It sure sounds like your voltage regulator is bad.  That would explain the "super bright" lights.  However, pretty soon they'll go from super bright to super burned out.  You risk damaging your entire electrical system, or worse, having a fire if you keep driving it like that. 

Once you get the Voltage Reg changed, do a thorough check of your system (charging voltage at the battery, etc.)  Also, keep an eye on your battery, an extreme over-voltage condition like you've described can damage the plates makeing the battery pretty much useless.  

The good news is that your radio might be OK...Chances are that the voltage spike blew the fuse before it torched the radio's innards.   

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

Your voltage regulator is bad.They can be purchased at most any parts store.Cost is around $30.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

My car was running great on Sat. July 12th.  The following saturday, when I started it, the radio was coming in all distorted.  I looked down to see that my ammeter was showing about 15 at an idle.  I pressed the gas and it pegged at 30, and the radio shut off. 

My generator appears to be "locked on" or it just hasn't worked properly for the last 3 years.  What should I be reading?  Previously, the ammeter never moved above 0-2 unless the head lights were on.

The plus side of my current situation is that with so much juice, all my lights lights are super bright and the car is great to drive at night.  Of course the downside is my radio is toast.  Any thoughts?

- John 

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.