HOW TO: Make a distribution block for Gauge Installs/Radar Detectors/Anything else.

Clipse3GT · Sep 2, 2009, 09:52 AM

For anyone interested in making one of these. This is what I created for my boost gauge and wideband install.

Thanks to: ZWingerRyRy

Installed:

Fuse Block

Finished Product

Now you can use the fuse taps to tape into these power sources. Now with your new distribution block you can connect many gauges.

You need the following parts.

From Radioshack:
1-8 Prong Bridge
1- 16 Screw Distribution Block
4 Colors of 6"-12" of 14-18GA wire

AdvancedAuto Parts, Autozone, etc...
3- Bussman ATC fuse taps
???- Connectors to connect to distribution bridge

Tools
1x Crimp / Cutter
1x Solder Iron & Solder
Heatshrink
Lighter
Double Sided tape hold distribution block in place when mounted
1x Dremel with cutting wheel (cut the 8 prong distribution bridge in 2 prong sections)

The key to wiring these into the fuse box is to use the proper fuses. I had issues initially when using this.

The two prong holes closest to the prong require your stock fuse, 15A or 20A. The top two prong holes require a 10A this is for your accessory, in my case boost and wideband gauges.

You must use a 10A fuse, I tired to use something like 15A and the gauges would not power on.

hotdog · Sep 2, 2009, 11:02 AM

Where did you mount it? I had this same idea, just not nearly as fleshed out. I personally think it'd be simpler, long term, to mount the entire block somewhere, hidden, in the cockpit, so we wouldn't have to be running power leads through the firewall from the gauges.

Nice diagrams and such though, thanks!

Clipse3GT · Sep 2, 2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotdog

Where did you mount it? I had this same idea, just not nearly as fleshed out. I personally think it'd be simpler, long term, to mount the entire block somewhere, hidden, in the cockpit, so we wouldn't have to be running power leads through the firewall from the gauges.

Nice diagrams and such though, thanks!

I am going to mount it on the little door for the cockpit fuse door on the drivers side with some double sided tape, so it is out of the way but easy to access if I need to connect something new or I need to do any changes.

EVOxStuntin2008 · Sep 2, 2009, 03:14 PM

Make sure you put up some detailed pics once you get it all installed please.

Clipse3GT · Sep 2, 2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVOxStuntin2008

Make sure you put up some detailed pics once you get it all installed please.

Will do

chidevildog · Sep 2, 2009, 04:26 PM

subscribed!

alex3dworld · Sep 2, 2009, 08:16 PM

i had the same setup done. i post a few months ago some pictures. i found a realy confortable place to mont it inside the plastic acces door of the fuse box. it's easy to conect everything seated on the driver seat, no need to go under the panel everytime that i want to conect something.

becouse i'm using also the same fuse conectors i can tell you in advance that you will need to bend one of the cables 90 degrees were the cable meet the conector. all the recomended fuses to tap are so close that there is no space for the cable in the middle fuse (white cable).

ivanxchvz · Sep 2, 2009, 08:41 PM

Im an electrical noob but correct me if im wrong please. The fuse taps will be on the fuse box with fuses on them and power for accessories(gauges, radar) would mount on the other screw for that fuse tap? This looks so much easier and neater than having to tap for power individually for each gauge.

Clipse3GT · Sep 2, 2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivanxchvz

Im an electrical noob but correct me if im wrong please. The fuse taps will be on the fuse box with fuses on them and power for accessories(gauges, radar) would mount on the other screw for that fuse tap? This looks so much easier and neater than having to tap for power individually for each gauge.

Yes that is correct I should have install pics up by Monday/Tuesday.

linjy2 · Sep 3, 2009, 07:41 PM

this setup is definitely cleaner then the way i did mine. will copy, thanks.

abu · Sep 3, 2009, 08:40 PM

Thanks for sharing. really useful stuff.

hotdog · Sep 4, 2009, 07:35 AM

It's a good time to do it too, on a newer car. Know where everything is, where everything is routed. Lovely.

Spazo · Sep 5, 2009, 09:29 PM

So, I started tackling all my "electrical installs" today. Should have checked the forums first as I now see. However, our ideas aren't that far off. I can't wait to see your install pics to see how close our ideas are...

Any who, I'm also using the ATC Fuse taps but (since I'm still a basic nub when it comes to electrical stuff) all I could find are the 10A taps... Is this what you are using or did you find some bigger ones? Should the 10A be fine for pretty much everything? I know my fuzz buster has a 2A/250V fuse in it and the cig lighter is a 15A fuse; does the 10A limited tap cause a prob? I know you can always drop Amps and be OK (rather than go bigger, ie run a 25A fuse in a 15A slot).

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Clipse3GT · Sep 7, 2009, 01:37 PM

I'll try to get some pictures tonight.

The key to wiring these into the fuse box is to use the proper fuses. I had issues initially when using this.

The two prong holes closest to the prong require your stock fuse, 15A or 20A. The top two prong holes require a 10A this is for your accessory, in my case boost and wideband gauges.

You must use a 10A fuse, I tired to use something like 15A and the gauges would not power on.

I will try to get pictures later tonight.

chapscalyx · Sep 7, 2009, 05:27 PM

subscribed