rrunnertexas Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 While I'm pondering my Carter B&B fuel leak problem, I'll move on to the next project - installing new ignition wires on the PJ. This set came from Bernbaum Auto - the plug side is already crimped and the other is not. Do I have to strip the end, fold it over and crimp with a special tool? If anyone could include a photo of the correct tool and how their finished wire looks, that would be most helpful. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kencombs Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 (edited) There are lots of type around. I like this one, and will have to buy it as my old one never came home from the last time I loaned it. I'll never learn. https://www.ebay.com/itm/363332539266?hash=item54984e9382:g:mTIAAOSwG4xgWvG5 Edited May 5, 2021 by kencombs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 (edited) I just put the pointy bit on the bottom dead centre into the plug wire, fold the two sides up as much as I can with my fingers. I then insert the plug wire into the rotor and push until it hits the bottom. This gives you a nice, tight fit. Make sure you put the waterproof cap on the wire before doing this and once the wire is in place, push the cap down over the rotor tower. I have never felt the need to buy a tool for this job when nature has provided me with fingers. incidentally, you are showing the correct tool in your picture. Edited May 5, 2021 by RobertKB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kencombs Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 2 minutes ago, RobertKB said: I just put the pointy bit on the bottom dead centre into the plug wire, fold the two sides up as much as I can with my fingers. I then insert the plug wire into the rotor and push until it hits the bottom. This gives you a nice, tight fit. Make sure you put the waterproof cap on the wire before doing this and once the wire is in place, push the cap down over the rotor tower. I have never felt the need to buy a tool for this job when nature has provided me with fingers. that works, but since the sides have points that are intended to penetrate the insulation, they often fall off when removed, if not crimped in place. I did it with a pair of old pliers with a recess ground into the jaws for years before acquiring a tool. Now the tool is gone and I can't find the old pliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrysler1941 Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 There are many tools as stated, but also many types of connectors. The one shown in photo is the worst. Cheap ,fragile construction and can easily fall off. I never use them. I use these fold overs. These tabs dig into insolation and locks. Also shown one of the many tools and after crimping. But that's my opinion 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgeb4ya Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 Yep...chrysler1941 says it right! Throw those cheap dist cap terminals in the round file and use the brass ones he shows. I've used those for years...they won't pull off if crimped correctly with the right tooling. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 thiese show up now and then on e-bay.....found this one at a swap meet for 5.00 bill...man did no know what it was nor did two other venders specializing is sale of old tools.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 Source for the better style ends I used when I redid my plug wires https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CQ249C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Link to how I did my wires http://www.yourolddad.com/plug-wires Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 back in the day...the plug wires end at the spark plug did not get rubber boots....folks in those day understood you touch them when running you get shocked...today you can tell people that but it seems they just don't understand what you saying till they get a couple good jolts....yessir, make your pants want to get up and dance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 I suspect the boot ends were put on to prevent corrosion and not so much the safety aspect of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 I suspect you right but folks respected those bare terminals nonetheless...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrunnertexas Posted May 6, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 Excellent advice and knowledge. Digesting all this info leads me to order the better terminal ends and a crimping tool. Then the real fun begins, the stripping of the ends and the actual crimp job. Thank you to all for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 We used to use these: https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/cycle-standard-vintage-style-raj-terminals-for-your-spark-plug-wires Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kencombs Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 6 hours ago, Plymouthy Adams said: back in the day...the plug wires end at the spark plug did not get rubber boots....folks in those day understood you touch them when running you get shocked...today you can tell people that but it seems they just don't understand what you saying till they get a couple good jolts....yessir, make your pants want to get up and dance... I had an uncle that could kill a 216/236 Chevy with the old bare plugs wires with his hands. He'd spread his fingers to span 4-6 with the left and 1-3 with his right. Lay hands on it and it died. And what's amazing, he could do that without jumping! Big hands and iron nerves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrysler1941 Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 9 hours ago, Plymouthy Adams said: back in the day...the plug wires end at the spark plug did not get rubber boots....folks in those day understood you touch them when running you get shocked...today you can tell people that but it seems they just don't understand what you saying till they get a couple good jolts....yessir, make your pants want to get up and dance... No boots on mine. LOL yes you get some respect after being zapped a couple of time pulling throttle linkage. But it's healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 prelude to a frontal lobotomy, I never made it over the cuckoo's nest I have been lit up with ignition voltage my fair share.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrunnertexas Posted May 6, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 New "better" connectors from Taylor and a crimping tool ordered. Now, wait until next week for delivery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 sound like me....waiting on parts at every turn....finding a source to order some parts is often more time consuming that the fix....and if you not waiting on a part....you modifying one to work for your special build......at least we having fun.....tell me I'm having fun.....!! (I am) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ194950 Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 Fun? As long as you believe it and the wife is happy, all is good in your world! ? DJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Los_Control Posted May 6, 2021 Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 @Plymouthy Adams you having fun ... Think first time I tried to make plug wires ... was a disaster . I was 17 years old and working on a 60's car .... I just bought pre-made wires after that. Years later I see the advantage to making our own wires. But again, if you not having fun doing it ... why bother? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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