a method of preventing damage to the metal contacts of multiple contact connectors in wiring harnesses during shipment and preinstallation handling . the method comprises the steps of providing essentially identical connector bodies with complemental , multi - point mechanical interconnections so that the connector bodies can be segregated into pairs and releasably attached to one another in such a way that the connector body surfaces relative to which the metal contacts are most exposed are juxtaposed relative to one another . the mated connectors and the associated wiring harnesses are thereafter packaged and shipped to a location where they are assembled into the vehicle . the mated connector pairs are detached from one another so that they may be separately routed in the course of the installation process . the apparatus disclosed provides means for releasably attaching the connectors to one another in juxtaposed pairs with multi - point mechanical connections which resist torsional loads found to occur during shipment and handling . the mating connector designs may be such as to be compatible with vehicle components used in the final installation .