Electrical ground question

[JL_]

Hi everyone,

my truck 1965 GMC.
I'll start with what works then my question.
Rear tail lights: running, turn signals and brake lights. heater fan
Not working headlights, Front running lights, front turn signals and windshield wipers. I have power to and from the fuses, haven't checked the switch yet.

I an thinking keep it simple... so my question. Is there a common ground for the front end? where is it?

next any thoughts about where to start tracing the wires?
am i correct chase power to and from switch then to the lights.thanks for your time
j

[mongocanfly]

Use can use a meter or test light to see if you have power at the lights..
Test lights are cheaper and you could get one from cardboard freight on university drive...

[61_FL_Apache]

There should be a body to frame ground on one side of the firewall. Look on the passenger side.

[bigmoe]

The headlights ground to their bases.
The bases ground to the rad support just through bolts and metal contact. There can be problems with rust or new paint that hinder a good contact.
The rad support grounds to the frame. ( I always run a separate wire ).
As mentioned an inexpensive test light would be helpful.

[ACK]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

There should be a body to frame ground on one side of the firewall. Look on the passenger side.

Adding on to 61_FL_Apache's reply ... take a look at the images in this link. Can't have enough grounds on these pick ups.

[JL_]

Thanks for the comments.
ok the fix/ cure or what i found out.

dimmer switch is bad.
both lights on the drivers side are blown. I wasn't looking at the passenger side so i remained confused longer than i should have been.

the lights remain very weak, like a 9v battery is powering them. i plan to run new grounds and hope for the best.

[jayoldschool]

I did a dimmer on my truck, along with extra grounds for the cab/frame/bed. Made a big difference. If I drove a lot at night, I would do halogen (or better) headlights (I still have one T3!) and a relay harness to provide a full 12V to the headlights. You can get a harness from many places:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-34263

[roll_the_dice]

I did this for my headlights (headlight relay harness)...best upgrade I did on my truck. I am still running sealed beam headlights and they are much brighter than before and are definitely bright enough.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=397695

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

I did a dimmer on my truck, along with extra grounds for the cab/frame/bed. Made a big difference. If I drove a lot at night, I would do halogen (or better) headlights (I still have one T3!) and a relay harness to provide a full 12V to the headlights. You can get a harness from many places:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-34263

You beat me to it!