Looking to manufacture updated fuse blocks. Need input.

Hi Everyone,

Way back in 2003 I posted a pictoral DIY that showed how, for about $40, 308 owners could make new fuse blocks that would replace the stock fuses for more modern glass units. The pictures were lost in the big F-Chat crash but the link remains:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/307297.html

Another F-Chatter went on to sell these and gained rave reviews as the updated fuse blocks eliminated many problems and allowed the electrical system to operate both more reliably and efficiently. Quite simply EVERYTHING electrical worked better from brighter bulbs to faster wiper motors.

Looking at the Dino I see that it suffers from the same terribly outdated fuse layout that consumes both power and reliability. I would like to look into making a modern replacement for the Dino. Making any old fuse block would be easy but in this case I want to make something that looks totally perfect from the outside and can only be distinguished from the original if the lid is removed exposing the fuses. From my initial observations I see 2 options to pursue:

1. Manufacture new fuse blocks that hold the new fuses.

Advantages:
- Easiest to install
- Maintains originals intact

Disadvantages:
- Tooling could be expensive
- Having to make both red and black versions to match OEM
- There may not be enough demand to warrant the expense

2. Manufacture retrofit terminals that would be fitted to the OEM fuse block moldings. This would require drilling out the stock rivets that hold the OEM terminals in place and replacing them with new ones that would perfectly fit the OEM points. I would include photo instructions and everything needed. You would just have to put in the time to assemble it all (under 1 hour).

Advantages:
- Much lower cost

Disadvantages:
- Fuse blocks could not be reverted back to stock

Given the costs associated with making proper tooling to manufacture perfect replacements allied to the need to make them in two colors I am leaning to the second option. That said I would be interested to know who here may be interested in upgrading to modern fuses if once assembled the blocks looked perfect and, given the pros and cons, which option would you choose. I look forward to any feedback. For now I'm just fishing interest and feedback. No idea what the costs would be but I'm not here to make my living: I'd just like to cover the costs.

 

At present I want to look at the main fuseblocks before worrying about the firewall unit.

While the meltdowns like the TR and Boxer fuseblocks may not occur on the Dino as often the main problem lies in the terrible design that consumes a lot of power. 308 owners were all the same saying that 'if my block is not melted then it is fine'. All of a sudden when changing to the modern fuseblocks everything electrical worked with a vigor and efficiency not seen before. I can only assume that Dino owners just do not appreciate what a drain the OEM fuseblocks places on an already weak electrical system.

So are there aftermarket reproductions or replacements? If so where can I learn more about them or who sells them?