skydoc_17 Posted July 13, 2008 Share #1 Posted July 13, 2008 Hi To All, When I purchased my 87' VR at the beginning of this year I was not new to the First Gen. VR but now that this bike is 21 years old I have had to dig into her a lot deeper than I had on my other VR. While changing out the old battery the dreded "Battery Fluid Low" sensor fell apart in my hands. After crying the blues on this site, danob11 sent me his old one for free! Well now I had a part but being a Machinist by trade electrical issues are like Greek to me. A short time after that I received an invite from a small group of riders from this site that live in my area, so after traveling about 50 miles from my house my Fusebox fell apart at 55 mph. My brother came with the trailer and drug me home and I missed the ride. After some paperclips and crazyglue I again started out for West Virginia to make it to the WV Skid-In, this time with the bike fully loaded and with Jean on the back. We didn't even make it out of the state of Pa. and again the fusebox crapped out! I whinned on this site again:fiddle:, and Lonestarmedic sent me pics of his fusebox replacement, answered all of my questions and assured me that even though I am all thumbs with wire, I could do this! I bought a soldering gun, a new fusebox, a s***load of wire, and over the weekend of the 4th installed the battery sensor and the new fusebox. I only burned myself about 50 times, and I also found out that a soldering iron lights my cigars really well, but doesn't work for soldering after that without a good cleaning! So many problems went away after the new fusebox install, from poor charging to excessive amp draw when the brake lights were used to just flat not running! My most humble apologies to the riders I stiffed on my first outing and to Skid and his wife for not making it to the Skid-in. I also owe an apology to my wife Jean for dragging her to Bedford, Pa. and making her push me on the VR! Thank you once more for the help and friendship on this site, As I have gotten older I have found it harder to accept help from other people but the people on the VR.org site have softened my heart and I just wanted to say so. I posted a few pics of the new fuse box, If anyone has any questions about where I got the parts or is struggling like I was, or needs some brackets made, Please just ask! I feel I need to "Pay it Forward" for the kindness you all have shared with me. Ride Safe, Earl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dano Posted July 13, 2008 Share #2 Posted July 13, 2008 Nice job! Glad you got it all fixed up and looking good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonslayer Posted July 13, 2008 Share #3 Posted July 13, 2008 Hi To All, When I purchased my 87' VR at the beginning of this year I was not new to the First Gen. VR but now that this bike is 21 years old I have had to dig into her a lot deeper than I had on my other VR. While changing out the old battery the dreded "Battery Fluid Low" sensor fell apart in my hands. After crying the blues on this site, danob11 sent me his old one for free! Well now I had a part but being a Machinist by trade electrical issues are like Greek to me. A short time after that I received an invite from a small group of riders from this site that live in my area, so after traveling about 50 miles from my house my Fusebox fell apart at 55 mph. My brother came with the trailer and drug me home and I missed the ride. After some paperclips and crazyglue I again started out for West Virginia to make it to the WV Skid-In, this time with the bike fully loaded and with Jean on the back. We didn't even make it out of the state of Pa. and again the fusebox crapped out! I whinned on this site again:fiddle:, and Lonestarmedic sent me pics of his fusebox replacement, answered all of my questions and assured me that even though I am all thumbs with wire, I could do this! I bought a soldering gun, a new fusebox, a s***load of wire, and over the weekend of the 4th installed the battery sensor and the new fusebox. I only burned myself about 50 times, and I also found out that a soldering iron lights my cigars really well, but doesn't work for soldering after that without a good cleaning! So many problems went away after the new fusebox install, from poor charging to excessive amp draw when the brake lights were used to just flat not running! My most humble apologies to the riders I stiffed on my first outing and to Skid and his wife for not making it to the Skid-in. I also owe an apology to my wife Jean for dragging her to Bedford, Pa. and making her push me on the VR! Thank you once more for the help and friendship on this site, As I have gotten older I have found it harder to accept help from other people but the people on the VR.org site have softened my heart and I just wanted to say so. I posted a few pics of the new fuse box, If anyone has any questions about where I got the parts or is struggling like I was, or needs some brackets made, Please just ask! I feel I need to "Pay it Forward" for the kindness you all have shared with me. Ride Safe, Earl Same thing happened to me, almost. Ain't this group great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcarl Posted July 13, 2008 Share #4 Posted July 13, 2008 Hey, you did an alright job,,,,,, tell me where you live now that you're experinced. Now that you've handled that so well, there just ain't nothing you can't do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wizard765 Posted July 13, 2008 Share #5 Posted July 13, 2008 VERY neat and clean installation... Good Job!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestarmedic Posted July 13, 2008 Share #6 Posted July 13, 2008 Boy Skydoc, I recognize the old panel and the new one very well!! Nice job on the repair. I like your variation on the mounting. Left you room for a nice set of accessories blocks. I'm glad that we could help on the idea. Now, do the 4 gauge battery cable upgrade and enjoy easy starting and plenty of electrical power. Bet your charge gauge event reads healthier. JB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilDog Posted July 13, 2008 Share #7 Posted July 13, 2008 Awesome job Skydoc! Talk about perfect timing! I am well past due on this project myself and got online specifically to search for JB's instructions on his install. I love this site! I'd definitely like to hear about your experience, and tips, and where you got your supplies. Thanks! Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cecdoo Posted July 13, 2008 Share #8 Posted July 13, 2008 Hey Earl, I am one of the guys you owe lunch from the first ride:bawling:and I thought we mite see you at the Skid In, glad to hear you got her running, went thru Bedford twice this weekend on way to Laurel highlands area. We need to try for another get together in Pa. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydoc_17 Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share #9 Posted July 15, 2008 Thank You All for the kind words, I have a few sets of the terminal blocks left over and a bunch of the terminal connectors left over if anyone needs any of these items just send me a Pm or post it here and I will be more than happy to send them along to you free of charge. For those of you who are Electrically Challanged as I am I would be willing to Purchase the fusebox, prewire it, and send it along to you for only the cost of the fusebox and wire. All you would have to do is mount the fusebox, connect the old wires to the new fusebox and off you go! Let me know if I can Help! Ride safe, Earl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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