I purchased an absolutely beautiful '81 a few months ago and have been scanning the hallowed postings on this forum for valuable bits of info since. (Thanks to everyone who have already saved me some considerable frustration and saved my neighbors from some untimely expletives.) I have already managed a short list of minor repairs (i.e. frozen wipers, door handles, etc. etc.) A minor miracle given that I am brand new to the Spider realm and have two X chromosomes.
However, now that I have entered the labyrinth that is faulty wiring, I thought it best for me to join the group in earnest. I am currently messing with tail-light wires (which a gather is a newbie hazing ritual). Break lights and one rear side indicator work. Based on other postings, I have cleaned the ground on the left hand side several times. (wire brush, sand paper, and some PB blaster) Running lights worked when I purchased the car, but ceased shortly after. Since then, with all my monkeying around, I have only got them to flicker on once. I started to try to clean the contacts, but was unsure of the best method. Can I clean these with a jeweler's file or is there a better method? Given that I live in sunny, humid Florida, I am guessing this is going to be a reoccurring problem. Also, to make things more difficult, PO repainted all the wires along with the car's new paint, so I only have black 'primer' colored wires everywhere. (I guess he wanted to give me an extra challenge)
So aside from cleaning all the contacts, do I need to go through every connection with a voltage tester? Any advice would be extremely welcome.
Thanks again.
P.S. I will post pics soon. (and yes, I am thoroughly aware that I don't deserve such a pretty little Spider. I can't believe that it only set me back a couple of grand. I suppose that is to give me a bigger budget for PB blaster
