1962 Convertible Charging Issues

Bill,
I’m new to this, but I thought I would give it a shot.
I recently acquired a 62 Lincoln Convertible, it used to turnover and start on demand, then the battery went dead, but was still able to start by jumping it. Finally I bought a new battery for it (not sure if this is relevant or not, but the old battery had 750 CCA’s, the new one I got and put in had 810 CCA).
I hooked up the new battery it fired right up, and all was well. Then the next day I go out to start it and nothing. Won’t even turnover, all I get is a clicking sound when I turn the key. That clicking sound is coming from the breaker/fuse box on the passenger side firewall. I opened the fuse box and nothing’s blown, then in the lower half of the box it all looks OK, nothing is loose and all connections are secure (I’m not sure what that part is called in the lower half of the fuse box, if you know please inform me).
The starter is new and all connections are good, so that shouldn’t be the problem. If you could help me out in any way shape or form please feel free, this car is too beautiful to just be sitting there and not starting for some simple reason over a part that is easily replaceable.
Thanks,
Nate
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Hi Nathan –
Congratulations on your recent 62 Continental convertible purchase. These are great cars to own and cherish and can give you many years of happy ownership. They are however not known as low maintenance vehicles.
If the batteries that you are using are new and are in good order in all respects and if jumping the battery still restarts the engine it sounds to me that some electrical item is discharging your battery during the time that you are not starting the engine. Perhaps a light such as a glove box light or a courtesy light etc. remains on at all times that you are not aware of.
Another possibility is that the charging system may not be charging the battery or could have an electrical fault that is actually robbing power from the battery when the engine is not operating. In any case if you are not skilled in automotive electrical diagnosis and do not have a wiring diagram or shop manual I would advise you to fully recharge and then disconnect the battery when you are not starting the engine. This action will prove to you that your battery is or is not the culprit until you can find the “power draw” gremlin or locate a technician that can do the correct diagnosis for you.
Sincerely,
Bill