Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

...replaced the battery strap...

So a nice drive ended in a lot of smoke but fortunately not a fire. Battery slipped and shorted out on a number of things. The net-net is this front wiring harness melted, cables Alternator, regulator & battery all much melted.

Mine in SPL311 of later 1965, Vin # 368

My questions for the humble hive mind that the 311s is

1) How or where can I get the Alternator tested to see if its fried (in the Bay Area)
2) Ditto for the regulator
3) I have the early 3/4 inch square connector harness - I don't see a source of these parts anywhere. See any issues using the later rectangular harness?
4) What else do I need to check that could have been fried at the same time? Battery?

So for a $6 battery strap, and a lot of original parts... I now start the next phase of restoration. I'm stupid!

-Alvin

Ouch. We have all been there...

For connectors: vintageconnections.com.
Or eBay has them too
Linda

Our resident guru Curtis can probably help you out. Sorry to hear of the difficult "learning opportunity" you're experiencing now... as others have said, been there, done that. Many years ago I fried my harness and amp gauge on the freeway while driving to work (the lack on an insulator for the hot wire off the alternator caused a ground). As I jumped out of the car to pull the batter cables off, a semi drove by and the wind from its passing pulled the door out of my hand and hyper extended the hinges which had no limiter, bowing the door... just adding insult to injury.

All you can do is grit your teeth, try to have a sense of humor about it, and learn in any way you can...

She'll be back!

Funny, this happened to me just a few weeks ago. I had an over sized optima battery that sat on the tray instead of in it. I adjusted the mount to what I had hoped was a more secure position. (spoiler: it was worse) I am coming down a mountain when my radio started turning on and off and the amp meter went haywire before shooting through the roof. I pulled over and... Smoke! Fire!! the bar for the battery tiedown had shorted on the positive and turned into a heating element. Luckily i was with a group and someone had a fire extinguisher to put it out or I may be writing a different story.

The fire melted through an ignition cable and luckily i had a fuse on the alternator that saved my amp meter and likely all the other electronics in the car. I also now carry a fire extinguisher in the car with me

Whew! Yes, fire extinguisher is a good idea for a vintage car. Well done on the fuse... would have saved me back in the day. Had one ever since.

Glad to hear there was no fire! Any good recommendations for a battery strap? Mine doesn't feel very secure either...

depending on size, but AutoZone seems to have a one size fits all, bought one last week.

glad to hear the car is ok, but I do not get why ANYONE would have an old car without a fire extinguisher , as clearly demonstrated, if not for you. but for someone else.

AND NOT in the trunk either.

The fire extinguisher was the first thing I brought when I got my Roadster.

I caught the melt down before needing the fire extinguisher. Glad I fitted the battery cut off. But that was the thing shorted out.

Anybody have recommendations for alternator rebuilds in Bay Area. Looks like Rallye no longer has stock and DatsunParts needs modifications to make theirs work.

any decent auto electric shop should be able to handle it.