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All sorted now. The 7.8mm (5/16") spades fit perfectly and they fit in the ceramic casing fine. Must have been a batch fitted with the wrong size spades.
Can I ask where you got the ceramic connectors? I ask because although they seem readily available, all the ones I've seen have a partial loom attached, and I'd prefer separate terminals (of the correct size:icon_smile to attach to my wires.
All sorted now. The 7.8mm (5/16") spades fit perfectly and they fit in the ceramic casing fine. Must have been a batch fitted with the wrong size spades.
I think you are correct Peter and the wrong ones were supplied.
And keep up the good work. It is a joy to behold and gladdens the heart in these uncertain times. Peter
Can I ask where you got the ceramic connectors? I ask because although they seem readily available, all the ones I've seen have a partial loom attached, and I'd prefer separate terminals (of the correct size:icon_smile to attach to my wires.
I have fitted these ceramic type connectors to my Marlin Hunter and to a classic, both of which have remote headlights in bowls so no ventilation / cooling. With upgrade to QhZ bulbs both suffered from melted plastic connectors.
I bought them complete with tails which I soldered to the existing wiring, plus two layers of heat shrink sleeving (put on first!) for added insulation. Since fitting them, problem cured!
I bought one pair from AES but have also bought identical ones from autojumbles. Consequently I now have at least one pair in stock! As you do!
Can I ask where you got the ceramic connectors? I ask because although they seem readily available, all the ones I've seen have a partial loom attached, and I'd prefer separate terminals (of the correct size:icon_smile to attach to my wires.
Unfortunately, they were cheap ones from China off ebay. (Buy cheap, buy twice!) They did come with the tails that you see on all of them but they had the wrong size spade connectors. As suggested by Peter, I think buying some from a reputable supplier would be a safer bet. I have used AES https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/ for other parts and they have all been good quality parts. You can buy the 7.8mm spades separately if you want to join them to your loom directly.
And keep up the good work. It is a joy to behold and gladdens the heart in these uncertain times. Peter
Thanks Peter, glad you are enjoying my updates.
The quality of this kit is in a different league to most. All the holes line up and the panels fit together perfectly. A tribute to John Barlow who designed the car and the laminators who made the body panels.
Unfortunately, they were cheap ones from China off ebay. (Buy cheap, buy twice!) They did come with the tails that you see on all of them but they had the wrong size spade connectors. As suggested by Peter, I think buying some from a reputable supplier would be a safer bet. I have used AES https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/ for other parts and they have all been good quality parts. You can buy the 7.8mm spades separately if you want to join them to your loom directly.
Thanks for the info - complete connectors plus some spades it is! I guess they all probably originate from China, but I'm more than happy to buy from AES, I've had very good service from them previously.
Ceramic Headlight connector by Sabrebuilder, on Flickr
Wrong size terminals by Sabrebuilder, on Flickr
to attach to my wires.