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Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:48 pm

Hi. I just purchased a '71 Super Beetle from an auto lot. The ignition wires have been cut midway down the steering column, but joined back with wire nuts. There are other exposed wires along side of it. The car starts fine. It just looks messy and exposed. Is it best to put in new ignition wiring?

CJ

Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:58 pm

Argh wire nuts! The surest sign of a douchebag PO :D

Fri Jul 24, 2015 4:09 pm

I'd get out the soldering iron and shrink-wrap tubing.

I must admit: I've NEVER seen wire nuts used on a car, ever. Some VW folks are amazingly cheap though. I sure wouldn't trust those with automobile vibrations over time. In my opinion: if those wire nuts were invented today, likely electrical codes would not permit their use.

Fri Jul 24, 2015 4:17 pm

If you ever wanted to own a good open barrel crimper and correct terminals, this is your opportunity.

Mine are the ones from tool aid....I should have bought them 20 years ago.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=338938&highlight=connections

Fri Jul 24, 2015 5:22 pm

I was surprised to see wire nuts! I like the idea of soldering or the crimper and terminals. I want it safe and to look good.

Her is a better pic. I'm not sure of the wires that are beside, spread apart. What do they go to?

The wires on the left, dangling, I expect are the horn and turn signal wires that need hooked up.

CJ

Fri Jul 24, 2015 6:24 pm

The po of mine many years ago also used wire nuts for the ignition and also the turn signals, I wish I had pics but it was a mess also. Cussed is right, get out the soldering iron and shrink wrap, it will be much cleaner and less problems down the road. Or you could replace the wires from beginning to end.

Fri Jul 24, 2015 8:06 pm

Meh,

drove it daily from 1989 thru 2011, with that "temporary" wiring up by the coil.