New Fuse Block?

[85Ram50]

Has anyone found a source for new fuse block on the 1st gen?
Does anyone have a part number?

[geezer101]

I doubt there are any direct new replacements for the OEM fuse blocks but honestly you'd be better off buying a new block that uses blade fuses and have the option of adding power for accessories. The old glass fuses are nearly extinct and it's not optimal to be caught out in the Boonies without lights, wipers or a working heater due to not having spare fuses.`I think it would be worth upgrading (plus the OEM blocks can be temperamental with intermittent bad connections depending on where the truck has been)

[85Ram50]

I've got a bunch of fuses. It seems to be a wire or something losing its connection and making the dash gauges fail. I haven't done more than jiggle the harness. I have a new fuse puller and 4 or 5 of each amp 5, 10, 15 and 20 fuses.
On your idea what fuse block would I get?

[geezer101]

This looks like a viable fuse block replacement - https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-32V-12-Way-Car-Auto-Boat-Circuit-Standard-ATO-ATC-Blade-Fuse-Box-Block-Holder/172836739482?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SI M%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D50544%26meid%3D7e89d58ee8224961 9fc84c5edde79eed%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1 2%26sd%3D222609513390%26itm%3D172836739482&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

And it has in built live circuit indicators so you know when something isn't doing it's thing. :thumbup:

*there are a couple of designs that use either blade connectors or eyelets to connect power in and out but most seem like they're intended for marine use.

[geezer101]

And something else worth looking at is the lack of relays for lights and ancillary electrics (A/C, heater blower, radiator thermo fan if you're planning on installing one, fuel pump etc) -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Fuse-Socket-Box-6-Relay-Holder-5-Road-For-Nacelle-Car-Truck-SUV-Insurance/173212325408?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44039%26meid%3D18c1f71a2db14a5 7b9b2590cf443f536%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D 12%26sd%3D222659429215%26itm%3D173212325408&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Looks compact, holds more than enough extra fuses and relays for a Gen 1 and is pretty damn cheap. A bit of assing around to bridge this extra relay box into the wiring, but it is worth it if it takes the strain off the electrical system.

[geezer101]

...option #2 for a fuse block, is reasonably priced and is closer to a straight up fuse block swap for OEM -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-CIRCUIT-UNIVERSAL-WIRE-HARNESS-MUSCLE-CAR-HOT-ROD-STREET-ROD-XL-WIRES-/173054160317

[Giovanni89]

I have an auxiliary fuse block under the hood on my truck. It's a marine application 6 socket panel with 6 ground connections as well. I feed it off of a heavy duty continuous duty solenoid that is triggered by the coil power wire. The marine blocks are not cheap, but the tinned copper conductors look brand new in road salt laden New England. Worth the extra money in my opinion. I did a bunch of rewiring when I installed it so it wasn't a hassle.
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Blade-Block/dp/B000THQ0CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526920969&sr=8-1&keywords=marine%2Bfuse%2Bblock%2Bblue%2Bsea&th=1

[85Ram50]

I think this is one of those things I am going to have to put off until I know I won't have a need for the truck if I render it inoperable for a week or two. Thanks for the links.