Electrical Connector ?'s

rbray · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 12:50 PM

After the first summer on the road I have had a few electrical connections come lose on my Cobra.
One of my winter projects is to go through the car and check all the connections. I used the crimp on type connectors. Is there a better style or method of making connections?
Thanks

rdorman · #2 (**permalink**) 10-16-2003, 12:57 PM

Use the aircraft style crimp on connectors and tool. You can get them at the local airport or places like Aircraft Spruce whom you can find on the web. Don't forget put some heat shrink on each one. Done this way they will probably never come off!
Rick

rbray · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 03:48 AM

Rick,
Thanks for the advice.

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 05:16 AM

There is a company, terminal supply. I think they are in Troy MI.

They have the best connectors for automotive.

Sorry, do not have a phone number, try the net.

They have weather seal type, very nice. After you put the connector on, soldier it to the wire.

Works!

Just my $0.02

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:22 AM

www.waytekwire.com

GREAT!

Rick

PS: Rosen core solder, heat shrink tubing and plenty of time. That's what it takes.

jordanatkins305 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:46 AM

take time and do it right, solder all the connections. i guarantee they will last forever with shrink sleeves. thats what i would do

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 10:17 AM

How can I guy argue with the solder technique, it's got to be the best way. But in many cases it is just impractical.

The key to a crimp connector is using a good brand AND a GREAT crimping tool. Done properly there is nothing wrong with a crimp connector. If you want to add some heat shrink it's virtually a permanent fix.

Ernie

Jack21 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 06:21 PM

Here's what works for me on automotive wiring connections.

Automotive wiring has two enemys, 1) corrosion, 2) vibration.

The parts are basically hardware store and Radio Shack. This is a patience intensive job.

You can get bare metal connectors, or you can remove the plastic sleeve off the connectors. Removing these is important to the completed joint.

First, get some shrink tubing that will protect the joint when completed, clip a piece about 1" - 1 1/4" long, and slip it onto one of the wires to be joined.

Crimp the joint with a decent crimping tool. Then solder the joint. If soldering is impractical, than do a very good crimp job.

Coat the joint with a sealant. I use ordinary wheel bearing grease applied with a Q-tip. Vaseline (the stuff you '50's guys use on your hair) works. Spark plug boot dielectric grease will work. You just want something to keep air, moisture, and water away from the joint. A thickened WD-40 would be ideal.

Slide the piece of shrink tubing over the joint and shrink it in place. I use a Monocote gun from Tower Hobbies from my R/C modeling days. They're an electricians best friend and still only $19.95. But a good hot hairdryer will work too.

And you're done. No more pulled loose or corroded electrical connections.

Dave Wharran · #9 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 11:16 PM

Waytech also have Packard/Delphi weatherpack crimp on connectors. They are the type that GM uses on all underhood EFI connections. I both crimped and soldered my ends. Used them on all engine bay and out of cockpit connections. They make a waterproof, professional looking connection. Waytech also sells the crimp pliers made especially for these type connectors.

rdorman · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 10:08 AM

The aircraft industry 'generally' uses crimp on connectors because soldering can cause wire embrittlement and premature failure. Solder if you must but aircraft quality connectors (I use shrink tube as well) will not let you down.
Rick