1981 Headlight relay installation

[rjkoop]

Finally getting around to installing this kit...

https://autoricambi.us/headlight-relay-kit-1979-85/

What's the best spot to mount the relays? I have 2 unused (not sure what they were for?) bolts in the driver's side fender.



They are larger than the holes in the tabs on the relays. Should I drill larger holes in the tabs on the relays or mount directly into another spot on the fender? If anyone has installed this and has a picture that would be awesome!

Richard

[dinghyguy]

i used the same bolts, and drilled out the mounting tabs slightly.
I also scrounged some old fiat connectors so i could make the wiring connections plug into the existing wiring connectors. That way I didnt have to cut anything and can put back to stock if i ever want to. A bit more wire required cause i had to run from the relays to the pass side headlight connector but i liked it better than cutting into the wiring harness.
One of the best mods you can make to the car.

dinghyguy

[rjkoop]

Thanks.

Actually I just finished the install... and saw this post too late.

Here's where I mounted it (beside/above those bolts)...



I used the self-tapping screw for the ground. Hopefully that will be ok. And I didn't have to cut any wiring. Just plug and play. Guess my kit is slightly different.

I'll test it in a few days. We're getting snow tomorrow in Ottawa. and I don't have the battery in the car yet.

Richard

[spider2081]

I used the self-tapping screw for the ground

Although it is common to see sheet metal screws used to make the ground connection for an electric circuit a better practice is to use machine thread screw or bolt. I would use on of those 2 studs welded to the fender well for the ground. First clean off the paint around the bolt then put on a Star washer then the ring terminal then a flat washer then a lock washer and lastly the nut. Sheet metal screws can loosen in time reducing the quality of the ground connection.

[rjkoop]

Makes a lot of sense. I'll test to make sure it's working and switch it over. Thanks for the detailed info on how to do it.

Richard