An Automotive Electrical System can seem like black magic to most of us, especially when things go wrong.
But in practice, most electric circuits are relatively simple and most problems can be isolated with a series of tests. Additionally many classic car enthusiasts also want to add modern electrical equipment to their vintage rides, but understanding the limits of vintage electrical systems is key to making everything work and may require other upgrades too.
Wiring new circuits or resolving electrical problems starts with fully understanding the various components in an automotive electrical system and how they all work together.
In this class we’ll take a close look at all aspects of an electrical system and explore different types of circuits and how they work together.
We’re here to help
This class provides you with a fundamental understanding of the various components of an electrical system, how they function together and how to service them safely. You’ll see how to make crimp and solder connections, as well as how to assemble and disassemble multi-wire connectors. You’ll also learn how to determine the correct size wire or cable to use for any circuit and how to properly wire a relay.
We’ll take a close look
We’ll take an in-depth look at a range of components covered in this class, how they work together and ensure they function safely. In addition, there are tons of electrical system tips and tricks provided throughout the class that you’ll be able to use on your classic. You’ll learn about:
In addition to the detailed video, this class provides you with some downloadable material and helpful information to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class.
If you’re looking to spend more time enjoying your classic car and less time trying to resolve electrical problems, this is the class for you.
Class Sessions
Session #1: Introduction
1:30
Understanding the various components in an electrical system and how to safely and efficiently make them all work together is key to resolving electrical problems or installing new circuits. We’ll take an up-close look at automotive electrical systems.
Session #2: Wire Safety
4:28
Whenever planning any electrical project safety should be your primary concern. From wire size to fuses to wire routing there are several considerations that should be made. We’ll examine some good practices and important tips to planning out your project.
Session #3: Tools
8:37
There’s a right tool for every job and electrical projects are no exception. In this session we’ll look at the tools commonly used when servicing electrical circuits. We will examine Crimpers, Wire Strippers, Multi-meters, Lug Crimpers, Test Lights, Soldering Irons and so much more...
Session #4: Batteries
8:40
The battery is at the heart of any electrical system, and although often overlooked it serves many important functions. From initial start to providing reserve power to serving as a system buffer, the batteries role is vital to the health of the system. We’ll also review the different types of batteries available for classic cars and how to properly maintain them.
Session #5: Grounding
4:48
It’s no secret many electrical problems can be traced back to bad or improper grounds. In this session we look at the importance of properly sized and connected ground wires and cables.
Session #6: Wires
15:36
There are several different types and sizes of electrical wire, and knowing which choices to make will ensure your system operates efficiently and safely. By understanding the carrying capacity of your wire and the amperage load of various components you’ll be able to make sound decisions.
Session #7: Connectors
30:04
There is no shortage of different types of electrical connectors that can be used on your classic car. In this session we’ll examine some common electrical connectors and how to properly crimp them onto the wire, as well as a few tricks to make modern connectors look at home in any classic car. We’ll also look creating multi-wire connectors and how to crimp-on those types of terminals as well.
Session #8: Soldering Connections
19:07
Nothing is probably more reliable than a properly soldered electrical connection, but using the right products and processes will ensure your connections are safe and will last forever. We review different types of solder and soldering flux and how to use them properly.
Session #9: Fuses, Breakers & Panels
16:22
A fuse is like an insurance policy, most of the time you don’t need them but when you do you’re glad they’re there, and if you don’t have them the results can be disastrous. Fuse panels however didn’t commonly appear in cars until the late 50s, as cars were often protected with only a few circuit breakers for the entire car. In this session we’ll also take a look at how different circuits should be protected and discuss adding additional fused circuits to classic cars.
Session #10: Relays
8:16
When planning your electrical system, relays are an important component in delivering power to high draw components without the need to run large gauge wire over great lengths or needing to use high-amperage switches. We take a close look at how relays operate, how they are wired and when to use them.
