77 308 GTB radio, obviously some “work” done by the PO splicing speaker and head unit wires. It’s time to replace the black electrical tape with something better. Does anyone have a preferred solution? I suspect you can’t rewire the head unit with new wires from within. Tedious item, but thank you for input. Tim
I have a bunch of Blaupunkt speaker wires with the correct connector plugs in a box - the ones that plug in the back of the head unit. Ebay.
Yes, seems solder and heat shrink is the method that is the cleanest. Thanks. I’ll check the onlines for any correct connector plugs, thanks!
With respect, not on my car or any other's car that I'd touch. Solder and shrink tube 100%,. All of the time.
I would take butt connectors over solder if I (me) wasn't doing it because to be honest some people have absolutely NO idea how to solder properly. So if I was digging into a re-wire job I'd much rather see that.... been there done that. And if you can solder CORRECTLY with your head upside down underneath a 308 dash you're better than I am.
butt connector w/solder: https://www.amazon.com/Connectors-Kit-Waterproof-Electrical-Automotive/dp/B0CR881Z9L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2LP7R9MZ0LTXT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9e5GwkqdHR_Bp3h5J_EzTT6SrITezKEJ19PPEbSPZPCiZU4EE9BFaEatdLMp3wIvkkNOMPXIVvHPo4AMximxWMPPWuB4nG398qAquuubvTqMu9hpRKbD2L9G4__PKJsVaoMreygaZgdfnZdAM7SIBOJTX4GbPozFqmP-dfgE9bZyZyRovq_3JAlKUnvMP6Zp0uSzUOOPNZ46rq2xIzVcl8h54D5dQvqxzSkBqfFpQ5c.r03cpSxgmabXMWWNYrHvgdLOokvRpTZI7F463wy1YfY&dib_tag=se&keywords=heat%2Bshrink%2Bsolder%2Bwire%2Bconnectors&qid=1757698372&sprefix=heat%2Bshrink%2Bsolder%2Bwire%2Bconnectors%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-3&th=1
Alternative view of soldering automotive electrical connections: TL/DW - Soldering requires a much higher level of skill to perform properly. Crimping properly still requires some skill, proper connectors, and correct tools, but it produces a joint that is just as strong as a solder joint....plus you're not trying to maneuver a 500 degree iron in cramped quarters. - Dave
Soldering will result in better continuity (though sometimes not better enough to matter) but it creates a stiff/brittle connection that is prone to breaking and cracking in environments with vibration. For marine use, soldering is frowned upon for that reason, and good quality heat-shrink crimp connectors (with the appropriate tool) are preferred. This is true in many automotive applications too. I wouldn't have heartburn soldering a connection in the middle of wiring as long as it doesn't create a flexibility issue that directs stress to the solder joint, but this should be evaluated on a case by case basis. Most auto mechanics have come across a broken solder joint at least a few times in their careers and will understand the pros and cons. The blanket attitude "soldering is better" can be dangerous if it creates stress on the joint.
