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Where do you guys get yours? i am trying to get my new gauges installed and am trying to find a 12 pin connector to make them easy to disconnect. i have some connectors from radio shack but they dont appear to be what I need.
I use Molex connectors for most things. There are a number of sizes and many pin configurations available. If you have a Fry's nearby, it's good to be able to look at them first. Otherwise, you can order online from companies like Mouser Electronics and DigiKey.
I use Molex connectors for most things. There are a number of sizes and many pin configurations available. If you have a Fry's nearby, it's good to be able to look at them first. Otherwise, you can order online from companies like Mouser Electronics and DigiKey.
I have some that look similar I picked up at radioshack but they don't lock together.
Go to a junkyard... you can find much better quality than the radio shack stuff. BMW uses a really nice slide lock type connector on the interior. Real copper wire (not copper coated aluminum) that's easy to solder.
I'm using this 17pin for the center gauge and console-
Albeit a totally custom dash-I can unplug the speedo and tach w/ one click and remove the tach from the dash pod-
Richard, you have got to be the most resourceful and talented individual out there! When is that car of yours going to be at a show so I can come check it out!?
Ballenger motor sports has automotive type connectors. You can look at the current Delphi 150/280 series of connectors on EBay, Deutsch connectors are another type. Cannon plugs are military standard and cheaper versions are avalible in plastic. Digi Key, Newark Electronics, Waytek Wire are great sources too.....look up muti-connector at major electronics supply houses.
Here is a 16 pin Delphi set for under $15 (never hurts to give yourself a few extra spots for future additions when custom wiring)
Go to a junkyard... you can find much better quality than the radio shack stuff. BMW uses a really nice slide lock type connector on the interior. Real copper wire (not copper coated aluminum) that's easy to solder.
I'm using this 17pin for the center gauge and console-
Albeit a totally custom dash-I can unplug the speedo and tach w/ one click and remove the tach from the dash pod-
Richard, you have got to be the most resourceful and talented individual out there! When is that car of yours going to be at a show so I can come check it out!?
THANKS-Sean!! And Congratulations on the Baby!!!
Old proverb-"Necessity is the mother of invention!!!"
"When the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it."
I hope to be on the Hotrod Power Tour this year!!!
Originally Posted by Kacyc3
any specific car to be looking for?
I just happen to a BMW 7 series late 90's as a parts car in my garage..
FWIW- these cars were $100k NEW ( have the window sticker) and have really nice wire & connectors before CAN bus..as the wires were designed for 12 volts and they used some really good stuff.
This one came from the heated/power rear seats-oh power head rest too!!! Has a slide lock and nice gauge wire-
Here's some really nice battery cable- found some uses for it too!!!
I have some that look similar I picked up at radioshack but they don't lock together.
One of my other interests is the design of high-end audio amplifiers (vacuum tube). Radio Shack used to carry good quality parts like potentiometers, capacitors, resistors, etc. Now they source virtually everything from China, and I've stopped buying from them. Molex-style connectors that don't lock together sounds about right.
Back on topic, Molex also makes a series of smaller locking connectors like the one below. None of this style are sealed, but they're very inexpensive (less than $0.50 without pins). In an automotive environment, I keep moisture out by filling open connectors with white or clear grease before assembly.
Kwik Wire out of Fond du Lac , WI is very big in the hotrod market. They had a large trailer and tons of stuff in Myrtle Beach last weekend for the Run to the Sun Car Show.
I could'a spent a couple of hours looking through all of the stuff they had to help clean up any custom wiring situation you might encounter. Everything from multi-pin weatherpack terminals to rubber grommets and everything in between. It's the kind of stuff that until you put your eyes on it, you don't realize how much you really need this or that item.
Old proverb-"Necessity is the mother of invention!!!"
"When the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it."
I hope to be on the Hotrod Power Tour this year!!!
I just happen to a BMW 7 series late 90's as a parts car in my garage..
FWIW- these cars were $100k NEW ( have the window sticker) and have really nice wire & connectors before CAN bus..as the wires were designed for 12 volts and they used some really good stuff.
This one came from the heated/power rear seats-oh power head rest too!!! Has a slide lock and nice gauge wire-
Here's some really nice battery cable- found some uses for it too!!!
Now thats cheating I found some from rwd (i think) acura and some relays from a Mazda that had descent gauge wire connected.
special electrical connectors
I found some from rwd (i think) acura and some relays from a Mazda that had descent gauge wire connected.
