On a 56 Ford, where is the fuse panel?
This car I'm working on has an add-on AC unit (underdash), along with a CD player
mounted under the dash.
I'm trying to locate a current draw that is there with everything off. 
There is so much added wiring that I'm trying to get back to what Henry 
intended and find the source of the current draw as I go. What a PITA.
Thsanks
Jim

There isn't a fuse panel. There are 2 circuit breakers up under the dash a little left of center. Accessories that required fuses (electric clock, etc.) were individually fused. I'm betting your add-on audio is the culprit based on past experience. Find where that picks up juice, disconnect it and see if the current draw goes away.

Hi Dob
I have disconnected everything that I think I can without a good result.
The Stuff:
Lights work (high & low beams)
Tail lights work, turn indicators work, BRAKE lights don't work.
All gauges DON'T work, don't know about gauge lights yet.
Interior lights work when doors are opened.
Heater blower works (both high & low speeds)

The add on CD player is disconnected from power and speakers.
I have not disconnected the add on AC yet, but cannot see how that could be a problem?
The clutch does not try to engage-- Maybe Blower Motor (inside add on AC)?
AS you can tell, I'm grasping at straws now

Thanks again
Jim

Did you check the clock?


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I like spaghetti but not when it comes to wiring. Owing to the condition of your wiring it's possible you have a short in a harness. Old car wiring was insulated with cloth covered rubber which gets brittle with age and breaks, often allowing the resulting bare wire to contact metal and ground the circuit. Add to that previous owners attempting to fix a bare spot or tapping a circuit for an accessory. While they're taping up one bare spot they create more bare spots by bending and tugging. Look for bare wires touching metal. Since your gauges and brake lights are inop those circuits are suspect. Try disconnecting them. And don't assume the problem is under the dash; it could be just about anywhere. Also, be sure to disconnect the battery when you're away from the car for any length of time until you get this fixed; old car wiring is a fire waiting to happen.

Another thought: if it still has a generator and external voltage regulator the regulator could be stuck and creating a path to ground. Or the generator may have a short. Disconnect the battery ground and connect a test light in series. Disconnect the voltage regulator. If the test light goes out the problem is in that circuit.

Hi Paul & Dobie

Clock checked as well as I could

Car has an alternator, not sure of the type (1 or 3 wire). Will look.
Don't know about regulator yet.
Be right back to check stuff. Hang on 
Looks to be a 3 wire alternator. I'll disconnect it tomorrow to see if that's 
part of the problem.
Jim