Fuse swop out

preconnect · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2008, 11:45 AM

I think I read on a thread here that I can swop out my old style ceramic fuses for the glass bus fuses given I clean the contact thoroughtly and be sure to math the replacement to the old amp for amp. I just want to confirm that this is actually possible and will not harm my Spider in any way. thanks

**BlueSpider** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 09:30 PM

I am also interested in this answer - and if positive I'm also interested in the benefit, if any. I just ordered a full replacement set of ceramic fuses for my GTV but if "glass" ones are better for any reason, it's the right time for me to change.

Cheers

**Tifosi** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 10:02 PM

The glass are better as they are (1) sealed, (2) have contacts made out of stouter stuff than the *ceramics and (3) are far less likely to corrode.

Papajam can give more info for that type as they do have a pointed end to fit the fusebox as opposed to the common flat ended ones, which obviously won't work correctly. (they may be kinda like hens teeth to aquire though)

*you do know you can buy them right off the shelf at places like NAPA, Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc., right?

**BlueSpider** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 10:10 PM

Thanks much. All makes sense.

**papajam** · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 10:12 AM

The bullet (or torpedo) style fuse carries the type designation GBC. It is available in either a ceramic or glass body. For more fuse type designations, click here.

gt601 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 04:14 AM

I have never been a fan of the glass replacements. Yeah they work but... they seem to not fit in the fuse holders and they have a stainless end cap on them not copper or brass like the origional ones. (have you ever seen stainless electrical wiring?) I have had a lot of issues over the years with customers switch the OE fuses over to the glass ones or the cheap plastic ones. (old Volvo cars)
You first make note of what fuse is where, remove them from the panel,( disconnect battery 1st ) take a soft wire brush and some good contact cleaner and scrub the corrosion and oxidation from the contacts. Then squeeze the contacts a little closer together with your fingers. Replace the fuses with new using the ceramic type not the cheap plastic. When you install them give them a couple of turns in the holder to "seat" them. I think that you will find that they will give you no problems for many years as long as the panel stays dry. If you think about it how long did it take from the factory to give you any problems?? If the automakers wanted glass type fuses in the cars they would have put them there.

Just an idea.

Paul

preconnect · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008, 05:26 PM

I made the mistake of purchasing the cheap plastic kind. An eBay find and I didn't know any better. They may do for now as I think they are better than what I have now.