Repairing sun-weakened connectors?

This might actually be a mod, but here's my question:

Has anyone found replacement ends for the stock connectors? I'm guessing not, so does anyone have a particularly clever way to replace old crumbly connectors? I was thinking solder some wires on and then use any old connector from the auto store.

 

Depends on the connector - a lot of them are standard bullet connectors. The plastic molded connectors may still be available, they are not really custom but may not be easy to find.

There are 3 real choices - find a new/used harness or you can just replace both ends or remove them and direct connect. Only hang up will be if you want/need to replace a component.

 

Mike's XS page carries new replacements for most connectors. You can comb through AMP's (0EM supplier) catalog and see what is readily available (Digikey is a supplier). They are 0.250" Faston connectors.
I don't advocated removing connectors and soldering together unless you are prepared to perform this function every time you need to remove a component.

 

Good call--I'll either order from Digikey or from Mikes XS, thanks.

 

Give the folks at Mike's your business, they are very supportive of us!

 

Ok this post is really dead but I figured I'd put some info out there in case anyone has a similar problem. Backstory: The connectors on my bike that plug into the igniter unit have spend many years in the sun and so they're pretty crumbly. One of them finally failed so I'm trying to figure out what to do for replacements.

There are several options. Mike's xs sells a connector that is not quite right but might fit if I modify it. I need two, $4/each. Not too bad.

I did some research (wasted a bunch of time ) and found the EXACT part number to replace these. It's AMP/TYCO "Housing Lance Connector, Automotive Type." The 4-contact one is 172134-1 and the 6-contact one is 171898-1. I can get them online for pretty cheap, but the problem is there is only one company that sells them in batches less than 1000 (grrr) and they have a $35 minimum order. This is a pretty good option, so I'm wondering if anyone else might need these and maybe I'll order a variety of things for people. The site is: http://www.onlinecomponents.com

Finally, I could always just attach the contacts (they're the flat spade type) to the right places and live with the fact that they're not in a housing anymore (free). I don't like this idea much.

The other solution is to convince chacal to start carrying them and other connectors. I think you can probably get anything that's still in production from this site. Digikey/Newark/Mouser won't sell a small quantity.

K let me know if any of you have brilliant suggestions/want to go in on a batch of electrical parts/are named chacal and have another option

 

OK here's what I did, if anyone needs a similar fix. I ordered the "similar, but not exactly right" parts from Mikesxs. Quick shipping and they fit, but don't lock because they have a different type of mechanical connection. However, the parts that actually plug in are exactly the same and the fit is very snug. So, I guess this is the best route if you find yourself in need of some replacement connectors.

 

Kudos on keeping up with this thread pygmy, I'm sure a few folks out there will find it useful, yours truly being one of them!