Hey guys, posted this in the Electronic's forum, but volume is kind of slow there. I just installed a set of tan leather seats from a 4th Gen F-Body into my '86 Z28 project. All the wiring is already installed, the crossover wiring harness from the drivers seat to the passenger seat, along with the connectors that were used from the 4th Gen F-Body. I included a picture of the harness below. I took the connector w/harness that plugs into the drivers seat, leading to the fuse panel. Now, the only thing not wired into anything is the orange feed wire leading to the fuse panel. Looking for a few opinions on where to wire the feed wire up. Should I find a key-on spot on the fuse panel itself, or wire it directly to the battery along with a relay....?

Thanks guys!

-Rob

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I have mine going to a switched source in the fuse panel and it works fine. The 4th gen tan leather seats are the best thing I've done to the interior.

 

The power seats in my 3rd and 4th gen cars have constant battery. Either way, you can choose the constant option or key on option. Which ever you choose, I'd suggest installing a new in-line fuse from the power source. I'd be selective about splicing into existing wiring and if you have it, would probably elect to use an empty power source port off of the fuse block.

 

... think I'm going to go the fuse block route, as although the stock 4th gen setup was a constant setup, I'll feel more secure knowing it's wired to a switched key-on source. So would both of you guys suggest an empty power source port on the fuse block accessed by a fish hook, with an additional in-line fuse included in between the seats and fuse block? What size fuse would be ideal to go with in this case?

Wade, you mentioned being very selective about splicing into existing wiring. I've also considered this as well, only, am not too sure though in respect to which one. Do you have any recommendations, just in case this becomes an option again? Thanks, I'll have some pics up today. '86 Black Z28 w/tan leather 4th gen seats (just disregard the gray carpet and paneling, still waiting on a beige replacement)....

 

I just used an open constant 12 source in the fuse block. There are a couple of them... And some are switched as well.

For a fuse...Im running a circuit breaker. Just like they would have in 4th gen. I looked up the spec for it in the wiring diagrams.

What happens is, if you accidently keep pushing back, and the seat is back all the way, it will load up the motor and will blow the circuit breaker. In a few seconds, it automatically trips back on and will work again. I chose to do that instead of replacing fuses in the event that something happens. I never move my seat though...so its never an issue.

J.

 

^ Excellent! I never even considered a circuit breaker. The closer to the factory's setup the better, and your right about replacing fuses, I'd rather just wait for it to trip back on by itself. Thanks J....

 

id go for a switched 12v source on the column

 

Here's a quick pic of the front and back seats, disregard the gray carpet and paneling, she's slowly but surely getting there....;

 

Great idea. Just to expand on it a little. The 4th gen Firebirds use a 35amp rated circuit breaker (in position #12 on the interior fuse panel) on a shared circuit with the power seats & rear defogger. You can likely still find one at most automotive stores or your Pontiac dealer.

 

My LO3 has a power dist block near the batery
I snagged a spare from a JY car and mounted it under the pass hush panel and ran a wire to the factory dist block
All of my interior switches and non factory power options are ran off this block and into fused connectors

I prefer this method because it leaves 100% of the factory wiring unmolested and can be removed at any time without leaving evidence of tampering