Burnt fuse box - repair or replacement

[Graham]

As luck would have it when I was taking the GT out for a test drive with a prospective new buyer, smoke came up from the dash and there was a small fire in the fuse box - I cut the power and put out the fire with minimal damage but now it needs to be repaired. Should I buy a new fuse box or does anyone have a used one. I've attached a pic of the damaged fuse box.

Any suggestions? Thanks Graham

[GTJIM]

Unfortunately that fuse block is toast - the carbonised area will never insulate again.
They are often on EBay - Mickeynwheels usually has one for sale, even if not listed. You can also try the 'Usual Suspects': OGTS, USAOpel & Opel Workz

HTH

BTW: Are you sure your car is not telling you something? - like: "I don't wanna leave home!"

[guyopel]

Replace with a used fuse box ( your selling the car ) if your were keeping it now would be the time to upgrade the fuse box to the new style fuses and wiring . HTH
John

[Nathan Acree]

Ive got a whole wiring harness and fuse box with relays and etc. from a '70 you can have for the cost of shipping if you are interested. It is in good shape- but even then thats not saying much (I'm not a fan of Opel electrics). It came from a daily driver- I pulled everything to replace it with a new fusebox and harness.

Anyway, I will be in Tennessee for the next week so I can't ship it out immediately. Would be glad to get it out of my garage and I've it goes to help keep another car on the road then so much the better.

-Nathan Acree
Albuquerque New Mexico

[Graham]

Gents,

I very much appreciate your input - any suggestions as to why there would have been a short to cause the fire? I guess I should find out what caused the short so I can fix it when I put it back together.

Many thanks Graham

[Nathan Acree]

Had to be something very high current and unfused. Check your alternator and your headlight wiring if it has not been replaced.

[opelwasp]

Corrosion causes a higher load and everything has to work harder to draw the necessary current, which generates heat. Best thing to do if you plan to keep the original style wiring is to drill out the rivets, clean everything with a Dremel tool, and solder them back together. Redrill the holes to clean them up and use brass or stainless steel rivets.