Crimp or solder?

[Marc Swanson]

> I already know the "correct" answer is "solder", but...
>
> I'm looking at the bundle of wires going into the driver's side
> door. Lots of the wires have cracks, but are not completely
> broken/separated.
>
> Having soldered and heat shrink tubed the passenger side, I
> I'm trying to avoid the hassle. I'm looking for the 5 year solution
> rather than the lifetime solution. If crimping with a "W" crimper
> will last 5 years, I'll do it. If crimping lasts 6 months, I'll solder.

I would say that 5 years is a reasonable lifespan for a GOOD crimp (eg if you 
use a ratcheting W style crimper.. not the cheapo ones from radioshack).  If 
you need to borrow one I have one....

I guess this means you found the culprit on your window problem.  
Was it my thought on the two shared pins between the two doors?  Something 
else?

> My plan is to crimp in a 12" (30mm) length of wire, push the
> the connectors into the door and body, and leave the new wire
> inside the rubber boot.
>
> Q1. Has anyone crimped new wires in place? How long has
>        the crimp lasted?

I can't say for sure as I always solder but it is reasonable to assume that a 
good crimp will last long enough.  Solder is still better but crimp will do.



> Q2. And have you tried to match wire colors? Including tracer
>        colors? If not, did you use different colors for power and
>        ground? Or did you just use whatever you had?

Old Audi wiring harnesses are GREAT here.  I've been ripping wire out of an 
autocheck harness from a 5kt for quite a while now.  Pretty soon I'm gonna 
have to get more junk harness though, I'm running out of certain colors :-)


Good luck!

-Marc-
87 4ktq
88 90q