Hard wiring lights?

I agree. I think the bulkhead connector was more a convenience for factory assembly. However, it does make it easier to upgrade the harnesses today, if you have $200 for a kit. Most vehicles I have seen since the 1980's have no connector and just run the harness thru a grommet in the bulkhead. I will probably do that with the big ALT and BATT wires in my 64 Valiant since it doesn't have the nice dedicated feed-thru studs in my 65's (1 year only?).