So the question is... Anywhere I have a ground wire, can I solder it to any metal on the car frame? I would think I could sand a small section of the frame to ensure bare metal is available and solder ground wires to it. Is solder strong enough?
So the question is... Anywhere I have a ground wire, can I solder it to any metal on the car frame? I would think I could sand a small section of the frame to ensure bare metal is available and solder ground wires to it. Is solder strong enough?
Yep that is the signal for ground, and the top picture is correct.
As far as grounding to your chassis, I wouldn't solder to it, not only is the solder not strong enough but I doubt you'll get solder to stick to your chassis. I would just use a crimp on connector with a self tapping screw into the frame.
You would have a hard time getting the chassis hot enough for solder to work properly. As stated by great 68, use a crimp terminal.
1. Choose correct size terminal, Strip wire
2. Crimp
3. Solder (optional - If you solder, clean flux residue off - isopropyl alcohol works good)
4. Heatshrink over wire/terminal crimp area (optional - It helps protect the wire and looks better)
5. Clean metal where connection will be made. Drill hole or use self tapping metal screw and fasten securely. It might be a good idea to touch up the exposed bare metal area with paint to prevent rust.