Electrical Connector Recommendations

[Pat]

As my car is well into its second decade, I've noticed some corrosion and loosening of some of the under dash spade connectors. Those with the corrosion also seem to run a little warm compared to others when under an electrical load. I suspect the conditions are related.
In all cases the wiring seems to stay cool indicating the gauge is appropriate. The most troublesome area seems to be where my early CAV had the Bosch relay fix on the keyed ignition switch.
So I figure it's time to replace some of the connectors that look tired and have lost the snug fit of their younger years. So that poses two questions:

-Any recommendations for high quality spade connectors?

-Is a crimp connection better that solder?

-Should I elect to go with an upgrade from the LUCAS ignition switch is there one that can handle the amperage without the need of the relay?

 

[Rod Brace]

Look at the aircraft or kit plane supplier market and then light coat od dielectric grease or cover with silicone

 

[David]

Crimp is better if the wire is going to move at all. Soldering gives a better connection and less likely to suffer corrosion between wire and connector (equally likely in the middle of the block) but results in a hard section of wire that doesn't flex and can lead to breakages if there is movement. Plus it takes longer.

IIRC the aircraft guys crimp and solder...

 

[Olivier S]

First, buy tined connectors (tin won't corrode).
Second, avoid the insulated type (with the blue/red hard plastic collar), use shrink tubing instead.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/6-3m...ctor-Male-Spade-Connector-Case/866030840.html

Third, buy a good crimping tool. Do not use the average plier. Buy one with a die shaped crimping.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...erminal-2-8-3-96-4-8-5/808493_1984835214.html

FYI, in helicopter, they use this kind of connectors, and all the wires are crimped. THe "plier" itself is worth a few 100's but they give very consistant results.

Making reliable electrical connections for your car - ro.land

Olivier.