Ground Question

[Karl Schwarz]

I noticed a broken ground strap on my 1963 Convertible last week and I can't figure out where the other end should go. As you can see in the picture below, it is connected on one end to the top of a steer/suspension piece on the left side of the car near the dipstick. Where should the other end be attached? I had the power steering ans steering rack redone last fall, so perhaps with this rework it is no longer needed.

I've got the wipers that don't like to stop issue - I know it is due to a sticking wiper relay control switch, but perhaps it is sticking because it needs a better ground and this is a contributor to the issue. It amazes me how even tough the whole car is one big ground, how often electrical issues are ground related!

[Robert Alan Shannon]

Karl , I believe it attaches with a ring type crimp fitting  under the bolt head  at the bushing.  Other side should be the same. HTH

[Jason Edge]

Robert is correct. The ground strap goes from control arm to control arm shaft and attaches via a ring connector on the rear facing control arm bolt on both sides. See picture below. If you need the ground straps I have them for $5 each. 

[Karl Schwarz]

Great info - Thanks.

On the wiper, it is definitely the relay that sticks, Not sure if I can find a replacement to replace just that part. I put some silicon lube on it that helped, but the problem is back again...

[Jason Edge]

As Mark noted this ground strap is part of the static collection circuit and in the end of your spinning "hub caps" are the static collectors. It is my understanding that with today's resistor spark plugs and shielded cables you usually don't have any issue with static interference anyway, especially with fm. If you have am, or just picking up high pitched wining noise this could help to reduce and eliminate that noise. For most the broken control arm to shaft ground wire would just be an unsightly annoyance and something you just want to correct or remove for appearance. If you do have noise in the radio, check to see if you have the static collectors. I also have them. If nothing else they make great nipple shields... Hey Tony!?

 

[Kurt]

Aw, Jason you beat me to it. I was just searching for the discussion where you referred to these as "nipple shields" LOL! That one never gets old!

[Jason Edge]

Well we know with the mention of Nipple Shields, Tony is sure to chime in later. Gotta have some fun with this techy stuff!

[Jason Edge]

Tony, I knew the nipple shields would get you wound up. LOL