Thanks to Augi, I learned of the "10" Series of Amphenol connectors and that they are the secret to finding the special threaded connector ring that mates perfectly with the tank lights' connector. I've always wanted to have the right ring and I managed to find a source that had two Amphenol 10-107632-5S connectors in-stock for $42 each, shipped. This is the connector for power input into the VSS-3A control box which I didn't need but it came with the special threaded ring. The ring is about 1 11/16" long - which is way too long to work with my 90 degree connector backshell so I chucked it up in the lathe and cut it down to 13/16" to match the old ring length. Coincidentally, it leaves all the threads and the internal smaller diameter lip which serves to push the connector onto the mate when screwing in the ring. Almost looks like stock!
Heavy Duty "10 Series" connector left and standard "97 Series" on the right. Honestly, the "heavy Duty" connector body is no beefier than the "97 series" body. The permanently installed rubber insert and contacts are probably more heavy duty.
The Special thread, longer length connector ring. It screws 2 full turns onto the tank light. Thos 2 turns probably equal the distance of about 5 turns of the standard threaded ring.
The ring installed on the 90 degree, 97 Series connector after cutting
While making up a Control Box-to-Light cable for another member, I found that the Big 4 companies were all out of the typically $125.00, 90 degree Light connector. Lead time was way down the road. Nor did any of them have it in the straight version. My source came up with 5 genuine Amphenols in-stock for, get this....$40 each, shipped. I was skeptical they'd be genuine Amphenols but when they arrived, sure enough, they are the genuine article.
post #267
