...Couldn't you have added a wire to the fuse box and used one of the spare slots centech provided?
Im not sure if they offered the add on slots others mentioned or not when i got mine but mine had no extra slots for anything.
That's correct. No additional slots in the fuse panel for additional circuits, but it's an easy workaround. These are just simple hot-rod panels with a good, but minimal layout.
BUT... There are at least four ways to add circuits to power other items.
1. Utilize the additional wires left in a couple of places. They're part of the existing fuses, but are provided just for running things that they didn't think of. I think most are "switched" but some may be constant power.
2. Utilize the backside of the fuse panel just like Ford intended with the early models of our stock fuse panels. Much easier with the Centech as you just access the studs on the back of the new panel (one for switched, one for constant) or...
3. Use the stock ignition switch's center stud for switched power.
4. Use the starter relay for constant 12v power. Again, just like Ford does.
5. Since most of us upgrade to more powerful alternators anyway, the large 10ga Yellow "ALT CHG 12v +" wire that would normally be attached to the output post of the alternator is now unused. You can repurpose it like many of us have to power an auxiliary fuse panel or power stud to use for other accessories.
Because there are no extra slots for fuses in their panel, you're basically using these "power points" around the truck to run power to an auxiliary fuse panel of your own choice. Available in simple to exotic versions, they can be powered by relay via the switch, or directly from the other sources mentioned.
No need to cut or splice into existing wiring. Just roll 'yer own.
Out of all the old cars I've worked on I've never seen or heard of such horrible wiring issues. Dont know if its just ford got cheap with the bronco or over the years us knuckle heads think we need to modify and change and screw up the stock harnesses.
All of the above and then some. These were basically little orphans that Ford just barely committed to and since it was just a lowly utility vehicle, did not get much love in the way of more expensive parts or unique engineering. Just got what trickled down. They didn't even have their own assembly line. Just thrown in wherever they fit on the truck assembly line.
And while I'm sure many were lovingly cared for, most of the owners felt about the same way Ford did and relegated these to the barn, the shed, the side of the barn or shed, outside at the cabin, beside the gas station in the snow, or just about wherever you can think of to leave a vehicle until the next time you used it. Not everyone bought one because they liked them or were enthusiastic wheelers. The PTO winches, augers and snowplow options are dead giveways in that regard.
And yes too, unfortunately many BPO's (Bronco previous owners) did tend to think they were wiring gurus when they really didn't even know which end of the soldering iron to hold! Mine was only five years old when I bought it and I spend many a fun hour under the dash and hood cutting, taping, and tying off extra wires that went nowhere and did nothing except short out and blow fuses when I happened to bump one now and then.
Lots of similar stories still seeing the light of day here, even after 50 years.
So there you have it... More personal and unprovable theory spewed forth.
;D
Paul