Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

[Joe C.]

For 1965, the Corvette with radio, used capacitor, P/N: 3844184 attached to the tan park brake light feed wire (see AIM, page E370). How was that cap connected? The diagram speaks of a "connector" and "pin", but is impossible to see clearly.
I have the 3844184 cap, but the connector is long gone. I need to make one up. A picture would be best, but short of that, the best description would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Jack H.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

These caps were typically attached via a plastic connector with a pin. The connector has two grooves or 'troughs', a pin running orthogonal to the grooves, and a swing cover that snaps shut to isolate the grooves once the connector is attached.

One of the two grooves in the connector results in a dead end and you insert the capacitor's lead wire in this groove up to the dead end wall. The other groove is open on both ends and you slip this around the wire you wish to connect to. Once both wires are installed in the connector, you push the pin, it 'stabs' through both the capacitor lead wire and the host wire making an instant inter-connect.

Last, you swing the connector's cover around and snap it into place and both wires are fully insulated and neither can wiggle/fall out of the connector. Most auto electric shops and auto parts stores have these connectors on the shelf.

[Jack H.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

These caps were typically attached via a plastic connector with a pin. The connector has two grooves or 'troughs', a pin running orthogonal to the grooves, and a swing cover that snaps shut to isolate the grooves once the connector is attached.

One of the two grooves in the connector results in a dead end and you insert the capacitor's lead wire in this groove up to the dead end wall. The other groove is open on both ends and you slip this around the wire you wish to connect to. Once both wires are installed in the connector, you push the pin, it 'stabs' through both the capacitor lead wire and the host wire making an instant inter-connect.

Last, you swing the connector's cover around and snap it into place and both wires are fully insulated and neither can wiggle/fall out of the connector. Most auto electric shops and auto parts stores have these connectors on the shelf.

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack:

Yes, I have lots of generic connectors, exactly as you describe. They are red, blue or yellow plastic. I'll likely use one of these. But I will bet you dollar for donuts that none of these are right.
Appreciate the reply, but your info is not helpful.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack:

Yes, I have lots of generic connectors, exactly as you describe. They are red, blue or yellow plastic. I'll likely use one of these. But I will bet you dollar for donuts that none of these are right.
Appreciate the reply, but your info is not helpful.

Joe

[Terry M.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack,
Sounds like you are describing what is commonly called a Scotch Lock. I know that is a 3M brand name and is likely trademarked, but I was surprised to find those kinds of connectors for the underdash radio suppression capacitors on my 1970. Were they used as far back as 1965?
I guess I lead a sheltered life in the '60s. I wasn't aware of them back then, but I did have a few other interests during those years.

[Terry M.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack,
Sounds like you are describing what is commonly called a Scotch Lock. I know that is a 3M brand name and is likely trademarked, but I was surprised to find those kinds of connectors for the underdash radio suppression capacitors on my 1970. Were they used as far back as 1965?
I guess I lead a sheltered life in the '60s. I wasn't aware of them back then, but I did have a few other interests during those years.

[Joe R.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Joe,

The capacitor that attaches to the back of the instrument cluster on a 65 or any other midyear did NOT have 3M blue scotchlocks on them! You could use one to re-attach the capacitor but it did NOT come from the factory with 3M blue scotchlocks.

The capacitor had a light blue or dark blue pigtail about 3 inches long and a black plastic connector with a small nail inserted thru the blue wire and when the tan wire was put in the block the nail was pushed further thru the insulation of the tan wire.

The capacitor had a rather long leg that was attached to one of the screws on the back of the instrument cluster.

Hope this helps,

JR

[Joe R.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Joe,

The capacitor that attaches to the back of the instrument cluster on a 65 or any other midyear did NOT have 3M blue scotchlocks on them! You could use one to re-attach the capacitor but it did NOT come from the factory with 3M blue scotchlocks.

The capacitor had a light blue or dark blue pigtail about 3 inches long and a black plastic connector with a small nail inserted thru the blue wire and when the tan wire was put in the block the nail was pushed further thru the insulation of the tan wire.

The capacitor had a rather long leg that was attached to one of the screws on the back of the instrument cluster.

Hope this helps,

JR

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Thanks Joe. I guess I'll use the scotchblock that Jack and Terry spoke about. That is what I was going to use, anyway. It isn't right, but it's the best that I can do. I don't suppose that I can find an original type connector like you describe, but I could probably make one if I had a clear picture.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Thanks Joe. I guess I'll use the scotchblock that Jack and Terry spoke about. That is what I was going to use, anyway. It isn't right, but it's the best that I can do. I don't suppose that I can find an original type connector like you describe, but I could probably make one if I had a clear picture.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack:

Your description IS helpful, in that it describes a connector somewhat similar to a modrn "Scotchblock". With both your and Joe Ray's input, I'll use a red "Scotchblock" and paint it black.
Thanks.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Jack:

Your description IS helpful, in that it describes a connector somewhat similar to a modrn "Scotchblock". With both your and Joe Ray's input, I'll use a red "Scotchblock" and paint it black.
Thanks.

Joe

[Joe R.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Joe,

Yes, all the instrument guys have them (originals) that they took off old clusters that were restored or used for parts.

Regards,

JR

[Joe R.]

Re: Radio Noise Suppression Capacitor 3844184

Joe,

Yes, all the instrument guys have them (originals) that they took off old clusters that were restored or used for parts.

Regards,

JR