Source for Tail lamp harness plugs

[TomoHawk]

On my 1978-

 

One of the plugs for the tail lamp harness seems to be going bad, and I would like to know if there is a source for replacements besides another Zed in the JY? 

 

Actually, I'd like a pair of plugs, just in case.

 

It would be a shame to have to cut up a harness just for the plugs- unless someone has some in the junk box.

 

thxZ

[Captain Obvious]

Have you got a pic of what it looks like?

 

I'm sure I could find a pic with some searching, but you're the one looking, so you get the honors.   

[TomoHawk]

Here is a photo for you.  I think they are the same connector  for both. There are some notches in the corners to orient the connector.  I'd like two of these.

Edited May 21, 2015 by TomoHawk

[Captain Obvious]

Are the two mounting ears necessary? I (thankfully?) have never yet had to mess with the the tail lamps.

 

Anyway, if the two mounting ears aren't important, it looks like Cycle Terminal has something close.

 

http://www.cycleterminal.com/250-connectors.html

 

Edited May 22, 2015 by Captain Obvious

[jonathanrussell]

I have used Vintage Connections. Looks like the following will work- except for no mounts.

 

MP6N Non-Latching Set

6-pin 6.3mm (1/4") spade-based non-latching M/F Connector Shell Pair, with 7 each 18-16 AWG, M63/F63 crimp terminals. White Nylon. Directly replaces original Hitachi shells from the 1960s-1980s.

 

http://vintageconnections.com/

Click on the Prices button and scroll down to the MP6N item.

 

Not the most modern web site.

Edited May 22, 2015 by jonathanrussell

[TomoHawk]

I have not noticed any ears on the tail lamp connectors, but I think the ones for the gauges have them.

 

Yes, I think those will be compatible, and I could even use one for the new center console wiring. 

 

Thanks for the  help.  If only you could get the 3-pin round connectors  for the headlamps.  Then you could make a truly 'plug-and-play' relay setup for the headlamps, instead of sacrificing the factory headlamp connectors.

Edited May 22, 2015 by TomoHawk

[TomoHawk]

Yes, I think cycleterminal has the headlamp connectors:

 

http://www.cycleterminal.com/yazaki-ypc.html

[Captain Obvious]

No they don't. The later roundish style headlight connectors are actually FOUR cavity connector shells which only have three positions populated. And to make matters worse, two of the cavities accept a smaller crimp on contact, while the other two accept a larger contact. Cycle terminal does not offer that style, and I've not found it anywhere.

 

The only thing I HAVE found (new) for sale is the smaller of the two crimp contacts. I got a couple spares of each (male and female) from Cycle Terminal a little while ago, but I've not turned up a source for the larger contact. I did buy some easily available larger contacts from Digi-key and while they might work in a pinch, they're not quite right. I can get them to click in and hold into the old contact shells, but they're not as good a fit as the original Yazaki contacts.

 

Anyway, get the info out of me now because I just did a whole headlight relay and harness upgrade, so before I forget the details! When I get some time to breathe, I'll make up a thread about it, but I can't do that right now.

[TomoHawk]

Yeah, I think you're right.  What would you call that?  It's not the usual 4-pin connector, like the one for the vacuum solenoids.

 

I also need some 2-pin sets for the turn signals-  mine are getting funny.

 

 I was thinking that  I might have to go to the JY to snip some headlamp connectors from a modern car...  Then I could even get a set of spares, or order spares.

 

 

I gotta get my time machine to work right some day soon.

 

 

Edited May 22, 2015 by TomoHawk

[TomoHawk]

Oh, Duh. The three-pin connector is for the front turn signals...

 

I'm off the to JY!

[TomoHawk]

Mr. Ford hath provided  several connectors; one 4-pin from an Oxygen sensor, and a few three-pin connectors.

[Captain Obvious]

Cool Got any pics of what you nabbed at the yard? Your intention is to swap them out for the original roundish headlight connectors?

 

I toyed with the idea of getting rid of those roundish connectors completely and hardwiring the headlight connector pigtails right to the main harness. I was trying to minimize voltage drop and power losses in my headlight circuit and any connector is a source of some drop. The fewer connectors the better. In the end I kept them, but can get rid of them in the future if I change my mind.