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Trying to get the old wiring harnesses out of my 66 for replacement with new ones. The connectors (lights, main harnesses connectors, etc) are very stubborn to separate. I've watched some of the YouTube videos on this subject and I'm wondering where the angled end small flat screw driver can be bought. Also, does anyone have a technique for loosening up these connections with a spray compound or something which will soften them up. I've also heard of heat being used (hair dryer I assume). Anyway, it's a pain and I don't want to screw up and destroy a headlight connector or any of the large gang connectors under the dash.
My original wiring harness connectors came loose if I looked in the direction of a pocket screwdriver. My replacement harness connectors (at the firewall connectors) are tough as hell to separate, so tough that I was afraid that something was about to break. That's actually a testament to the replacement harnesses, you're not likely to lose any connectivity there. You might try spraying some GM Super Lube spray on the old connectors and let them sit overnight.
First, I assume you are speaking of wire ends that look somewhat like this with the locking tabs.
I recently did several of these and they did not come out easily. I discovered that if you push the wire end back as you insert the small flat screwdriver, the locking tab will sometimes catch on the plastic of the housing. So push froward on the wire from the back as you push in with the screwdriver at the front. Then, when the screwdriver is all the way in the small rectangular opening, rotate it to push the tab all the way down into its hole. Then wiggle and pull the wire gently. If its going to come out, it will. If it doesn't, the lock isn't completely free.
thanks Frankie, did that tool come with the bulkhead repair kit?
i don't have any bulkhead connectors on my old harness. It's a long story but the front harnesses are wired DIRECT into the back of the fuse box, so a good pair of wire cutters is all that's needed there. My only problems are all the smaller connections under the dash.
Last edited by Tcheairs38655; 06-22-2018 at 08:09 AM.
I got the tool separately on Amazon but have seen them on the shelf in a few places. A jeweler's screwdriver will work when doing 1 or 2 but if doing a bunch - its tedious. Plus the tool will also remove 'bullet' connectors and bulkhead connectors.
Yep...mess on my hands is right! Here' a shot of my "bulkhead connector"...It only gets worse throughout the car.. this is a 427/425 project car, so the TI harness is also a mess.
Last edited by Tcheairs38655; 06-22-2018 at 09:41 AM.
All I have to do is separate a bunch of stubborn push together connectors. Most have locking tabs. I'll try a hair dryer, WD 40 and small flat tip screwdriver first. There's another tool on Amazon which has a funny looking blade at each end. Not sure how it works. Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks
Last edited by Tcheairs38655; 06-22-2018 at 09:39 AM.
Personally, I'd replace the dash, lighting and engine harness and get back to an original setup...
Expensive and tedious but half-azzing the snarl I see there will still prob leave you with issues...
Personally, I'd replace the dash, lighting and engine harness and get back to an original setup...
Expensive and tedious but half-azzing the snarl I see there will still prob leave you with issues...
There are four areas where I don't take chances with an old car: brakes, steering and fuel and electrical that can cause fires.
Its a jacked up and dangerous rat's nest....that main red power lead wire at the bulkhead connector is connected to a blue wire of a much smaller gauge for one thing. Then there is the fact that the forward wire bundles contain ALL blue wires - try troubleshooting that mess...
My original question in this thread involves removing all the old wiring and replacing with new Lectric Limited harnesses (which I already have). The attached photo was for laughs only. Although the one who has to replace that rat's nest is ME...and I ain't laughing. Front end is pretty straight forward and I also have to add a new TI harness. Under the dash is an unknown world to me and a different story. Yep, I've got and studied all the articles, John Hinckley's being the most comprehensive and full of great tips.
Anyone with anything to add (besides pulling the steering column and console panels and sliding the cluster out on long threaded bolts) would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks fo all.
TC
Last edited by Tcheairs38655; 06-22-2018 at 02:41 PM.
Just looking at that mess I would suck it up and buy a new harness, I would do the whole car, engine and rear. The time you spend chasing gremlins is worth the new harness and peice of mind. I used M & H and by ordering all the harness you get a discount. It is worth a phone call.
sad,but I think you need a ''NEW'' harness ,front to rear,,it will take less time/trouble,to fix it right now then after the whole car is back together
I need to separate the headlight connectors that are attached to the steering column in order to re-install the V74 flasher unit. What is a good technique for separating the two halves.
I’ve had some luck separating stubborn connectors by shooting tuner cleaner fluid into each of the wire entry holes in the connector and allowing it to sit overnight. Radio Shack sold it but all have closed down in my area in recent years. Not sure where you can buy it now.
06-21-2018, 10:08 PM
66 Wiring Connectors Removal
