aftermarket stereo wiring, 01 civic

If you know how to solder, do that.  it takes 10 min more but proper connection is assured.2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

do i have to use the soldering paste, or not http://www.turbomonster.com/pdf/HowToSolder.pdf#search='soldering%20wires' also, i've heard that it's not a good idea to twist wires before soldering, but "carefully blend together, so the individual conductors fully reach each other". any take on that?

1: No, the paste is optional. The paste would be used if you are NOT using rosin core solder, which you will be. I have not seen solid solder in YEARS. 2: Way more work than is necessary, and makes soldering look more daunting a job than it really is. 3: Twist 'em. It will make your job much easier, the connection will be physically stronger, and it'll be easier. Did I mention it'd be easier? 4: Here's a really good tutorial... Click the "Soldering 101" link, but the whole page is good information.It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

The "blending together" action of joining wires you refer to is simply not as strong a connection as twisting.  Strip back enough to easily twist the wires tightly, and solder it.My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

cool, that's what i was planning...then put some electrical, and hit it with a lighter for a sec, to melt it in.

i ran into a little problem when i started soldering today. i can not seem to get that thin layer on the tip of my iron, it keeps rolling off. cheap solder that came with the iron, or?