Weather proof connectors

[rallystyle]

I am going to rewire both of my cars with a AAW harness set up. I was looking to use some weather proof connectors for the lights as well as running some grounds to them so they don't have to worry about a ground problem with the lights. i will be using led lights so there will not be a heavy amp draw. Deutsche connectors are nice but get expensive fast. hoping to find something that has a mounting option. any suggestions on what would be a good group / brand to use? thanks

[130fe]

Are you talking about connectors for the headlight?

[parsonsj]

I've used every connector you can think of... for all new projects I use Deutsche DT and DTM (real ones, not the Amazon knock-offs) with circular crimps. They are easy to assemble, high quality, and high density.

[Tsaints1115]

https://www.waytekwire.com/

[TheJDMan]

I used a lot of weather-pack connectors. I also use standard crimp-on wire terminals with heat shrink insulators.

[rallystyle]

i will have to look at the weather pack setup as well then. as far as Deutsche connectors where are you getting them from? didnt know there was fake ones out there but not surprising these days.

[vette427-sbc]

Waytek should have everything.

[Sbeck09]

I've been recently testing a lot of the different connectors available. That includes the real versions vs China copies too. I will say that real Weatherpack is a good bang for the buck option, but there is a reason pro motorsports and high end cars use genuine Deutsche. And as much as nobody likes to admit it, the China copies aren't the worst option, but the plastic will definitely break down much earlier due to obviously lower quality. Sometimes you can get higher resistance than desired thanks to low quality metal in the contacts too. This is very much a "get what you pay for" scenario.

So if Deutsche is too spendy, go with a Weatherpack kit. Eastwood has some kits with the terminals and tools included for a good price. That should at least get you going reliably.

The amount of times a connector will be used is a big determining factor too. Things that come apart often really should use Deutsche since they are tested to be used over and over. Weatherpack is ok for occasional use, but will wear out terminals faster. If you are going to be using the connector often at all, don't even think about the China versions.

For mounting options I use P-clamps mostly or just zip-tie the loom to whatever makes sense. Bulkheads are great when passing through things like a firewall, but those get expensive fast and take a bit of effort to wire correctly. I've never used an aftermarket connector with built-in mounting.

[parsonsj]

Waytek should have everything.Waytek's Deutsche connectors are clones. I get real Deutsche via TE Connect or even Amazon when the seller is "Deutsche".

[Sinnister69]

delcity.com

[CarlC]

I'll echo the comments on the Chinese parts. Though it may sort of look the same the quality is pretty sketchy. Often they supply a universal wire seal instead of the correct (insert Delphi, Deutsche, etc.) dedicated part. Even the terminals are not quite right and do not fit properly in the tooling designed for the real parts.

Weatherpack is a bit dated but works well. I use the Delphi GT series of connectors that started use in the late 2000's GM cars with good success. GT150 for 15A and under, GT280 for under 25A.

[vette427-sbc]

The deutsche stuff from waytek is mfg by amphenol... I’ve used a few different connectors from them and have been very pleased with the quality. Notably nicer than some of the other import stuff

[dontlifttoshift]

The biggest issue I have with the Deutsche is that very few other people use it. If I am going to keep stuff around, it would be nice if it was compatible with other sub harnesses that I get. So I keep weatherpacks and the Delphi GT series around.

I buy almost everything from Waytek. I have found that Del City is typically more money for the same things.

[parsonsj]

I keep some Delphi GT and Metripack 150 and 280 stuff too, but just for compatibility with existing stuff. I only use Deutsche for new harnesses, and only the round connectors (as opposed to the stamped connectors). Strip the wire, use the circular crimper, push it into the body. It is a superior system for building harnesses by hand.

I've had problems with Waytek's Amphenol Deutsche-clones not working with real Deutsche, so I don't buy that any more.

[vette427-sbc]

...

I've had problems with Waytek's Amphenol Deutsche-clones not working with real Deutsche, so I don't buy that any more.

Thats good to know... Appreciate the heads up

[pist0lpete]

I will pile on to the pile suggesting Deutsch (not sure why everyone is adding an “e” haha) connectors. I buy from Wirecare.com mostly. They have a nice connector configuration tool. FYI Ladd Inc is the only official US distributor for all Deutsch connectors so might be worth trying them for the best deal.

[tm5nardo]

Deutsch is the way to go. The only con I can say is the price.

[parsonsj]

Isn't Deutsch(e) like Porsch(e), lol. :)

[pist0lpete]

Adding the”e” makes everything classier right? Haha In the case of Deutsch they elect not to be as classy As Porsche I guess.

[CamaroAJ]

I like to use GM style connectors everywhere I can. My two go to are the GT and the Metripack connectors. I feel the Deutsch connectors are a pain to take apart and on the bulky side.