From looking at the pics in the instructions, it looks like it is telling you not to strip the wire down to the bare wire, is this true or am I just looking at this wrong?

 

It's been a long time since I put mine together, but I do remember the install. I slid the boot on the wire. Then removed all the insulation down to the wire (spiral core will look like a tiny spring). I folded the wire back. Then put the metal end on, and slid the boot back over the crimped end.

 

So you don't strip it all the way down to the bare wire...You just strip it down to the black spiral part..basically like they come in the box?

 

Yes... strip down to the black, spiral wire. I would consider that the bare wire... that's where the current is traveling.

 

Thanks guys...I just wanted to make sure that I didn't screw them up.

 

Crimping is really simple. I have a set of MSD crimpers so that really helped out a lot. Put the boot on FIRST, slide it back a few inches (use silicone spray liberally for this), then strip the coating, fold the wire back, put the opti end on, and crimp. Then slide the boot up and over the terminal (not too far) and then you're done. Really easy once you do a couple.

 

I would buy the aluminum crimp blocks that you place between a vice. They make a much nicer crimp. I bought one from a local speed shop several years ago for like $10-$20. I've used it many times... well worth the money.