I stored my '65 Olds Cutlass in the fall with the Irish Spring to prevent mice and it was running fine before I closed it down for the season.

Today, I took off the cover and hooked everything back up. When I hooked up the battery, I heard a snap. I went to grab a wrench to tighten it down and then, I turned around and saw that it was smoking from the alternator. The wires are fried all the way to the firewall, but not to the coil. I know I need a new wire harness. Any ideas would be helpful. Thank you!

Kevin

 

If they are fried to the firewall the fuse box and dash wiring may be done as well...at least you didnt have a fire...The good news is that all the correct harnesses are available from M&H or Ron Francis...the bad news is its gonna cost you a few bucks...about 600 for the front harnesses and a new dash harness using your fuse box..

 

Any Idea what could have caused this,
besides being 45 years old?
Only 46,000 original miles on her

 

Ouch! have you identified the location of the short?

 

I'm lousy with electrical stuff. But it seems like you must have a short somewhere. Can you trace out all the burned wires? John

 

Not yet can't work on her now
I'm in the moving process outa
Willow Springs

 

Talked to Fusicks and they want $166 for a wire harness. Talked to some old timers today and they said, "just disconnect the alternator." Did that and the car started right up. Now I will just get a new alternator and replace the bad burned wires. All lights work except fuel guage.

 

So you think the short was inside the alternator? It would be good to identify what shorted out before driving it. John

 

Glad to hear it turned out not too bad ...replace the regulator too if you have one...Its a good time to check all of your wiring inside and out...look for cracked wires and burnt ones that are still working...wiper switches are bad for that