interest for a drop-in headlight wiring harness upgrade

[smccollamjr]

If you use stranded wire, the right size connectors for the wire, and the right position on the crimping tool you shouldn't have any problems. I haven't used solder simply because I've never needed to. I've had crimp connections for my trailer lights that have been tie-wrapped to the back bumper above the hitch for over 5 years and never had a problem with them. My entire "Fitchbox" is just crimped and I've haven't had any problems with it either. It's only been in about 4 months though.

 

[techno1154]

From working 10+ years as a marine mechanic/electrican, I prefer crimp joints. Yea, solder joints has got it's advantages especially in regards to ill fitting wire and connectors and or poor quality tools;... ie, solder can fill the space between a connector and the wire that a crimper cannot crimp tight enough.

A good quality crimper not the $1.50 brand, good connectors and tight fitting multi-stranded wires properly assembled;...I have yet to see one pulled out.
Heat shrink is good although for the average auto it has more value in asthetics than in a practical application. It keeps water and moisture out.

I have crimped every wire size from a 24 AWG to the massive 4/0 AWG used on marine 1000 HP diesel and have never had a problem. I have seen other marine electricans solder all their joints. That is a very good practice and time consuming. No matter you choice for keeping the wires together, the long term results will be keeping water out. A good polyolefin (did I spell that correct?) base heat shrink is your best friend.

On my XJ, all my joints are crimped but only about 10% have heat shrink.

 

[techno1154]

And now to answer the original post. I have long wanted to upgrade the headlamp wire harness but I am too lazy to build it myself. ( I will read through all the posts then get back to you) Yes, I need one.

 

[DanMan2k06]

Speaking of large gauge wires lol. what kind of crimper did you use for the 4/0? I used to work at a welding/fab shop and to crimp the stinger and ground cables we had this HUGE vice-like device that you had to hit with a nice sized sledge. One whack and it held tight as a glove. That was only 2/0 though.

 

[techno1154]

Speaking of large gauge wires lol. what kind of crimper did you use for the 4/0? I used to work at a welding/fab shop and to crimp the stinger and ground cables we had this HUGE vice-like device that you had to hit with a nice sized sledge. One whack and it held tight as a glove. That was only 2/0 though.

In the shop there is a hydralic crimper. The portable one uses 110 volts AC. It is somewhat like midsize hammer drill except it do not have a chuck. Instead it have a special head and latch that hold the replaceable dies. When the triggeer is squeezed, the dies come together to make the crimp.

 

[DanMan2k06]

Interesting...

 

[srmitchell]

So when is this gunna happen?

I'd like a setup.

 

[lifted00]

Is this the same thing at what is being sold here?
http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoHeadlightLoom.htm

 

[hubs97xj]

Those aren't for sale, per se- that's just one of several write-ups on how to make one. They are mostly the same- you use the stock wiring to switch relays that are wired to the lights and the battery.

 

[Darky]

Have any of the people offering to sell bothered to do as told and make a thread in their chapter/national for sale forums? Because honestly, member or not, I wouldn't really feel like buying from someone who can't follow the simple rules.



P.S. I also plan on waiting for 5-90 if he gets his up and going because I know his reputation and he's practically a freakin genius! So I guess my opinion goes out the window...

 

[hubs97xj]

Have any of the people offering to sell bothered to do as told and make a thread in their chapter/national for sale forums? Because honestly, member or not, I wouldn't really feel like buying from someone who can't follow the simple rules.



P.S. I also plan on waiting for 5-90 if he gets his up and going because I know his reputation and he's practically a freakin genius! So I guess my opinion goes out the window...

No, and I'm wondering how well that's going to go over with certain folks.

 

[yossarian19]

I want one !
Just had a headlight go out tonight... bought H4 upgrades but who knows - maybe the wiring is next! Time to upgrade!