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Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 9:48 am
by Andiken
Morning all, I'm trying to fathom out what fuse box system my car should have. On other plus 2's I've seen a fuse box mounted in the dash and multiple fuse boxes under the bonnet.

My car is a '73 S130 4 speed.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks

Andy

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:16 am
by JonB
Hi Andiken

Mine is a '73 S130/5 and it has the centrally mounted box with four fuses. If yours has the "Big Valve" engine (as written on the engine cover) it is a 130 and I think should have the same fusebox as mine.

Is there a cutout / cover in the middle of the dashboard?

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:20 am
by Andiken
Hi, Thanks for the reply.

Yes there is a cut out in the centre of the dash, I wasn't sure if this was an ashtray or trinket tray of some sort. My dash doesn't have a cover over the central hole, what should it be please? Hinged? Removable and held in place by clips of some sort or magnets?

Andy

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:23 am
by Robbie693
It's just a piece of wood with a handle that sits, rather crudely, in the hole. There is some material around the edges to provide some grip to stop it falling out!

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:30 am
by JonB
Robbie's dash looks like a replacement (very smart it is too). On mine (original and badly crazed) there is a plastic peg fixed to the rear of the fuse box cover that engages with a recess in the fuse box. When fitted, the wooden cover does not rely on contact with the dashboard to stay in pace.

img_4489.jpg and
Close up of cover in situ.


img_4490.jpg and
Rear of fuse cover showing black plastic locating peg...


inkedimg_4491_li.jpg and
...which engages in the central hole in the fusebox (arrowed)

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:50 am
by Andiken
Thanks to all for prompt and very thorough replies! I know what I should have now.

What an excellent resource this forum is!

Thanks again.

Andy

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:05 pm
by JimE
Lotus made the change to make the car more user friendly and tidy up the engine bay. Jim

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:59 pm
by vincereynard
JimE wrote:Lotus made the change to make the car more user friendly and tidy up the engine bay. Jim


Not to save money by removing a ashtray, simplifying the wiring and saving some fuse blocks then?

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:57 pm
by JimE
Which ever way you look at it, you don't have to fumble around under the bonnet to change a fuse. You don't need three ashtrays in the car.

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:09 pm
by Cymru
Has anyone put in a modern blade fuse box?

If yes - can you let me know which one you would recommend?

Thanks,

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:42 pm
by Foxie
vincereynard wrote:
Not to save money by removing a ashtray, simplifying the wiring and saving some fuse blocks then?


Looks like that to me ! Cost cutting !

I appreciate the 3 x 4 block fuses in my 1970 Plus 2S :D

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:54 am
by billwill
Cymru wrote:Has anyone put in a modern blade fuse box?

If yes - can you let me know which one you would recommend?

Thanks,



Not yet, but I bought two of these in contemplation.

Image

6-blade fuses with LEDs to indicate a blown fuse. (from http://www.cpc.co.uk), I aim to have one set of 6 direct off the battery and the other set of 6 only live when ignition is on.

See and onwards. lotus-elan-f19/getting-ogu-roadworthy-again-t26101-150.html#p214218

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 4:35 pm
by stugilmour
Cymru wrote:Has anyone put in a modern blade fuse box?

If yes - can you let me know which one you would recommend?

Thanks,


I used a series of these. They can be ganged together with similar boxes for block or micro relays. I guess this approach is more applicable to rewiring the whole car rather than just replacing the fuse box within the existing wiring configuration.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/p ... y-fuse-box

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/p ... -relay-box

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/p ... -box-7-way

This series is similar.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/s ... ing-system

HTH

Stu

Re: Fuse box query

PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2018 12:40 am
by 1owner69Elan
And another option: RTMR (Rear Terminal Mini Fuse &Relay).

http://www.cooperindustries.com/content ... 0-rtmr.pdf

Was a neat, compact, tidy, and sealed fuse block solution for my rewiring. The mini blade fuses that I used glow if they are blown.

img_8452.jpg and


img_8721.jpg and


img_8719-2.jpg and


Also, used smaller block units with micro relays replacing the larger, exposed relays in the front for the headlights and horn. Weatherproof, enclosed, and compact.