Tech Tip #1 FIREWALL CONNECTORS

Firewall connectors came into being around 1955 when the big three realized they needed a better way to add accessories to their vehicles yet not slow production time by having to hand wire them. The plastic connectors used first in the 1955 GM cars introduced a whole new way to assemble the car on the line without delays or mistakes. Since Hot Rods and Customs are not mass produced, why use something that has little purpose if you are custom wiring the car?

Firewall connectors started off as simple 8-10 wire plugs located on each side of the firewall. These allowed the engine to be prewired before it hit the line. In the 1960s when accessories started drawing more juice, the firewall plug started to show more of its shortcomings. Whenever you "unwire" a car for restoration, check for damaged wires and determine where the damage is. There may be some in the middle of a length of wire where a previous owner might have spliced something in. There may be some damage in the engine compartment where repair activity might have smashed a wire or damaged the insulation.

Copyright Ron Francis Wiring 2001