Easy Headlight Fix - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

phanatic32212 · 04-06-2005, 02:07 PM

Well, I figured out why my headlights would not come on. Turns out that both of the plugs on the headlights were so corroded that they were not making good contact. So, I cleaned them off and they work pretty good.

Now my question is: Where can I find the wire contacts for the headlight plug? The ones that will pull out of the plug. Since they are pretty bad, I would like to just replace them. Can I find these at PepBoys or the like?

Thanks in advance.
Jake

East End K5 · 04-06-2005, 03:25 PM

You can try Pep boys or maybe even autozone, but the EASIEST would be to find a donor that is in good shape. Clean it up and splice it in. I say this because usually I have never found them...if you do find a donor splice it in about 6 inches back or more with a nice clean connection.

CHEVIBUBBA · 04-06-2005, 05:59 PM

you can actually get the headlight pigtails new.seems like east coast electric or mad enterprises sells them.this will save having to repin the old plastic,(brittle), connectors & the wire is larger/better.

kbs71 · 04-07-2005, 03:15 AM

NAPA P/N 725147 @.37 each.

fatfords · 04-07-2005, 09:30 AM

I have not seen the contacts that go on the headlights at any autoparts stores. kbs71 is on the right track, but I don't think those are the correct size. Those contacts a for wire sizes 20-14 AWG are the "series 56" contacts (1/4"). I believe the ones for the headlights are for 10-12 AWG wires and are "series 59" contacts (5/16") and are pretty tough to find. The only place I have found them is American Autowire website www.americanautowire.com
female part - 500186 qty of 10 for $3
If your connectors are brittle, then the complete pigtail would be a good idea, like CHEVIBUBBA suggested.
Good Luck!

kbs71 · 04-11-2005, 06:38 AM

Fatman how right you are. The guy at the napa store and the local GM dealer told me all the connectors were the same size (I will have to go back and beat them severly about the head and sholders). I tried to install one of the connectors I had on the back of the light and it don't fit. So back to the drawing board. Oh well this is what happens when your too cheap to buy a new harness and insist on making them yourself.

NPilot1975 · 04-11-2005, 08:45 AM

Painless performance also sells them.

Alex Hayley · 04-11-2005, 12:23 PM

Fatfords, that is a great link. I have been looking for those parts as well. I think the correct part number for the female ends is 500188 with the plastic retainer being 500196.

mrein3 · 04-11-2005, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbs71

NAPA P/N 725147 @.37 each.

I use that NAPA part number all the time. It fits inside every factory connector I've taken apart on my truck. I usually buy 20 at a time and keep a healthy supply on hand. I go through a lot of them because my Chevelles also use this connector.

If you are simply fixing factory headlight wires these parts are EXACTLY the right one. If you are upgrading to the headlight relay setup you can still use these ends as-is. You just have to be good with your crimper. And a little dab of solder doesn't hurt either.

My headlights have 10 gauge wire running off of relays, with those NAPA ends on them.

I would replace the connector inserts with the NAPA part WAY before I clipped the whole connector and spliced on a new one.

04-06-2005, 02:07 PM	#1
phanatic32212 It's Done When It Runs!! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL (Orange Park) Posts: 220	Easy Headlight Fix Well, I figured out why my headlights would not come on. Turns out that both of the plugs on the headlights were so corroded that they were not making good contact. So, I cleaned them off and they work pretty good. Now my question is: Where can I find the wire contacts for the headlight plug? The ones that will pull out of the plug. Since they are pretty bad, I would like to just replace them. Can I find these at PepBoys or the like? Thanks in advance. Jake __________________ Or Give Me DEATH

04-06-2005, 03:25 PM	#2
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	You can try Pep boys or maybe even autozone, but the EASIEST would be to find a donor that is in good shape. Clean it up and splice it in. I say this because usually I have never found them...if you do find a donor splice it in about 6 inches back or more with a nice clean connection. __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B] Last edited by East End K5; 04-06-2005 at 03:43 PM.

04-06-2005, 05:59 PM	#3
CHEVIBUBBA got boost? Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 123	you can actually get the headlight pigtails new.seems like east coast electric or mad enterprises sells them.this will save having to repin the old plastic,(brittle), connectors & the wire is larger/better. __________________ '70 chevy lwb w/'67 hood. 357 s.b.c. built, 4l60 w/vigilante lockup high stall converter, edelbrock pro-flo,brodix heads,comp cams rollerized w/ belt drive, one piece d-shaft, yada, yada, yada..... '82 honda v45 sabre"the black"

04-07-2005, 09:30 AM	#5
fatfords Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 350	I have not seen the contacts that go on the headlights at any autoparts stores. kbs71 is on the right track, but I don't think those are the correct size. Those contacts a for wire sizes 20-14 AWG are the "series 56" contacts (1/4"). I believe the ones for the headlights are for 10-12 AWG wires and are "series 59" contacts (5/16") and are pretty tough to find. The only place I have found them is American Autowire website www.americanautowire.com female part - 500186 qty of 10 for $3 If your connectors are brittle, then the complete pigtail would be a good idea, like CHEVIBUBBA suggested. Good Luck! __________________ '56 F-100 (w/all GM stuff) Lookin' for another parts chaser! '05 GMC crew cab

04-11-2005, 08:45 AM	#7
NPilot1975 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 891	Painless performance also sells them. __________________ 1972 Blazer body...need to get a thread started for the rest of the story

04-07-2005, 03:15 AM	#4
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	NAPA P/N 725147 @.37 each.

04-11-2005, 06:38 AM	#6
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	Fatman how right you are. The guy at the napa store and the local GM dealer told me all the connectors were the same size (I will have to go back and beat them severly about the head and sholders). I tried to install one of the connectors I had on the back of the light and it don't fit. So back to the drawing board. Oh well this is what happens when your too cheap to buy a new harness and insist on making them yourself.

04-11-2005, 12:23 PM	#8
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	Fatfords, that is a great link. I have been looking for those parts as well. I think the correct part number for the female ends is 500188 with the plastic retainer being 500196.



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