1968 Ballast Resistor

[BigJim]

The ballast resistor in the 68 CS needs replacement. I looked on Summit's site and it appears I need the ohm rating of the resistor since theirs are all generic application listed by ohms. I checked CJP and they only sold one as part of a MSD coil package. The closest thing thing I could find on NPD is some kind of wire. The car has the white .5 x .5 x 3 inch block on the inner wheel well which I'm sure is a resistor. Does anyone know the ohms or better yet a part number?

Thanks

 

[Mosesatm]

Please don't take my word for this but I'm pretty sure you shouldn't have a resistor. The pink wire coming out of the switch is a resistor wire so adding a ballast resistor is too much.

 

[franklinair]

I am not aware of any 'dropping' resistor on '68 Mustangs other than the blower motor speed control.
Where do the wires go to/from the resistor in your Mustang?

Neil

 

[rvrtrash]

Fords of that era didn't use external ballast resistors. Dodge liked using the external resistor in their ignitions. Arlie is correct that the wire to the coil is a resistance wire, and serves the same purpose. The wire from NPD is probably a replacement if yours is cut or damaged. I can't measure the input resistance of a coil right now, because my meter is at work, but I believe it's about 1.5 - 2.0 ohms, and the coil normally runs at about 8 volts (all going off memory and subject to failure). As such your external resistor is probably about 1 ohms and rated for around 10 amps, if you want to just replace what you have. Again, I can't be positive because it's been a long time since I looked at this, and can't verify right now.

Steve

 

[BigJim]

The car had an external ballast resister mounted to the fender when I got it. It also had a home made wiring harness under the dash. So my guess is at some point the PO replaced the wiring harness and the resister wire. FWIW the PO had bypassed the factory fog light switch with a Radio Shack toggle switch. Basically the wiring was a mess.

 

[Ruppstang]

It sound like you need to start with a different main harness to get the car back in working order. Randy can repair or replace your harness. http://midlife66.com/harnesses or http://midlifeharness.com
I have used him several times and would recommend his work.
Marty

 

[BigJim]

Got all new harnesses on order from CJ's. Should have them Tuesday or Wednesday. Hopefully she'll be running next weekend without a ballast resistor.

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[robert campbell]

Be ready for lots of work! Replacing all the wiring is a time consuming and difficult job. Hope you have both bucket seats out and are ready for lots of fun under the dash!!

I hate working under the dash!! Just did a project on my brothers 67 Fastback with a console...... I need a nice young person to do this type of work!

Rob

 

[BigJim]

Not only are the seats out but the entire interior is out including the dash which is completely torn apart.

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[franklinair]

Are you running a stock ignition system or an after market (Pertronix, etc.) system?
IIRC the stock system puts 12V to the coil in the START position, then 8V in the RUN position (through the Pink resistance wire).

I use Pertronix II installation on my cars (with the Pertronix 40,000 volt coil) which uses 12V in both the START & RUN position, bypassing the Pink resistance wire.

Neil

 

[BigJim]

Stock

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