<VV> Acrid Burning Smell (Electrical?) on Startup - OOPS!

[Doug Mackintosh]

At least you taped yours up. The car I refurbished for my pal had a number of P.O. "modifications", including wiring the tach up to only operate when the back up light toggle switch was flipped on (installed in lieu of fixing the real switch).  I also discovered while tracing all the crazy wiring that the bare stripped end of the lighter wire had been left dangling among the wiring behind the dash. No electrical tape wasted by that owner!

<<Bill,
As Bob Helt said the lighter wasn't fused as the cars came from the factory.  If you've added a fuse your're covered now (unless you need the lighter or its socket for accessory power and the fuse is too small to carry the current).  After two jammed lighters got red hot (after smoking passengers used them on different occasions) in my blue '68 I disconnected and taped up the wire connecting it to the lighter assembly.  I recommend finding a warm garage and inspect each area of the car's wiring to locate the smell you've described).  I'll bet there is a used dash out there in the NYC area that you can get to transfer the wiring harness.  Good luck.
Bob

OOPS!  I forgot to mention the big event that started the
 problem:
I foolishly re-connected the ciggie lighter wire without fusing it. >>


-- Doug Mackintosh
Corsa member since 1996
Corsa/NC member since 1996,  Virtual Vairs member
Corvair owner 1969-1971 and 1996-on