Automotive wiring tools/supplies

[wartee]

I’ve been doing a fair amount of wiring repairs on an old car, mostly repairing rodent damage. I’ve been using solderless connectors (with and without solder) and heat shrink, and that’s worked pretty well so far. However, I need some kind of good solution for replacing or installing multi-terminal connectors. I don’t even know what to call them. For instance I’m putting in some seats that have speakers in the headrests, and I need to put some kind of disconnects on the speaker wires so I can take the seats out without having to cut wires.

I could put in bullets or spades but I’d rather have something that’s a little more professional looking. Where can I get the nylon or plastic plugs that have multiple terminals in them? I don’t know if I need the kind that have spades or molex(?) pins in them. I don’t want to spend a fortune on a ratcheting crimper if I don’t have to, but I don’t want to splice in terminals that already have pigtails. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Snapped-off]

You'll likely have to just pick one. Molex, Metripack, or Weatherpack would be safe choices. Bigger harnesses, maybe something like Amphenol.

I'd invest in the appropriate crimper and dies, and then buy the connectors you need.

Metripack

 

[alien]

For multiple circuits without a large load, I like Deutch (2-12 conductors). For higher amperage I like Packard 56. You can get single and multiple position connector bodies.

 

[mikester]

Try americanautowire. They have a selection of plugs. I also bought two sizes of crimpers from them. Ive bought GXL wire in different AWGs and multiple colors in small lengths from wirebarn.com. Hard to find colors to match existing harnesses. They have a great selection.
Ive bought Packard terminals from this place. www.texasindustrialelectric.com

 

[kabinenroller]

I do quite a bit of automotive restoration wiring and have found almost everything component needed at Waytek.

Waytek | Electrical Components Distributor

Same Day Shipping | Waytek is a leading distributor of high-quality electrical components, including circuit protection, automotive wire, connectors, terminals, switches, relays, and more.

www.waytekwire.com

I never use insulated terminals, I prefer bare terminals and use shrink tubing to seal them. I also use a ratchet style crimp tool for secure connections.
I sometimes build my own harnesses but I have used an American Autowire Hwy 22 and found it be be a quality, well built harness and fuse panel.

 

[HPRifleman]

The Deutsch DT series is what our customers usually specify when they want our products to plug into their vehicles. These are the ones for low-voltage applications.

Crimp the terminals to the wires and push the terminals into the connectors. Any unused spaces get filled with plugs. These connections pass every ingress protection requirement and they would give you the professional look you are looking for.

We get ours from distributors since my company buys in volume but you can get kits at Amazon.

 

[paulsomlo]

I've used Metri-Pack; cheap and robust. I bought a non-ratcheting crimper off ebay for $20, looks like they're now about $30, Tool Aid 18910.

 

[wartee]

Thanks everyone - looks like I have some shopping to do!

 

[rdoty]

One of the better articles on automotive wiring is http://www.bodenzord.com/archives/473 This got me started down the path of dramatically improving the way I approach wiring.

I'm now using mainly uninsulated connectors with marine heat shrink tubing for ****, spade, and ring connectors. This is complemented by Metripack 280 for high current (supports 30 amps) and Weatherpack (20 amps). There are many types of connector shells available for Metripack and Weatherpack. As mentioned, Waytek is the place to go for large quantities and "low" prices - but watch the minimum order quantities. Amazon and Ebay can be good, but you have to be careful of getting knock-offs instead of the real product.

If you are suffering from insomnia, I've documented my restoration electrical work at https://www.imperialjourney.org/2020/09/29/electrical-1-shocking-developments/