radio and turn signals just quit

[rwassom]

Hello again, it's been awhile since my last post which is good as I usually only post when I'm looking for a solution to a problem. However, I enjoy reading all the other posts and frequently find a solution to one of my problems in them.

My '63 hardtop is generally very reliable but during my last trip the radio and turn signals suddenly quit when I turned on the right turn signal.

I used to lose power to the interior electrics quite frequently until I fixed a loose ground wire on my ignition switch. When it lost contact the radio , the turn signals and the power windows quit working. (other things might have quit too but these were the most obvous)

I assumed I had the same problem this time, however, the power windows still work. I've checked the fuses and they are good and the ground wire to ignition switch is making good contact. I don't see anything obvious under the dash such as worn wires or loose contacts but my knowledge of auto electronics is very poor.

I know that my turn signal switch needs replacing and was next on the list of things to do.

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[tbird5866]

I've only been working on Thunderbirds for over 20 years, but I'm unfamiliar with a ground on the ignition switch. My last Thunderbird was a 1963 Roadster. Would you mind telling me about the ignition switch ground? Harley Eaton

 

[64yellowbird]

might want to make sure there's no corrosion on the fuse box terminals where the fuses attach. I had that happen to my turn signals and found dirty contacts.

 

[rwassom]

Thanks Yellowbird, I gave the fuses a quick visual check to make sure they weren't burnt out but didn't take them out. I put new fuses in the day before the problem started so maybe I did something then.

Harley, I am talking about the black wire that attaches to the threaded post on the back of the ignition switch. I assumed it must be a ground wire because it was black but like I said before, my knowledge of auto electronics is very poor. I believe that the ignition switch is the original but can't confirm that.