So I'm about to replace all the audio components in my '87 n/a - broken aftermarket head unit and disintegrated stock speakers. Of course, through the likely many PO's before me the stereo wiring harness has been butchered. Bad butt connections, bullet connectors, even wire nuts. Basically everything except solder and heat shrink. For my own sanity and the sanity of any potential future owner, I want to do this right.

Since none of the stock connectors are in place and I haven't been able to source any, what kind of connections would be the best to start over with keeping in mind future head unit upgrades or changes by myself or a future owner? I'm leaning towards a set of male and female ISO connectors, but maybe a few sets of molex connectors would do the trick? Basically anything that would be well organized and make solid connections would work. Any suggestions?

 

I believe there is a recent thread for the metra connector for the stock radios.

 

these videos should help.

 

I know of the Metra adapter #70-1822 for connecting a new stereo harness to the factory harness and I'm also familiar with which wires go to what. Those two videos have already been incredibly helpful, but I'm looking more for options for connectors on the factory car-side harness. I've come across a few replacement for the car-side speaker wires but nothing for the power harness, which is why I was thinking of just doing the ISO connectors.

 

My radio was a rat's nest but fortunately, they didn't cut off the factory side connectors. Mine is a 1986 NA. Here is what the mine had for the factory side.

 

# 120701822 Crutchfield sells a wiring kit for the 944. I believe its free with a radio purchase.

 

This is a great diagram, Chris. It looks to be super helpful to all the n00bs out there doing stereos for the first time.

I think at this point, the only thing I'm looking for is a replacement 6 pin female connector circled in blue, as the male end comes in the Metra harness. It didn't look to me that the connector is shown in the parts catalogue though, so I may be out of luck here.

 

The metra kit only has the male side. I know since I bought one. The only way to get the female factory side would be a junkyard, ebay, or if you are smart enough to find one on some electronics supply like mouser (which I am not that smart - and they may not have it anyway!).

Here's what the factory side of the connector looks like:

 

These look very similar to Molex connectors (which are common in computer power supplies etc). They come in different forms like stacked or straight and male / female with the pins you solder then insert. If you can't find the exact part above, go to an electronics supply and check out "Molex"

 

Here is the Metra Diagram:

 

Here is the actual male connector that comes in the kit:

 

Plyhammers is always parting out 944's. I bought some parts I needed from him and the pricing is good. You might contact Mark and see if he can sell you the factory console wiring harness that would include the connectors. Their website is : https://plyhammersparts.com/ (I have no affiliation).
Contact Us
Mark Pleiman
Plyhammer's Parts, LLC
plyhammer@plyhammersparts.biz
(937) 621-1144

@plyhammer facebook.com/plyhammer

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Update:
I just searched his site and he has the body wiring harness for $50.

 

Not entirely certain, but it looks like the female connector might be the one that is on the end of the fader harness, which is 951.645.053.00 or 944.645.054.00. It is in PET in section 911-00

 

Cutting off a junkyard harness seems to be the route I'll have to go. I probably should have thought of that option in the first place. I checked through a bunch of suppliers like mouser and manufacturers like TE and found nothing.

Molex connectors are definitely a path I'm considering. An 8-pin for the speakers and another for the power would be a pretty clean installation.
Mark has saved my butt/wallet more than a few times. I'll email him and see if he's got anything.

It think it depends on the harness, but unfortunately I think they're Molex connectors.

Thanks everyone for your help! I'll post some pictures whenever I actually finish the work.

 

After reviewing this thread and the other one I and brooklyn944 posted in, I'm thinking a decent option if I can't track down a scrap harness is to "update" my wiring to ISO 10487 connector. This is a very similar looking 8 pin connector that was standardized in 1995 and is super easy to find in both and (black is power; red/brown is for speakers). It would end up being like https://www.bergvillfx.com/products/iso-din-cable-porsche-911928964. Not factory, but pretty clean - I think stock for VW/Audi in the 90s, so possibly for Porsche too, and if I'm understanding right actually direct plug-and-play for blaupunkt head units of that era.