1965 C20 electrical question

[texasplumr]

Got an issue. I just picked up this truck. Runs great, looks not so good. But the headlights and front running lights or turn signals don't work. The tail lights and turn signals work fine.

I'm thinking it might be in the plug on the firewall. There are two separate plugs since the running lights are in the hood.

Would you more knowledgeable folks concur that this would be a good place to start? I don't have a problem building a complete new harness if that's what it takes. I just don't want to if I don't have to.

It's the only thing keeping me from getting an inspection sticker. In Texas we have to get inspected every year.

I was going to post pics this weekend but haven't figured it out. I moved them to Photobucket so that should make it easier.

Thanks for the help! I'm just hoping someone on here may have had this problem and save me a step or two.

Thanks!

Russ Lane
Austin, Tx.

[Woogeroo]

wiring diagram - lights only

also see the 60-66 faq index, at the top of the message board... the electrical section, as well as the 60-66 links listed in section 3.

good luck.

-W

[texasplumr]

Thanks! I found that earlier. I have a difficult time with these. I'll try and make use of it. I'm hoping for the impossible, I guess. Someone to say: "I just had that problem and this is what I did"! Ha ha

This forum is full of useful information and the knowledge is deep!

Russ Lane
Austin, Tx.

[Sharps40]

Connections, all of em...check and clean. Test resistance in the wires. Validate HL switch is functional (jumper direct from switch to a known good bulb or test meter, etc) ....Grounds, check and clean em all and member, ya can't add too many new grounds to these old trucks.

Electrical troubles suck but on these trucks and at their age its all bout the basics....start at the switch and trace it all thru, cleaning and repairin and addin engine/frame/firewall/dash/bed/rad support grounds as ya go.

[texasplumr]

I'll do that this weekend while it's cool. GROUNDS! Yes, thanks for that very crucial reminder. You're so right. The truck is old and has been kept outdoors.

Thank you for this reminder!

[Sharps40]

Don't thank me yet....many's the frustraitin moment in chasin electrical bugs when ye'll be stumped and find out the beer yer reachin for is 2 hours warm!

There is a two prong plug at the DS rad support that connects up to the headlights, it gets grubby nasty cause its up there where wind blows in water....don't forget it...its the source of many a headlight goin black over every lil bump.

[texasplumr]

That's funny! Any help I'm offered I'm grateful for.

[Sharps40]

Does Lone Star still come in rusty cans? If not, I'm datin myself....used to make the run from Ft Sill OK to Wichata Falls TX on Friday evenings for Loan Star and 79 cent 6 packs of Pearl Light pony bottles......them was the days, TX had more than 3.2% alkyhol beer!


We'd always get a Rondo for the ride back...."Rondo, Slam One Down!"

[texasplumr]

Aluminum cans now. But Lone Star should always be drank from a long neck.

[Sharps40]

Long necks were more spensive and you could hid more cans under the spare tire than bottles.....member, gotta go north thru dried up ol BurkBurnet I think to get back to Ft Swill and drink that good ol cheep 6% beer!