[rick]

I'd like to reroute electrical power on my 72. 72 wiring is slightly different from earlier models because the power goes from the battery down to the starter, thru a fusible link, to a junction point (JP)(splice??). From the JP one side goes to the alternator output, and the other to the horn relay post.

I'd like to run a wire directly from the battery, thru a fusible link and then around the engine compartment to the horn relay. Reason is, I melted the fusible and its a royal pain to change in its current location.

Question is: will the horn relay connection be able to handle the charging output of the alternator? All charging current will be going thru the relay post.

 

[Elree Colby]

The changed routing of the main power on 72's was/is an improvement over the old routing. Less wire, about 6 feet, in the start circuit helped with the hot starting problem.

Yes what you want to do will work but you should use #8 Ga wire from the new fuse link to the horn relay.

"Question is: will the horn relay connection be able to handle the charging output of the alternator? All charging current will be going thru the relay post.'

With stock loading on the horn relay the stock wiring will handle it.

Typically only a small amount of the current generated by the alternator goes to the battery. Most of it goes to the horn relay and on to the load. That is unless your car has any add-ons that are connected directly to the battery.

If you have upgraded the alternator it's a good idea to install #8 wire from the alternator output to the horn relay.

One last thing. If you have factory optional gauges the changes will render the amp gauge inoperative.

 

[rick]

Elree
Thanx for the input. I'm gonna just replace the link where the General and his engineers intended. It worked fine for 30 years til I put a screwdriver where I shouldn't have.
It was easiest to get at the link by removing the inner fender (headers/heat shield) and I was trying to avoid that in the future. I'll just be careful next time.