Grounded Body Panels

[Josh]

I came across two wires (which were broken) that went from both rear quarters to the frame. Is this facotry? Is there a reason why the body panels are grounded?

[sdg3205]

Prevents static buildup, possible sparks to ignite stuff IIRC.

Yup, factory.

[jawn101]

There should be little jumpers connecting every panel to the next adjacent panel, somewhere. Plus one from each rear quarter to the frame at the rear crossmember. That way every stainless panel is connected to the others, and to the frame.

Edit: clarity

[David T]

The reason the panels are electrically connected together is to provide a "Ground Plane" for the antennae to improve radio reception. I doubt it is for static electricity but it would also drain it off. IMHO the wire should be at least 18Ga. That way if any circuit became grounded (shorted) to a body panel you would immediately know because it would blow the fuse for that circuit. As it is now you would just melt the tiny jumper wire and never know.
David Teitelbaum

[Josh]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll redo the ground straps when im going through the wiring.