Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

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David Campbell
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Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#1 Post by David Campbell »

I received the Zim's electronic T/S relay for my 6v T-5 coupe which I am converting to LED lights. The current edition has the spade type wire terminal.
What location under the dash has proven to be a good reliable spot for the ground wire connection?
1961 B Coupe
1966 VW Type I
1987 944 NA
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

Deoending upon the length of the ground wire, you can use a windshield wiper motor bracket bolt.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#3 Post by Mike Wilson »

Depending upon the length of the ground wire, you can use a windshield wiper motor bracket bolt.

Mike
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David Campbell
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#4 Post by David Campbell »

Thanks Mike - I will double-check the length tomorrow. I did get Jeff Feldman's SMD headlights installed today and I like the difference.
1961 B Coupe
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1987 944 NA
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#5 Post by Mike Wilson »

I've also used a self-tapping sheet metal screw to provide a ground but you'd have to be careful on the location since you have the upright gas tank. A short screw would probably be o.k. Sand the metal under it clean to provide a good ground.

Mike
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Ron LaDow
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#6 Post by Ron LaDow »

David Campbell wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 9:23 pm Thanks Mike - I will double-check the length tomorrow....
You could double-check Mike's comments, too! (sorry, Mike...)
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Ron LaDow
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#7 Post by Ron LaDow »

Mike Wilson wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 10:30 pm [...]Sand the metal under it clean to provide a good ground.
Mike
My jar of the stuff is in the shop, and probably NLA, but check this stuff: http://epoxymarket.com/aaduct-904-elect ... sive-epoxy
When (late '70s) the Speedster was being reassembled after the redesign/fabricatiion, I found a solvent-based silver-filled bedding compound. Yes, you still need to clean the surface, but if you coated both sides with the compound, neither you nor the next 5 owners will ever have to fiddle with that electrical connection again.
Still got the original jar, and should use it more often than I do...
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#8 Post by Mike Wilson »

Good one, Ron!
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#9 Post by Mike Wilson »

Good one, Ron! Ha!

All the best,

Mike
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#10 Post by Mike Wilson »

That 904 epoxy sounds interesting. I'm guessing you embed a ground wire in the epoxy?

Mike
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Ron LaDow
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#11 Post by Ron LaDow »

Mike, couldn't pass on that BP fastball!
Anyhow, as mentioned the stuff I have is solvent-based; tends to remain 'gummy' like roofing tar. Both surfaces got a cleaning and a wipe of the compound and then fastened.
Depending on the cure time of the epoxy compounds, I'd do the same; the bond between the cleaned surfaces and the compound should be assured by the clean surface, but I'd prefer the fastening happening prior to a total cure to assure the bond between the two coated surfaces.
I didn't search all that far; perhaps a solvent-based compound is still available.
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Jim Clement
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#12 Post by Jim Clement »

I just tucked mine up under the dash, up and behind the ignition switch, and used a self tapping screw.
I gave the area under the tab a bit of a clean.. then installed it.
the wiring also fit well in this location.
1957 T 1 , others should be similar.
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#13 Post by Mike Wilson »

I just Googled it and it is still available from Atom Adhesives.

Cheers, Ron!

Mike
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Greg Scallon
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#14 Post by Greg Scallon »

Hi David,
I'm not sure how it'll translate to a T-5, but this is how I installed and grounded the one I installed in my A awhile back.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10100

Good luck,
-Greg
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Al Zim
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Re: Zim's Relay - Ground wire attachment location question

#15 Post by Al Zim »

During normal work days there is always someone here that will be able to assist you with the electronic devices we sell. Many of you younger guys think that I am too old to use the telephone, but I am not.You are always welcome to call us with an Porsche question. We attach the ground wire with a self tapping short sheet metal screw located below the turn signal flasher. al zim 800.356.2964
www.allzim.com 
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