70 Challenger Restoration, into a driver car

[Jblake]

Went to get the car running over the weekend, went to start it up and smelled something burning and smoke. It was obvious it was electrical. I didnt even start the car, with the key on this box was getting hot. no idea what it is. Any ideas? Car ran fine when parked. dont know what happened

 

[DetMatt1]

That's your ballast resistor. Did you see smoke? Was the smell inside or under the hood?

 

[Jblake]

That's your ballast resistor. Did you see smoke? Was the smell inside or under the hood?

Yes the smoke was under the hood of the car

 

[DetMatt1]

Start by inspecting all the connections on the bulkhead connector located on the firewall above where the steering column passes through. Did the car start?
Btw, I try to never leave key in the run position unless it's running.

 

[Jblake]

The wiring on this car is a mess. So its hard to tell if something is off. So far its turning over but not starting

 

[Jblake]

So need advice. I got a new ballast resistor. Plugged it in and turned on the key and right away the new one started heating up and got hot

 

[DetMatt1]

Do you have a multi meter?

 

[Jblake]

Yea i do

 

[DetMatt1]

Start by checking how much voltage you're getting before and after and if it's too much start backtracking.

 

[challenger6pak]

It may be cheaper and less headaches to get a new harness. Much cheaper than replacing the car due to fire.

 

[340challconvert]

I was thinking the same thing. If the wiring is that compromised, probably better to replace it to prevent more serious damage.

 

[Jblake]

Car is a 70, but has a 340 motor out of a 69 barracuda, with 727. Any idea where i can get a harness?

 

[340challconvert]

Try this company. www.evanswiring.com/catalog.htm

 

[Donny]

If you're not having the car media blasted, you are throwing good money away and you will not have a quality car, I promise you this.