The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Bosch Relays and D A plug

So I go to the local Flaps to get a couple Bosch relays to rewire my headlights('53 GMC-12volt). Kid behind the counter tells me he can't help me 'less I give him the part #s. Anybody got part #s for 30 amp Bosch relays for my application? Also, I need a D A plug for my new three wire alt. Know where a guy could pick one up? Thanks

1st thing I would tell that darn kid is earn his wages & get a book out and learn how to read it, because that's the only way he'll learn anything. Part number, geeeeeezzzzzzzzz, I guess he couldn't look under Bosch relay's....
I believe I have a box of them w/the plugs, if you want one PM me....Joe

I just bought some Bosch relays at Best Buy and Radio Shack. As you may already know, the term Bosch relay has become rather generic. Other companies make the same relay. There appear to be other derivatives of these relay types that if you go to Radio Shack for instance, you can sort through them and find one that fits your application best.

Find a real parts store, preferrably one with a counter man who shaves. These pimply-faced kids who only know how to punch a computer keyboard wouldn't make a pimple on a real parts man's butt!
Jerry

Go to a wrecking yard. Pop the hood on an mid '80s or newer GM. If you look in a Cad or full size Olds or Buick, you should find a dozen of them in different styles. Some are round and they also use a couple of different square styles.
I like the ones mounted with plastic pull-pins.
Pick ones that are wired to a fan or anything that runs full time for the higher amp ratings. In other words, look for ones with two or three small wires and two large wires.
Don't worry about getting a bad one because they are very reliable. Get several.
Most have their wiring diagram on them with a part number. I have had good luck finding many of the part numbers on the internet to check specs.

I found part #s. I'll go down tomorrow with a box of crayons and draw the kid a picture. Thanks guys!
Richard, I could spend all day in the bone yard, pickin' parts or just looking, but I don't get off work 'till an hour after they close.

If it works, post the part numbers for reference!!!! Those pimple-faced kids are everywhere!

While you are knocking pimple-faced kids, how about some derogatory words for the middle-aged owners who either do not train those kids and/or who do not have manuals on hand?

I try to have part numbers with me when I buy parts, and people on this site are often quite helpful providing part numbers. Yes, please post part numbers.

Tyco makes more relays than Bosch. They are also referred to as ice-cube relays. The two main sizes are 40 amp and 70 amp (although some are listed as 30 and 60 amp). the cheapest place to get them is digikey or newark, although cole-hersee and waytek have good prices as well. If you have a situation that you can not live with contact bounce, then make sure to get the diode suppressed ones.

Hella makes a really nice 4-relay gang box that you can get from any car-quest and napa - dont even try to talk to the folks behind the counter at a pep-boys, checkers, advanceautoparts or auto zone for these because they usually dont carry them, and their computer doesnt list them.

Tyco bought out Bosch but it’s the same company making relays the same way. I ordered two 12 VDC Tyco 5-Pin Relays, SPDT 20/30A (Formerly Bosch) from Parts-express.com for $2.75 each. Part # 330-070. Napa’s closest mach cost $18.00 a piece. Part # 330-075 for a 12 VDC 5-Pin Relay Socket. $1.75 each.

Over the road trucks use a lot of those relays. In fact they have a separate relay for the left and right headlight. Any big truck parts distributor has them. When I am through picking a cab, I let the relays go to the crusher. They hardly ever fail. I think Hella is the most common relay in over the road trucks.

Hey guys, is it possible to do the headlight relay mod on a truck with the original 6 volt? Do they even make a 6 volt relay? If someone knows for sure I'd appreciate the help.

as always, thanks tclederman