interior lights keep going out
 

i just got my 1971 240z and my interior lights and running lights have been going out. It has burnt a whole in the fuse box where the fuse that they use is. I think there must be a bad ground sumwhere but i cant seem to locate it. Any ideas on places to check or possible causes would be alot of help.

Thanx, Tyler

If there is a burnt hole in the fuse box I think it's time for a new one. There is probably a lot of corosion on the back causing a lot of resitance and making the fuses really hot. Common problem with early Zs.

Thanx for the input ill get a new one and see if that helps. Im not sure if that is it though because when the lights go out i can get them to come back on by hitting the dash. I have the dash removed right now but everything looks to be fine.

Bad, corroded plugs on the harness connections and ground wires through-out the car. Get some contact cleaner from radio shack. The one that's melted is likely the one to the brake lights so you should do the whole car. There are some high amp wires in the steering colum too. Don't forget the starter motor and alternator leads. New fuse boxes are expensive. I made my own from a Nissan 200zx. It has almost the same configuration with extras for stereo amps etc. I soldered the new leads onto the old plug ends and mounteed it under the dash by the heater. Cost me $5 and a few hours work.