Tail light connectors

[zachmac]

Okay, my circuit boards are fine, beatiful, like new. What is crappy are the connectors that plug into them. Is there a source for either the plastic connectors or the wire ends that go into them? Or is there a source for a different connector (some sort of generic circuit board connector) that can be backfitted?

While I'm on the topic, why in the world are the brake lights on late model Spiders switched? I can't think of another car like this? If you are sitting by the side of the road with the ignition off betteruse the emergency flashers as tapping the brakes ain't gonna let that car barrelling at you you're there! Anyone backfitted the supply to the brake switch to a key off hot lead?

[redek]

Do you have a picture? I'm searching for electronics parts on digikey, mouser, or newark; just about every week and should be able to point you in the right direction.
Derek

[zachmac]

redek,

They are pretty darn specific to the application but I have been racking my brain as to where I had seen similar ones. Then I remebered, on the circuit boards in my pinball machine. I'll look at some of the pinball parts supplier sites. Meanwhile I'll try to remeber how to post pictures.

[zachmac]

Finally remembered how to do this. First three are pictures of the passenger side tail light, last is of my pinball boards.

[redek]

zachmac,
If you are unable to to source a proper connecter, you can use a surface mount right angle header. Ideally it would be one with a latching connector. Unfortunately there are thousands of different connectors, but digikey has an online catalog. The connector section in the catalog has many possible solutions. You will need to solder a connector to the board, and install a new connector to the wires. IMO any upgrade/retrofit to the electrical system is a good investment to save you trouble in the future.
Derek