How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

[Mike E.]

PO on my 71 jerked one line and fitting off the center console area. Rather than purchasing a complete rear fiberoptic harness, I though I would disconnect this fitting from a junk harness and reused it on the harness on the car. However, I'm not familiar with this type of fitting. How do I remove this so it is reusable? TIA
fiberoptic end (3).jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

I've never removed a ferrule, but have installed new ones. It's pretty straightforward. I believe the Corvette parts vendors sell them.

[Mike E.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

That ferrule, that location, is not sold by anyone I can find. It is the connector on the rear fiber optics to the plastic lens in the center console. Anyone know how to open this one up for reuse?

[Leif A.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

Mike,
It appears from your photo that the fitting may be just slipped over the end of the fiber optic cable...adhered with some glue. No?? Maybe soak that end in some 3M Adhesive remover or some lacquer thinner and see if it doesn't separate from the cable. Just a thought.

[Mark E.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

That ferrule, that location, is not sold by anyone I can find. It is the connector on the rear fiber optics to the plastic lens in the center console. Anyone know how to open this one up for reuse?

Mike,

I sourced 2 or 3 of these about 10 years ago when I restored my console. But you're right- I searched today and came up dry. Are there more ferrules on the junk harness than you need? It may come down to practicing on one.

Another thought- call a vendor who makes a replacement harness and ask if you can buy just the ferrules.

[Justin S.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

Is the ferrule a judging item?

What if you get a modern fiber patch kit and utilize one of the same size?

[Richard M.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

Mike, it reminds me of those plastic plumbing fittings with the inner collar.

Maybe carefully pry the collar(between arrow) to see if it moves from the housing.

fiberoptic end (3).jpg

[Mike E.]

Re: How to remove and reuse this fiberoptic connector

I finally got up the courage to try this. I started by using my heat gun to burn off the yellow insulation above and below the ferrule. The ferrule then slipped off the glass strands. As Rich suggested, it was a 2-piece ferrule. The outer jacket with the u-shaped relief slid off the inner ferrule. The inner ferrule had been crimped onto the vinyl sheathing, so I had to carefully enlarge the center of that with a small drill bit at low speed until it would slip on over the new insulation and fibers. The inner ferrule was very similar to the ones they sell in the fiber optic repair kits, and would have worked, but I chose the secure the old one with a spot of super-glue. The outer portion (2nd ferrule) then slipped over that. It's function is to keep the cable end from coming out of the lens in the center console.
Thanks to all for the input--Got it done!