TransAm12sec

I just went to sears and picked up these two items.

Dash kit

Wiring kit


Anything else I'll need to hook it up?

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Butt connectors


crimpers


And if you have an 89+ (or 88 GTA), you need an antenna adapter:


Some electrical tape and wire ties are nice too. You can tie up your wiring to keep it neat and keep the pressure off the butt connectors.

TransAm12sec

I think I'm going with bullet connectors. I like how they snap in, and look clean.

I just picked up a crimper, and my dad just told me he has one. So back to the store it goes.


Nice post jim.

87 GTA TPI

v

stuart69427

I like to use Clear Closed End Caps over Butt Connentors. I find that they are generelly better built over the butt connectors most places sell and they have one crimp over the two a butt connector has. The way I look at it is, that there is less of a chance of a short. THe downside of corse is that butt connectos make the job neater becuase they keep the wires "straight' but I feel that its worth the 'mess'

I also use the clear butt connectos when I deem necessary to use butt connectors, but mostly I like to use closed end caps.

I also recomend two other tools instead:

Klien 9" Pliers/Wire Cutter/Crimpers
Ideal Stripmaster Wire stripper

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

I absolutely dispise those strippers. There's nothing wrong with those strippers, but I never, ever got any brand to strip reliably and the way I wanted. I use a jack knife or a razor blade to strip all of my wires. But... I can't say enough for having a good quality pair of crimpers instead of the low quality garbage that you buy at Wal Mart and Parts America. I've got a pair of Snap On (only snap on tool I own) crimpers, but the $15-20 Klein crimpers are just as good. I don't personally care for the style that Stuart posted though. I don't like crimping with the backside of the pliers. It makes it very difficult to do it in tight places (like dashboards) and is just combersome. The style that I posted initially are just much easer to work with in my opinion.

stuart69427

Crimping from the backside is cumbersome but I haven't seen any other tool personally that can get enough leverage to get a good crimp. It also allows my to crimp 4AWG so Its a compermise I quess

I had to use it in tight spaces a few times, which I would not recomend but any other crimping tool I have would not get enough leverage to crimp tight. The tool would 'max out' and the wire would slipp right out of the connector.

I will look at the Snap-On tool. Sounds promising.

Also, I have never had a problem with the Stripmaster strips anything from #10 - #22.

I quess what Jim is getting at is you have to find what tools work best for you and stick with them. Its all a matter of personal preference.

TomP

Can I give my list, too?

Soldering gun:
<img src="http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/64/m64-2184.jpg">

Solder:
<img src="http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/64/m64-002.jpg">

Heat Shrink:
<img src="http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/278/t278-1627.jpg">

Ultra-neat, ultra-clean, and you can bet it'd last longer in a stress test than a butt connector would!

SweetRide45

iTrader: (2)

I agree w/ TomP. I solder all my connections. I rarely EVER use Connectors. I'd say go w/ Soldering all the way. Who cares if you chop of the factory wiring harness if you have to. That's why you bought an aftermarket setup anyway, right?
I had to get rid of almost all the wiring back there, for all my aftermarket stuff. Just very limited room in that little Radio Pod.

stuart69427

I like using the metra smartcables cuase ease of installation and at the rate I've been going through cars, I can just put the original back in no problem.

Also not everybody is good at soldering, it takes practice before ones ready to start solding the connections on ones car.