Technical Anyone know of a good source for multi-prong electric plugs?

I've been looking all my life for multi-prong plugs to use on car electrical systems. I use trailer plugs for 2sies and 4sies but would like to have one that handles a lot mor like 10? I am working on a '40 Plymouth which has an easily removeable dash so I can wire the entire dash and if I had a big plug, would be a simple procedure to take it in and out. Have used the electronics guys square white plugs that require you to crimp in the tiny connectors and build the plug but they aren't very robust for our purposes and a hassle to put together.

 

Nope. I've been looking for decades....

So instead, I use barrier terminal strips. With screw connections for each wire. And it turns out I never have to take them apart. But it also makes troubleshooting easier, if something does happen, because you can see and touch each wire without taking anything apart.

 

I found some interesting connectors on eBay that I used when wiring my Morris. I don’t remember the details but I just typed in something like multi-pin connector and found what I wanted.
I did the same thing, the gauge panel unplugs to make it easy to R&R.

 

Look up Deutsch connectors. Compact, weatherproof, and capable of carrying high currents (in the correct connector series).

 

BulkHeadConnectors. Up to 48 pins available. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/bulkhead-electrical-connectors/

Chrysler used bulkhead connectors on firewalls Sometimes they melted & caught fire. 8^)

 

There are prewired connectors that I have used in the past which require splicing that are available in 18, 16 and 14 guage wires like this:
18 AWG Assembled Deutsch 12 Pin waterproof connector 6" wire | eBay

 

Look around on the Del City site:
https://www.delcity.net/?mkwid=s&cr...1GNTphIzsQOiczlEs7L2ZtZsD1O6ma_BoCZdMQAvD_BwE

 

Also makes it easier to pull a give run of wires thru grommets.

But I do like using a multi pin connector on a dash cluster.

 

When I did a removable dash years ago I used 2 4 pin trailer plugs. I made sure to reverse one set so they could not be miss connented.

Phil

 

Wirecare has a variety of connectors that handle different gauges, different numbers of wires, etc. You should be able to find what you need on their site. https://www.wirecare.com/interest/automotive-motorsports/electrical-connectors

Summit sells Deutsch connector kits as well. https://www.summitracing.com/search...kFczKKoLWwWrxRdhQqMlgK9gBnlkfJ2hoCUMAQAvD_BwE

 

https://www.buydeutsch.com/

 

I use these to wire a dash.

 

Probably overkill for what you want, but look at Amphenol.

 

I'll second these. Not cheap, but far easier to use once you have the needed crimper. Fully sealed, fairly easy to install/remove single wires and considerably more durable than cheaper alternatives. Used by Harley Davidson, the military, commercial vehicles and race teams. Look at the DT series, and use the solid pins/sockets; not the stamped steel ones.
Deutsch Connectors Connectors - WireCare.com is one source, there are others.

You'll need the special crimper, but don't be scared off by their prices. Lower cost versions are available...
deutsch connector crimper - Google Search

 

I build fishing boats with a guy and everything electrical uses Deutsch connectors. They are high quality and easy to release when you want to pull them apart. As stated you really need a crimping tool and the terminal tool that lets you remove the terminals from the body without messing them up.

 

I used a terminal block from an old Shovelhead bagger, pretty much same as a generic terminal strip, but push in connection instead of screws, little easier to work with.

 

Have you had any of the screw connections loosen? Just curious I just added quite a few to my recent project but don't have many miles on. The push in terminals seem like a good idea.

 

Freightliner, International, Cummins also, just to name a few. Look up Terminal Supply Company. That’s where we get all our Deutsch items.

 

Thanx for the ideas ( and commiseration!). I have used terminal strips too and still do in certain situations (i.e., door pass-through wires that can't have connectors) but they aren't very convenient for dash removal. I'll look up some of the suggestions.

 

I found these guys a few years ago for this exact thing…….
https://www.elecdirect.com/?

 

I use crimp terminals on the ends of the wires, and things seem to stay put just fine.

They're a hassle to deal with...and I haven't seen any better solutions presented so far in this thread.

Good luck.

 

I got a crimping tool on Amazon , priced reasonably

 

For less plasticky, more traditional looking connectors, try "Aviation Connectors" on McMaster - Carr.

 

We called them "Cannon plugs" in the military communications business. Neat to see you can buy the solder type at McM.

They're pretty traditional, they were used on military equipment, and available as surplus, going back a long ways.

Definitely worth looking into. And pricy, as they should be.

 

I mean, Deutsch connectors aren't simple to deal with but they're a heck of a lot better than those white plastic things.

 

Those white plastic connectors belong on your washing machine, not your car.

 

connectorexperts.com

 

VERY interesting. But the ~$100 price tag is a bit steep!!

 

Where did you get them?

 

Cannon Plug style if you want:
https://www.norcomp.net/series/m12-pigtail-series
https://connectorsupplier.com/choosing-the-best-connector-for-analog-sensors/
https://www.jegs.com/i/FuelTech/382/5011100127/10002/-1