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MG TD TF 1500 - A Good Earth (Ground)

On Dave Braun's site I came across the comment he made about fitting the earth (ground) to the bulkhead near the horn. I’m pretty sure the unused hole must have been for the earth. What did most register with me however was the fact that when fitting an earth wire to the tub you only need to remove the paint from one side! Seems obvious when you think about it but it had never occurred to me. I’ve always wondered how to maintain the integrity of the painted surface and achieve good conductivity. Making the good connection by removing the paint on the unseen side makes perfect sense. Thanks! Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Since the surfaces are not finish ground or soft enough to deform you likely only make contact at 3 points. I like to use a serrated lockbwasher.
Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I'll use one on the dash side of the bulkhead Jim. Dave also suggests a smear of dielectric grease. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

When I was correcting the battery ground I purchased and suitable tool to remove the paint around the hole. I did both sides, it was about 5/8” diameter. I am speaking of TF where ground cable connects to body metal in battery box. I then used a serrated washer on the nut end of the bolt.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Years ago there was a great post or article somewhere I believe by David D about grounds. A special bit of some type was used to remove paint or corrosion to bare metal on the body/chassis part. I recall using a "Four-Slot Four-Blade Sharp Drill Bit Auger" type bit by hand on my car. The center point keeps it centered in the hole, and the outer blades remove the paint and corrosion. A product called Kopr-Shield is then applied with a toothpick or Q-tip to the metal and the terminal. This stuff is corrosion preventative and also conductive. I have never had a ground issue since restoration, so it seems to have worked. George
George Butz III

I think I may have purchased something similar what Peter used to clean / remove paint for good grounds.

I just purchased this made from Ozborn crimped Wire Pilot Bonding End Brush via from Amazon.

Frank

TF 1414




Frank Cronin

Also got this. NyoGel 760G Dielectric Synthetic Grease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vACXF3EYiUY

Frank

TF1414





Frank Cronin

You might also consider a "Weld-Through" Zinc spray primer.

https://www.crc.co.nz/Zinc-It/6895-de4cb126-7b32-4294-9373-609c11ffda87/

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Would 'Cold Gal' work as well in conducting electricity? I have a can in the workshop. If so it would protect the bare metal exposed on the unpainted side. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Link to Dave DuBois' "GROUND POINT AND (OTHER ELECTRICAL CONNECTION)PREPARATION"
http://www.dbraun99.com/Dave DuBois/Electrical_Connection_Preparation.pdf

(Copy and paste the full address into your browser. The BBS won't accept blank spaces in an address or accept ascii text for blank space.)

Dave's article lists GEM Enterprises as a supplier of brushes for cleaning the sleeves for bullet connectors. The company is closed. However, .17/.204 Cal rifle bronze cleaning brushes from a sporting goods store can be used. Possibly .22 Cal, too.

Hoppe's site
http://hoppes.com/cleaning-accessories/phosphor-bronze-brushes

Hoppe's .17 Cal phosphor bronze brush
https://www.amazon.com/d/Gun-Brushes/Hoppes-Phosphor-Bronze-Brush-Caliber/B00162OMZK

Hoppe's .22 Cal phosphor bronze brush
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hoppes-Phosphor-Bronze-Brush-1303P-22-Caliber-Phosphor-Bronze-Card/23237552

Other Caliber brushes are good for cleaning female threads.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 06/04/2019 and 07/04/2019

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