Adapting radio harnesses

[coheed]

So I purchased a RX-141 from 88mjsally, assuming since it was from the same era that it would have the 2 AMC plugs. It does not. What's the best way of getting this radio to work in my truck without hacking stuff up.

[eaglescout526]

I think Minuit custom makes a harness for the dash side to modern radios.

I just installed an RX-141 but my harness plugs were never there so I took computer power supply plugs that plug directly into the board and used them to make plugs for both the radio and dash side. Works pretty well but as Minuit told me that the RX-141 is the only AMC radio with that plug set up so you may just may have to butcher them. I even tried searching for those pak con plugs and couldn't find them. 

[coheed]

31 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I think Minuit custom makes a harness for the dash side to modern radios.

I just installed an RX-141 but my harness plugs were never there so I took computer power supply plugs that plug directly into the board and used them to make plugs for both the radio and dash side. Works pretty well but as Minuit told me that the RX-141 is the only AMC radio with that plug set up so you may just may have to butcher them. I even tried searching for those pak con plugs and couldn't find them. 

If that's the case I would be fine hacking the radios wiring if I had corresponding connectors to go into my harness. I'll look around and see if they can be bought new.

[eaglescout526]

Let me know if you need help with the wiring, I have diagrams from Minuit on what each wire is on both sides.

[Minuit]

Oh boy, you bought an 84-85 radio and you're in for a treat.

 

The plugs in your jeep are bog standard Metripack 150 series unsealed. The stupid 84-85 plugs are unobtainium Pack-Con II plugs. If you don't have proper tooling to crimp up a harness, I can switch the connectors without any splices, or you can buy a Metra 70-1000 kit and splice it to your radio.

 

Otherwise, eaglescout would be able to furnish the same information I have on those plugs. I assume he got his right since his radio seems to work just fine.

[coheed]

1 hour ago, Minuit said:

Oh boy, you bought an 84-85 radio and you're in for a treat.

 

The plugs in your jeep are bog standard Metripack 150 series unsealed. The stupid 84-85 plugs are unobtainium Pack-Con II plugs. If you don't have proper tooling to crimp up a harness, I can switch the connectors without any splices, or you can buy a Metra 70-1000 kit and splice it to your radio.

 

Otherwise, eaglescout would be able to furnish the same information I have on those plugs. I assume he got his right since his radio seems to work just fine.

 

I have a decent Mac crimper from my time as a heavy equipment tech, and it looks like I can get the pins and plugs for about $15. I am debating whether to spend money on this radio, or the RX-135 I have.

 

 

1 hour ago, eaglescout526 said:

Let me know if you need help with the wiring, I have diagrams from Minuit on what each wire is on both sides.

 

I'll take you up on that regardless of what direction I go, just so I have the info if I need it later.

[eaglescout526]

I think the only thing I didn’t wire in was the VFD wire that would dim when you pull the light switch to turn the lights on. Otherwise yes it works as it should. Has that slight heating issue that I think Minuit mentioned at some point but that’s about it. 

[tugboat95]

Checkout crutchfield. I just put a new radio in and they sent me a harness free with radio purchase. Just tell them what you have. Bet he has something will fit.

89 Comanche
Eliminator
2wd
4.0L
5 speed PukeGoat
Factory Original

[coheed]

9 minutes ago, tugboat95 said:

Checkout crutchfield. I just put a new radio in and they sent me a harness free with radio purchase. Just tell them what you have. Bet he has something will fit.

89 Comanche
Eliminator
2wd
4.0L
5 speed PukeGoat
Factory Original

 

I'd rather have a functional OE radio than something new.

[coheed]

@Minuit I'm gonna pm you.

[tugboat95]

31 minutes ago, coheed said:

I'd rather have a functional OE radio than something new.

They do vintage stuff as well.  Tell them what you have they may can make a harness.  Its what they do.  Company came about because the founder couldnt install a radio in his vintage Porsche.  Its just a plug  All you need is a female and male plug.  Helps to have a special tool or a pick but anybody can wire these plugs anyway they want to.  

[tugboat95]

All you need is something like this.  Just make sure its enough slots and the wires match up to the corresponding holes on each side.  You can leave blank ones.  I rebuild these things all the time on the new electronic nightmare engines i work on.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/9-Pins-Electrical-Wire-Terminal-Wiring-Connector-Socket-Plug/119130727?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=571&adid=22222222227291201732&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=354212827421&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-761093099464&wl5=9010169&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111838760&wl11=online&wl12=119130727&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwkPX0BRBKEiwA7THxiJif-bQ5TkBvopYsdm3xIrQD0v09Oup5pWdZ_8pmRtfa7zYTe4NVuRoCPe0QAvD_BwE

[coheed]

7 minutes ago, tugboat95 said:

All you need is something like this.  Just make sure its enough slots and the wires match up to the corresponding holes on each side.  You can leave blank ones.  I rebuild these things all the time on the new electronic nightmare engines i work on.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/9-Pins-Electrical-Wire-Terminal-Wiring-Connector-Socket-Plug/119130727?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=571&adid=22222222227291201732&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=354212827421&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-761093099464&wl5=9010169&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111838760&wl11=online&wl12=119130727&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwkPX0BRBKEiwA7THxiJif-bQ5TkBvopYsdm3xIrQD0v09Oup5pWdZ_8pmRtfa7zYTe4NVuRoCPe0QAvD_BwE

Ok, well the main debate I'm having with myself is not whether I can re-pin something. It's, do I want to redo the plugs on the Rx-141 or wait until I can get my Rx-135 restored by Minuit. I've already priced out plugs and pins to adapt the Rx-141 to my harness, but I'm debating whether it's worth it to me or not.

[tugboat95]

It can be tedious. On a bench its really not bad as long as have good light and I'm wearing my glasses.  Laying upside down or hanging in a hole working in questionable light in places I'd prefer not to stick my hands it not so much fun. And its usually 120 degrees.  Definitely wouldn't want to do it twice.  And its never the easy one to get at.