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Modern fuse box replacement for P1800E 1800 1970

Just wondering if anyone has come up with a modern fuse box to replace the old torpedo type with blade type fuses? Thanks. Rick








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    Modern fuse box replacement for P1800E 1800 1970

    An ATC fuse panel upgrade kit is available for the 240, Volvo p/n 3544178, Skandix p/n 1071314. They were used in the later 240s and fitment is shown as backwards compatible to prior years 1976-on 240/260. They likely also fit the 140s as they used the same type of panel. It may or may not be adaptable to fit in your P1800 and be wired up with the original wire lengths, but it will at least have a suitable number of ATC slots if you don't mind a bit of wire splicing.

    FCPEuro carries them https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-fuse-box-upgrade-kit-skandix-1071314
    --
    Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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    Modern fuse box replacement for P1800E 1800 1970

    Back at the turn of the century, when I bought my current ’70 E, based on my long experience with Volvos, I replaced those crap ceramic torpedo fuses with Buss conical-end glass fuses. Since the fusible element is encased and the ends are plated, these remain corrosion free and are much more durable if removed and replaced. Years and 50K miles later, I haven’t had to touch them.

    I just spent an hour making calls to try to track them down. Buss automotive fuses are now made under the Bussmann name by Easton Corp. If you Goggle “Bussmann Catalog #5084” you can see their full retail line. Go to Page 40 and find their AGX fuses. While they are not as pointy on the ends as the fuses I bought way back when, they do have domed ends and are just 1/32” longer than the German style torpedo fuses listed on P 41. They certainly should work. And you should be able to order them through an auto parts store.

    I did consider replacing the fuse block and bought a nifty 12-blade-type fuse holder, but decided to put this off for several reasons. The fuse block was structurally divided into two halves so it was longer than the original. This would mean cutting away part of my kick panel. Additionally, some of the OE fuse block terminals are inter-connected, so that would require jumpers. Also, there are a lot of wires coming and going and it would mean careful and tedious labeling. So, if it ain’t broke…








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      Modern fuse box replacement for P1800E 1800 1970

      Those nice BUSS GBC glass bullet point (torpedo) fuses were used by VW, BMW, Alfa, etc, so I used to get them from those dealers. I imagine they've now switched to plastic BP bullet points. BPs are now often listed as being GBCs. I don't see those glass GBC fuses being made by Bussmann or anyone else at the moment, but I do see some glass GBC-16 amp ones available on eBay at the moment, also some GBC-8 glass shorties. An indie or classic VW type somewhere may also still have old stock. You used to be able to get them in an assortment pack of shorties and standard length, even slow-blow. As long as you didn't blow them they lasted forever and could even tolerate a bit of moisture getting down the fuse block. Probably still got a couple of shorties in the bottom of my electricals box. Why Volvo went with the trouble prone ceramic and plastic BP always eluded me as in mass production from Bussmann they would only have cost a little more. The only disadvantage of glass was that it's often harder to tell if they're blown, especially the fast-blows. My near new 122S came with glass bullets, but I have a suspicion that was the PO who swapped them in as he was an import mechanic. I changed my 144 over to all glass after the first blown ceramic fuse.
      --
      Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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    Modern fuse box replacement for P1800E 1800 1970

    Hi Rick,

    The secret word is "ATC".
    Goto www.duckduckgo.com
    enter: "ATC fuses for old volvos"
    Get a pile of options.

    Also check www.davebarton.com for high quality wiring parts and advice.

    Plan B is to shine up old fuses and holders and carefully lube with Penetrox-D
    (zinc paste) or Conductive grease such as Never-seez Nickel or copper based.
    Be careful a little does it only on the fuse contacts,
    Don't short the socket with a big blob of grease.

    Cheers, Bill







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