2 wiring questions

[UpNorth]

Hi guys,

Couple wiring questions about my Coupe built:

1-I have the Ron Francis harness and I’ll have a A/C heater, wipers but no radio. I need to install a back up light, radio feed is ok to use or is there a better way to send power to the reverse light pick up on the transmission?

2- I have the GPS vintage gauges kit; where did you guys instal the GPS sensor? What’s the best place?

TIA to all!

[edwardb]

What I did on mine:

1. I also didn't install a radio and did use the radio power lead for the backup lights. Works fine. Just to be clear though, you have to send the power all the way to the lights. The switch on the transmission is normally open, and closed when the transmission is in reverse. So the wiring is +12V radio power wire to one side of the transmission reverse switch. Polarity doesn't matter. Wire from the other side of the switch to the light(s) in back. I used two. Then ground the backup light(s) along with the other lights at the back. Ignition on -> Trans in reverse -> Backup light(s) on.

2. I made a little shelf and mounted it on the inner firewall extension above the door hinges and just under the fiberglass body. The shelf is from steel so the magnet on the antenna grabs hold. Which it does very well. The lead from the speedo wraps around the end of the firewall and makes a neat installation. Less than 40 miles on the car (grrr... lockdown...) but the GPS acquires almost immediately and signal has been solid. Not surprised it works OK there. Many of us use a similar location on the Roadster on a windshield support piece.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=112688&d=1566338281

[UpNorth]

Thanks!
When you say almost immediately do you mean you drive for a minute or two with a « blank speedo »? Or 5 seconds out of the garage and all is good?

[edwardb]

Thanks!
When you say almost immediately do you mean you drive for a minute or two with a « blank speedo »? Or 5 seconds out of the garage and all is good?

GPS speedo with the always on keep-alive wire in use mine acquires in just a couple seconds. Sometimes before I even back out of the garage. On rare occasions it will take slightly longer. Not exactly sure why. But it's never been an issue. Have the same setup in my Roadster for three seasons, so quite a bit of experience with it.