Good day Everyone, Pursuant to a thread I started last Summer: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115101 I have finally completed a Fuse Block upgrade for white and black fuse blocks used within the Boxers (carbed and injected). As stated in the thread, my fuse block (black one) was beyond repair and keeping the rigged inline fuses was not an option. Since the Ferrari fuse blocks for the BB and the 308s are no longer made, my options were few: 1. I could either try and locate a used or NOS block somewhere and live with the factory design issues 2. Purchase a set from Birdman. Although an excellent design, these do not allow the use of the original fuse block covers. 3. Design my own... So , I did (3) and started designing up a new fuse block design that would address the issues with the factory design: 1. melting blocks do to oxidation between connectors and rivets (see pic of my block). 2. Periodic failure of electrical circuits do to oxidation between fuse contacts... the notorious fuel pump circuit not functioning, etc 3. Difficult to find fuses The upgraded design is a two piece design with one piece being a printed circuit board with heavy weight copper to accommodate the heavy current load, and the other a CNC machined acrylic base. Both of the pieces mate together to form the actual fuse block that is a direct fit to the original mounts (although mine is 0.2" taller). The design maintains the use of the factory covers as well and uses industry standard blade fuses which I find are much easier to find at local auto parts stores. Since I am now in the process of making up a few blocks for myself and a few friends, I was curious if anyone else might be interested in a set (Black and white). The blocks would be approx $300 (for two) + shipping. Depending upon the interest, the price could be lower, as I could amortize the tooling/setup costs over a greater number of units. For now, I am just checking to see who all might be interested so that I can determine how many I would need to make. I will post pics of the new block as soon as I get my prototypes fabricated... which should be in about 5 weeks. At that time anyone who had expressed interest can determine if they wish to purchase them. Cheers, Sam Image Unavailable, Please Login
Knowing how particular Sam is and after seeing pics of the prototype I can say its perfect, takes modern fuses and will more than likely improve many peoples window speeds, lighting, just about everything not to mention the car not bursting into flames.
Good day Everyone, What a great response! I will post pictures once I get my first ones built! As for all our BB brothers (and maybe sisters too) outside of North America (Steve in Ireland, Ken and Robert in Australia, etc), shipping will not be an issue. In fact, the design is ROHS compliant and so it complies with European importation requirements (all electronic related devices must be ROHS compliant). Cheers, Sam
I've been thinking about something like this too, every time I hear the crackling (more consistent lately) from the glovebox when I'm starting it up. Put me down for one - 1982 BBi
Good day Hans, Yes, the design can accommodate both the BB and 308 (non Mondial) style of fuse blocks. Although the blocks have slightly different electrical connections (which is addressed on the PCB), mechanically they are the same. I will put you on the interested list. Cheers, Sam
Sam - add another to your list. However, I will miss that burnt plastic smell when I run my A/C on a warm day with the radiator fans going. And all this time I thought the fuse block was a cigarette lighter..! Jim S.
Fuse block covers...? Hmm! I guess I shoulda opened up the fuse box before I ordered Birdman's. I thought the fuse block was exposed underneath the plastic cover that I find in my glovebox. The owner's manual drawing didn't seem to show a cover. Does each fuse have a cover?
Good day Buzz, Each Fuse block (Black and white) has a cover (see pic below.. item 6). No worries about your Birdman Fuse block purchase, as several people have been very happy with his fuse blocks. In my case, I wanted to continue to use the existing covers and to use newer blade style fuses... both of which are not addressed in Birdman's design. Cheers, Sam Image Unavailable, Please Login
My 1977 308GT4 makes a crackling noise about 50% of the time when I use the turn indicators. Sometimes the indicators start ok but then the crackling starts and when that happens the indicators then stop flashing properly. Sometimes they just start off crackling right away and don't seem to recover and flash properly at all. The crackling noise either comes from the fuse block or the relays, but definitely in that general viscinity somewhere. Sometimes I seem to hear a similar noise at the base of the indicator stalk as well. Is this the crackling noise you guys are talking about? If so, I am looking for a solution because dodgy indicators are a real pain! And if so, count me in as interested, too! Can someone let me know if this is the same issue you are all talking about? Thanks, Grahame
Good day All, Just to let everyone know, all those who are potentially interested in the fuse blocks need to let me know by Thursday March 1. In order to have the blocks within 5 weeks, I need to forward the design files to my machinist and PCB house then. After that time, I will not be in a position to provide any more fuse blocks other than to those who have previously expressed interest. Cheers, Sam