I'm about to solder for the first time. I have the gun and wire. I need to install a new bottom mount headlight and then reroute my speedo harness mess. Do any of you guys have some good tips on how to do this?
I'm learning as I go.

 

My first suggestion would be to buy a soldering iron instead of a gun. More controlled and focused heat. Also the wires need to be hot enough to melt solder if theiron is removed. dipping the tips of the wire influx helps too.

 

Practice on a LOT of scrap wire before moving on to the real thing that has to be done right.

(1) Hold the iron to the wire until IT melts the solder, NOT the iron.
(2) Although I hesitate to mention this, I will since you stated its your 1st time. Use electrical resin core solder, not plumbing solder.

 

I would use a small soldering iron, a gun is overkill. You don't need to use flux if you buy the right solder (I believe it's called resin-core, if you got to Radio shack or a similar place you can get the right stuff).

Basically, the trick is to tin the end of the iron with solder first so it's nice and shiney (wipe off any excess with a wet rag). Then heat the wires, and let the solder flow into the wires.

You'll also want to use quality heat shrink wrap. I've heard some suggest getting the stuff with the adhesive inside, but you can also wipe clear nailpolish over the bare wire before sliding the shrink wrap over it.

If you practice a couple of times on scrap wire, you should be able to get the hang of it.

 

My mistake, I do have an iron. Thanks for the replies so far. I'm gonna make a run to the store now. Are there any tips on holding the wires in place while I heat them up.

 

you want rosin core solder, for soldering electronics.

like mentioned above, find a way for the wires to touch together, apply the iron to the wires and heat the wires, then feed solder into the wires, DO NOT "paint" the solder on with the iron, apply the solder until if flows smoothly, then remove the heat, don't touch the joint until it's cooled off.

another thing that I would suggest is to use heat shrink tubing to insolate the solder joint, put the heat shrink tubing on the wire first, slide it out of the way of the heat from the soldring iron, after you solder the wires together and the joint has cooled, slide the heat shrink tubing over the joint and heat it with a lighter, it will shrink and seal the joint air tight. works better than using electrical tape!

 

Its done. My first soldering project was a success. I did blow a fuse trying to connect the correct wires together (high beam low beam). The soldering process went great, I practiced on some wire before and then went to work. The only incident I had was dropping my freaking Headlight lense on the garage floor while getting the fuse box cover off. Its off to buy a new lense now.

 

Congrats. Soldering is actually much easier than most people expect, once you get the hang of it...