Whether you have are building a custom ride or just want to make service easier, adding a quick-connect is a great idea. Common systems that you may want to add a quick-connect to include fuel pumps/sending units, starter solenoid trigger, cooling fans, sensors, etc. Basically any part that has electrical connections that can be difficult to reach or are part of a larger assembly can benefit from a master disconnect plug, simplifying the R&R process.
GM started using Weatherpacks in the last 70s, when the weather-resistant electrical terminals were developed by Packard Electronics, now known as Delphi. Weatherpacks are simple and easy to assemble, but you do need the correct crimping tool, this is very important. You can get a basic crimper for Weatherpacks here- amzn.to/45mHFCv (Amazon Associate link)
The same crimper works for the later style of GM terminals, the MetriPack. These came into use in the mid 1990s, and instead of round pins, Metripacks use mostly square pins and come in different shapes and sizes. You can use the same crimping tool for these two styles.
Always install the sealing silicone bushing to the wire BEFORE crimping the terminal, otherwise you won't be able to seal the terminal. The open side of the terminal goes to the inside (small diameter) of the crimping tool, which looks like a W. When crimped, the terminal fingers are curled inwards, grabbing the wire and creating a good crimp.
For our example, we are adding a quick-connect to the speedometer sensor output from our TCI Super Street Fighter 4L60 in our 1971 Buick GS convertible. Both the ECM and TCU need the signal to operate correctly, so by adding a quick connect, we can easily service or replace both wirin harnesses withoug having to cut wires.
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chapters:
0:00 intro
0:23 project breakdown
1:14 tools
4:36 why use weather packs?
6:03 crimping first terminal
8:22 crimping second terminal
9:28 tower plug
10:31 shroud plug
12:08 wire loom & tape
13:50 outro