Newb with 52 Pick up

[Volfandt]

Good deal on the fuel fix.

Agree w/GLAburger, it's a resistor and they do get hot. If your electrics are 12v they've
been upgraded from the stock 6v. And if so I'll bet something isn't working now with it disconnected.
You'll need a resistor for:
1) gas gauge. The OEM gas gauge works on 6v only. Generally this resistor is mounted directly on the gauges power connector.
2) heater fan. the OEM 6v fan will work with 12v with a resistor. The fan speed control will be a separate device.
3) Dash lights. If he used the OEM 6v lamps.
4) ignition circuit/coil, this resistor is generally mounted in the engine bay close to the coil.
5) theres other uses but generally it's better to swap out all your 6v devices to 12v.