Session #11: Kill Switches
4:50
Master Disconnect Switches or Kill Switches are a must have addition to any classic car. These handy little devices ensure your battery doesn’t drain when not in use, eliminates the risk of an electrical fire and can act as a theft deterrent. We examine how they work and how to keep items like clocks and radio presets working even with the switch turned off.
Session #12: Wire Looms
4:32
Keeping your wiring organized and protected is especially important in the engine compartment, where there are moving and hot component as well as dirt, moisture, grease, oil and other potential hazards. Using wire looms is a proven way to keep your wiring organized and protected. With the many types available it’s important to select a loom that fits the style or era of your car.
Session #13: Voltmeter vs. Ammeter
4:14
Most cars are equipped with either a voltmeter or an ammeter, but both can give you important information about how well your electrical system is functioning. We take a look at the information each of these gauges provides and the type of feedback we get from them.
Session #14: Ignition Systems
6:46
The ignition circuit is one of the primary circuits in an automobiles electrical system. It is how power is delivered to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel for combustion. We take an in-depth look at the various components in the system and how they all operate together.
Session #15: Charging Systems
3:21
The charging circuit is vital to ensuring the car maintains sufficient power to operate the automobile while recharging the battery. The charging circuit is a relatively simple circuit and includes: alternator/generator, voltage regulator, volt/amp meter, and battery. In this session we’ll look at how all of these components work together.
Session #16: Lighting Systems
5:00
Lighting circuits are typically one of five lighting sub-systems, these are: Interior, Parking/Taillights, Headlights, Instruments and Directional Indicators. In this session we will discuss how these important lighting systems work.
Session #17: Class Close
0:51
Your Instructor
Mark Simpson
Like many of us, Mark’s passion for cars started in his early teens. He first dreamed of owning a ’34 Ford 3-window coupe. But as a wide-eyed 15-year-old, he spied a ’40 Chevrolet Coupe alongside a garage while walking home from school, which he picked up for $150.
After being told by his father that the new heap would not have a place in the home garage or driveway, Mark finagled his way into a local auto body garage, doing some grunt work around the place after school. At that moment, the spark for old cars became an unquenchable flame. Using mostly money he made painting cars for local dirt track racers, Mark rebuilt that ’40 Chevy, but had to sell the car to help pay for college. Although the car was gone, the passion for restoring old cars remains to this day.
After college, Mark’s passion continued with the purchase of a ‘31 DeSoto, a ‘37 Chevrolet Coupe, a ‘69 Camaro, a ‘54 Ford F100 and countless other cars over the years. Currently, Mark’s collection includes numerous street rods, customs and muscle cars.
But the old car passion is fueled by more than just building and owning cars. In addition to serving as executive director of the National Street Machine Club and editor of Street Thunder magazine between 2005 and 2011, Mark has served as an active member in numerous local, regional, and national car clubs.
This lifelong passion for old cars allowed Mark to realize his dreams of introductions and building relationships with industry icons, and he’s had the opportunity to work with many of the top hot rod and restoration shops in the Midwest, giving him a first-hand inside look at the tips and tricks the pros use to build world-class cars.
Mark has extended the passion to his family members, with his wife and children deeply hooked. His daughter rebuilt her first engine at the age of 16, and has worked in the automotive aftermarket business since she was 17. She is currently a regional sales rep for a national motor parts company, while his son attended college at WyoTech and has worked for some of the top Hot Rod shops in the country. He is considered by many as a master sheet metal fabricator and is equally gifted in his custom automotive upholstery skills.
Bonus Material
Printable Class Guide PDF
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key points covered in the class.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Mark Simpson
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Classic Car Restoration Club to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Classic Car Restoration Club content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great car restoration videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Classic Car Restoration Club. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Classic Car Restoration Club, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Classic Car Restoration Club contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to classiccarrestorationclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Classic Car Restoration Club from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Classic Car Restoration Club?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at ClassicCarRestorationClub@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3534. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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