TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Oct 18, 2025 6:21 am

Hey all.

I’m planning to clean up a lot of mystery wiring in my ‘71 Ghia. This could end up going the route of a new wiring harness. One thing is for sure, I’d like to replace the fuse panel with a blade style fuse holder, and add some capacity as well (I could also use multiple fuse panels so that’s not critical).

In searching for direct replacements I’ve only been able to find original equipment style. Is anyone aware of a blade style fuse panel for VWs? Or have you used an alternative?

In the custom hotrod world I’ve seen after market fuse panels that include things like horn relays and such all in a nice package. I’m open to that too. It doesn’t have to fit the stock location. However I believe most of them have a common battery possitive and I would like to mimic the format of the VW panel where the power side has some circuits bussed together but not all. So perhaps a straight through type block would be best and I could bridge together the appropriate circuits where necessary?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

Craig.

Sat Oct 18, 2025 8:26 am

I got some of my custom wiring (and maxi fuses for all circuits, including the main starter cable) at West Marine.

You don’t want to see it because it’s a rat’s nest of shit, but I know where everything goes.

Boat supply stores, RV supply stores, and hot rod shops are all good places to search.

Sat Oct 18, 2025 8:54 am

you don't mention the year. My 72 had a fuse panel that was also the 'relays' mounting base. To replace the fuse panel one would also need to mount the 'relays' somewhere else.

Sat Oct 18, 2025 5:39 pm

runamoc wrote: you don't mention the year. My 72 had a fuse panel that was also the 'relays' mounting base. To replace the fuse panel one would also need to mount the 'relays' somewhere else.

Oh yes of course. Mine is a 1971. Spade connectors on the back. Those pointy German style fuses on the interior below the dash. Looks like they added the relay bracket the next year.

Craig

Sat Oct 18, 2025 5:56 pm

Quote: pointy German style fuses

Found some glass pointy German style Buss fuses on amazon

Sat Oct 18, 2025 6:20 pm

I bought this about 2 years ago but have never installed it. On my "to-Do" list.

I think this is what you are looking for.

https://www.torquerestoparts.com/product-page/fuse...lfvB3UYe1D

Sun Oct 19, 2025 3:35 am

NoDents wrote: I bought this about 2 years ago but have never installed it. On my "to-Do" list.

I think this is what you are looking for.

https://www.torquerestoparts.com/product-page/fuse...lfvB3UYe1D

Wow yes! That is exactly what I’m after.

Thank you.

Edit:

Same website has the blade style fuse panel for 72-74 ghia. It has the same 10 tabs as the 1971 plus two more with multiple attachment points, and the relay holder. I think I’ll go for that as it gives me everything I need!

Craig

Sun Oct 19, 2025 6:39 am

Or this

Universal Fuse Box - 8 Fuse - ATC Blade Style Fuse
https://www.jbugs.com/product/971020-8ATC.html

Steven

Sun Oct 19, 2025 8:30 am

Quote: go for that

went there...says 'out of stock' :(

Sun Oct 19, 2025 9:07 am

empi3 wrote: Or this

Universal Fuse Box - 8 Fuse - ATC Blade Style Fuse
https://www.jbugs.com/product/971020-8ATC.html

Steven

Yes I saw those. If it’s going to have just one connection point on the side I’d like that to be a screw so I can add tabs for spade connectors. Otherwise it’ll add additional mess to the wiring I’m trying to clean up. I found something like that on Amazon that has screws, but I think I’m going to go with the late model blade type fuse panel that will attach to the factory wiring and also provide a couple of extra contacts for future use.

Craig.