I put it into gear and it dies.

yeah, I am not the best at the electro-digital thing. I can only solder a little bit, but I have gotten pretty good at replacing ends with new crimp connectors and heat shrink.:DView attachment 1715853914
just a comment..........IF your original plastic connector housings are good, there is/ was no reason to abandon them-------you can get the Packard 56/58 terminals to "rebuild" them. Be careful to get the correct ones for replacement.