new guy 81 cutlass need electrical help

[duppyconqueror]

hi everyone im new here i have an 81 olds cutlass supreme brougham v6. I'm having some issues with the electrical system. some of the fuses just stop working and my radio sometimes loses power then powers back on while im driving. Usually when the radio does that my headlights dim. Also my gauges dont light up. I was looking at some universal fuse blocks and I just wanted some input on the best way to go about solving these problems. Should I look at doing a custom wiring job on the whole car or should i use a replacement cutlass fuse box? Is this something i can tackle myself with basic tools and skills or will I need a mechanic or mechanic buddy? any input greatly appreciated meanwhile i'll be trolling these forums learning as much as i can.

oh yea one other note i dont have a constant on my radio so i always lose my settings. any tips on running a constant or a link to a thread about this would be awesome thanks guys

 

[bill]

hi everyone im new here i have an 81 olds cutlass supreme brougham v6. I'm having some issues with the electrical system. some of the fuses just stop working and my radio sometimes loses power then powers back on while im driving. Usually when the radio does that my headlights dim. Also my gauges dont light up. I was looking at some universal fuse blocks and I just wanted some input on the best way to go about solving these problems. Should I look at doing a custom wiring job on the whole car or should i use a replacement cutlass fuse box? Is this something i can tackle myself with basic tools and skills or will I need a mechanic or mechanic buddy? any input greatly appreciated meanwhile i'll be trolling these forums learning as much as i can.

oh yea one other note i dont have a constant on my radio so i always lose my settings. any tips on running a constant or a link to a thread about this would be awesome thanks guys

sounds like you may have some bare wires that are grounding out or shorting. If the car hasnt been modified (audio or lightning wise) I would suspect that you may have a ground cable thats loose in the engine bay. Check all of the light sockets for corrosion or water submersion. If the car has upgrade audio, or lighting, thats where I would look for crossed wiring, bare wires,etc. Good luck and welcome to the GBF!