Wiring entire truck

[Johns 66]

I have few questions about wiring...…. do you need to solder and then heat shrink each connection after crimping the connectors.

Also using the AAW Classic update harness....how many connectors do you have to crimp....I checked and the single and double crimpers are 79.99 ea from either AAW or Summit Racing

I received mine and haven't even unboxed it yet....Thanks for the info guys

[damnyankee36]

Soldering doesn't hurt but, IMHO, unnecessary. If you use the proper crimpers for Packard terminals the crimps will be as good as the factory. Heat shrink also doesn't hurt but, again, unnecessary as the terminal supports the insulation.

I always say, "If the US military and FAA prohibits soldering terminals or repair splices on aircraft, (Except for the solder type canon plugs), then crimping is also good enough for me!"

If you don't think you will ever wire a vehicle again rent the crimpers from AAW.

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by damnyankee36

Soldering doesn't hurt but, IMHO, unnecessary. If you use the proper crimpers for Packard terminals the crimps will be as good as the factory. Heat shrink also doesn't hurt but, again, unnecessary as the terminal supports the insulation.

I always say, "If the US military and FAA prohibits soldering terminals on aircraft then crimping is also good enough for me!"

If you don't think you will ever wire a vehicle again rent the crimpers from AAW.

Thanks for the information....I searched for the crimpers and found a set at Speedway Motors for 134.00 for both so I decided to buy them....I thought about renting them but want to be able to take my time and not be rushed by a deadline.....and Im sure someone here will be able to use them when Im done.

I have plenty of heat shrink laying around so I may shrink the exterior connectors just as a safety precaution.....never know what water will do over a period of time.

[damnyankee36]

Well, as far as heat shrinking for weather proofing, Packard's aren't weatherproof to begin with. In this case it's really only good for wire support at the exit of the connector.

Water will always penetrate the crimp area from the end of the conductor. It might wind up holding in water better than keeping it out!