keyed hot wire?

VW_Voodoo · Post by **VW_Voodoo** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:30 am

I'm installing a stereo in my '67 bug and have a question. Is there an open terminal on the ignition switch, or a spot on the fuse block that I can hook the stereo's ignition key wire to? I know that I can just hook that wire up to the battery, but I'd like the stereo to turn off with the car.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **david58** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:00 pm

I believe you should have the above fuse box. Use a test light to determine if you have key on power only.

Post by **Marc** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:12 pm

The factory provided for adding a radio at the second fuse from the passenger side, but that's unswitched power.
The first and second fuses (nearest the steering column) are powered only when the key is on; the first one has the brake lamps, t'signals, and horn on it and the second has the wiper motor, and there are no vacant terminals - you'll need a "piggyback" connector.
If you wish to listen to the stereo for any length of time without the engine running bear in mind that if the points (or electronic pickup) happen to be "closed", leaving the key on will get the coil pretty hot - can burn up points pretty quickly, too.

VW_Voodoo · Post by **VW_Voodoo** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 1:24 pm

Marc wrote:If you wish to listen to the stereo for any length of time without the engine running bear in mind that if the points (or electronic pickup) happen to be "closed", leaving the key on will get the coil pretty hot - can burn up points pretty quickly, too.

I wasn't aware of that. It sounds like I'd be better off hooking the stereo's ignition wire to the second fuse then.

Thanks,