The manner in which the turn signal housings and wiring originally
mounted allowed these parts to corrode together (left). Replating
the housing reduced the size of the opening for the bulb and wiring
to be reinstalled, so the wiring harness company offered a solution
of flexible clips to hold the bulb in place (right).
While the car remains at its barest point, Kopecky checks the wiring,
lamps and function of all other electrical parts before the car is totally
reassembled to prevent the need for removing restored parts and risking
damage, and headaches. He also recommends testing the new wiring
harness off a trickle charger, rather than straight from the battery, in the
event that incorrect bulbs have been installed or there is another
problem in the wiring. Incorrect bulbs with too high of a wattage will
reveal themselves by being brighter that other bulbs when tested in this
manner. In the event of an overbright bulb, the trickle charger will
prevent the bulb from melting a lens or causing other damage. Since this
Chrysler has an electro-luminescent speedometer, a trickle charger will
reduce the likelihood of damaging the bulbs in the system at the first
start-up.
In one final note of advice, Kopecky offers this tip: Work with your
parts suppliers.
“I learn a lot from vendors,” Kopecky said. These hobbyists work with