Wire harness cleaning ?

Is there any safe and effective liquid that I can soak an old harness in to clean it up, or do I just have to resort to old-fashioned elbow grease tactics ?

elbow grease :laugh:

shoot some wd-40 on it and wipe it down

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I used simple green 50% diluted on a clean rag. Grab a beer, you'll be done before you know it.

A gentle touch is the key when cleaning old harnesses ... pick your cleaner of choice (for wiring/loom/materials (not the actual connectors) I prefer something with a bit of restorative power like Armor-all)...refrain from bending the wires too much as they will have a tendency to break within the wire...the actual wire might not break but the insulation will and if you have adjacent wires with broken insulation, then you have a short.

Mcdroid wrote:

A gentle touch is the key when cleaning old harnesses ... pick your cleaner of choice (for wiring/loom/materials (not the actual connectors) I prefer something with a bit of restorative power like Armor-all)...refrain from bending the wires too much as they will have a tendency to break within the wire...the actual wire might not break but the insulation will and if you have adjacent wires with broken insulation, then you have a short.

We're on the same page Mcdroid, this is pretty much what I was thinking when I posted originally. otakar was talking about some rubber/vinyl restoration solution that he formulated for intake boots a while ago. I was defintely looking to try to restore some pliability if possible.

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If the electrical connectors are damaged and need replacement, look at these websites: www.easternbeaver , www.vintageconnections.com , www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu , www.z1enterprises.com , and www.electricalconnection.com/electrical-components/hitachi.htm

To re-bundle wires, I found some websites for non-sticky tape:Dry Vinyl Tape From Tape Brothers
www.tapebrothers.com

Dry Vinyl Tapes are non-adhesive plasticized polyvinyl chloride film tape. Easy unwinding characteristics - tape clings firmly to it’s own backing for tight wrap. High elongation and good strength to permit trouble-free binding of wiring harnesses for the automotive industry. Dry vinyl tape also used for plating applications- high stretch, good “cling” characteristics and great conformability provide for superior masking in hard chrome and other plating applications.

DVT-76B 2 in. x 250 ft. Black Dry Vinyl Tape
2 in. x 250 ft. Black Dry Vinyl Tape
Our Price: $6.54 Per Roll

www.wiringharness.com
• Non-Adhesive Vinyl Harness Tape, made to the original mil-thickness.
• Just wrap it tightly around the wires and knot the end.
• 100 foot roll is enough to do 3 to 4 harnesses complete.
• Available in three different widths, as original.
• Correct for all years (1955 to Present).

Part # Description Price
R0058272 3/4" Vinyl Harness Tape, 100 foot roll $12.00
R0058276 1" Vinyl Harness Tape, 100 foot roll $13.00
R0067108 1-1/4" Vinyl Harness Tape, 100 foot roll $15.00



www.keefeperformance.com/silicone_tape.html
"36 Foot" roll of Self bonding silicone tape
High temperature silicone tape
This Mil-spec silicone tape is Rated up to 500+ degrees

Made of silicone rubber, this self fusing silicone tape will protect most all electrical wiring, connectors, hoses, spark plug boots and more from extremely high temperatures. The self vulcanizing process automatically begins when the two sides of the tape are put into contact. A catalyst on one side of the tape begins the bonding process as soon as wrapping takes place.
great for all electrical wiring, harness, cable, and hose applications
Colors: Red and Black
Exceeds MIL AA-59163 TYPE 1 & 2
ASTM-D 2137 / -65C
ASTM D-412
ASTM D-149
Electrical, Home, Auto, Truck, RV, Marine, Motorcycle, Military, Commercial, Industrial, Generator