[62440]

I'm wiring all new gauges in the instrument panel I made. It looks like it could turn into a rats nest real easy. 6 gauge lights plus all the rest. I would like to make a harness that could be disconnected easily. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

[EOD Guy]

I use these with great success

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PURPL...Q5fCarQ5fParts

[LATECH]

That looks pretty good EOD guy.I would agree that connector would serve this purpose very well.

[Oldguy48]

The connectors mentioned by EOD Guy would help out a lot. I used a "Molex" connector kit from Newark Electronics for my build. The point is, the detachable connectors make things a lot easier. As far as the wires, there's no need for it to be a "Rat's Nest". Make a list of the wires you'll need (function, size, color, destination), and build a harness. Use plastic Ty-raps to keep the wires where you want them. Label the wires as to where they go, and keep things neat and organized. Watch out for any sharp metal edges that could damage the insulation on the wires. Leave a little bit extra for the terminations, in case you mess up a terminal. Even if you need many wires, take one at a time, and take your time. It really isn't that difficult. Just take your time, don't be intimidated, and you can do it yourself.

[62440]

I started out with the 6 light wires. I soldered two together from each set into one and then three into one. I'm not sure if I like it or not.

[EOD Guy]

Looking at your 1st photo, I'd run a bus bar type setup, all the light wires run to a single point, terminate with ring terminals then screw them to the bus bar. Do the same for the grounds. Insulated two post bus bar from radio shack/ebay just a couple of bucks, then I'd epoxy the bus bar to the rear of your panel, looks like you have plenty of room and it would make the install tidy.

[75gmck25]

This type of bus bar might be useful, since you can use one side for power leads and one side for ground, and it would be easy to fit multiple ring terminals. It appears to be designed for marine installations, so you might have to look at a boating supply store.
http://www.boatersplus.com/sierra-ge...nal-black.html

Bruce

[delawarebill]

how about using 4 pin trailer plugs? flip the plugs so u don't get mixed up if u remove it.. i use them under my bucket for a quick disconnect if it ever need to remove the body.. 8 yr and never had a problem.

[Footstomper]

I was and still, I use a 40 ford gauges and 40 senders. The temperture gauge decided to go stop at 1/4. Electrical wire attached with the electrical fan, it worked. I changed to a tractor temperture and I it works great, now I don't have the fan. Should I buy a temperture with a range so the fan runs when I needed. I bet someone has around 190 degree to 200 degree. It is a 500 cadillac, someone told me that cads like higher, maybe 210. My oil quit, so I bought a plastic hose with a tractor oil gauge. I am putting the 40 dials to look 40. Don't get me on the turn signals!

[EOD Guy]

Here's what I use on many applications.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Barrier-Strip-Te...item4aa5f6ec58

[EOD Guy]

Hate it when it won't just let you delete a reply

[DanielC]

The barrier strips, and terminal strips are good ideas, but in my opinion, a little over kill.

You have made what I would call a "Y" connection, with all the wires from each individual gauge coming to a common wire. It will work, insulate the bare solder joint.

I would use more of a "daisy chain" type of hook up for the gauge illumination. I have found you can put two or three 18 Ga wires in to a butt splice crimp on connector. I also often push the metal crimp connector out of the plastic tube, crimp it, than solder it, and then put heat shrink over that for insulation.

[EOD Guy]

Bus Bar connection along with the 12/18 pin connector make for a neat install that can be easily removed if needed and easily repaired should that need arise.

[62440]

I bought this 12 point bar awhile back but it seemed overly large. I guess I'll have to label all the wires and put them into one of those spilt plastic sleeves and run them to a couple bus bars. I was hoping I could find a male/female plug for everything. Thanks for all the suggestions. Always appreciated.

[EOD Guy]

Post #10 has a link for a male and female plug