuse panel to the side makes accessing the DS windshield bolts much easier (this is a must in my experience). You may want to make any additional fuse panel fasteners very easy to access for future removal - which you will need to do at least several times through the build.

I found the stock FFR method of fastening the fuse plate to be sufficient as there is very little weight on the fuse panel.

[Avalanche325]

Just make sure you will be able to get to the fasteners with the footbox AL in place.

Looks good.

[68GT500MAN]

Hinged fuse panels have been done before as well as other locations. The fuse panel for my roadster is in the glove box for easy access and viewing.
Doug

[Gumball]

Today's TTT for a old how-to.... there's not much to update on this one, other than the support bracket didn't block my access to the windshield mounting as I went at it from through the under-dash opening (note the hole and the silver spacer to the upper right - that's the lower mounting point for the windshield side post).

[GoDadGo]

If you haven't run your harness yet, you may want to move the fuse block over to the passenger side of the car.
Just understand that you won't be able to use the Factory Five Heater or have a functional glove box if you do.
It does however free up a ton of real estate under the dog house on the drivers side.
I just had to extend the brake light and flip the blinker runs.
You can see my stupidity on my chassis gallery.
Good Luck Gumball!