27 replies to this topic

[blackbelt1990]

If my normal crimpers aren't up to the job then I'm going to solder the wires into the spade and bend the tabs over with some long nose pliers. It's not correct but the solder will be covered by the black cap anyway and I can test the strength.

Mine were posted Monday and arrived today so I hope the mad rush doesn't affect postage! lol

Edited by blackbelt1990, 29 July 2014 - 07:35 PM.

[Daz1968]

Soldered connections can be more brittle than crimped, the tool is inexpensive and makes the job much easier and neater. I have replaced many loom terminals on an engine loom on a different project and the results were very good

[Richie83]

Amazing post. Genuinely just broke my oil pressure connector and needed a new one. Ordered 😄

Edited by Richie83, 29 July 2014 - 08:21 PM.

[Mini Manannán]

I think I got mine from Autoelectricalsupplies, they're a 'mare to find on the site though.  My mate did mine for me, he has various Carlos Fandango crimping pliers

[Dan]

OE loom parts aren't hard to find in auto electrical specialists. Poziloks are cheaper at Autosparks than from this seller, but delivery costs more from them. Shop around, this stuff is commonly available and if you can find one supplier who can provide everything you'll save the most.

[blackbelt1990]

I did find a supplier a while ago Dan who could supply every rover connector other than the plug for an mpi coil pack. But I can't find the bookmark anymore meaning I'm having to search around.

[Spiffingly Good]

I found these crimps ok for most connectors, and are meant for the un-insulated connectors.

http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1497.l2649

Worth the investment as you can make sound electrical connections with fine stranded wire as found in automotive systems.

The blue/red/yellow connectors are best suited for solid or coarse stranded cable as found in the home or industry.

[surfblue63]

A lot cheaper here

 

http://www.autoelect.../product_list/2

 

Look in Tools for the crimping pliers

 

http://www.autoelect...product_list/87

Edited by surfblue63, 29 July 2014 - 10:23 PM.

[phil hill]

As far as I know none of the commonly used wiring connections used on Mini's and many other classics are "unavailable".

 

I have personally used the following suppliers : www.polevolt.co.uk, www.autoelectricalsupplies.co.ukand www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu.  All these have been very good, supplied what I needed.

 

The "new kid on the block" who I haven't personally used is : www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

If you think these companies have "difficult to navigate" webpages, try finding what you need at RS  : http://uk.rs-online.com/

 

Good quality crimp tools are a must, if you can't afford the "professional" grade tools (which are horrifically expensive) don't dismiss the "hobby" grade tools, but take time to practice making good connections.

 

Phil.

Edited by phil hill, 30 July 2014 - 07:36 AM.

[Gerbil367]

Im so glad this thread appeared, I have been replacing some of my cracked and breaking connectors with the crappy halfords ones - off to order the proper ones now  

[Mini Cheddars]

I thought this was going to be a thread about boring cylinders.

[Gillybobs]

Just what need for my car! Bought some! 

[blackbelt1990]

Quick bump... turns out my crimpers already had the bit for doing uninsulated terminals. I was getting mixed results so in the end I've been using long nose pliers and a dab of solder.

My mini has an MPi column and I've been replacing the plugs at the bottom as it didn't come with any!

I havn't got the finished photos, but here are some in-progress ones!



This is what I had, I know, it's appalling!



As I don't need my headlamp switch anymore, I've added a plug where the switch receiver was.



All plugged up!



I've now moved all this behind the dash and such so it isn't on display as well as getting rid of some PO wiring.

In other news, my fan cut in on its own for the first time this weekend after I replaced all the wiring!

Just need to replace my radio loom now.