Topic: a fluid I could use to soak old,hard elec. wires/harness cables in to soften'em

[grcamna2]

I was always wondering if any of you have a 'trick' to make old hard wiring harness/electrics,wires,etc. softer ? possibly soak them in a special fluid that will do them good inside and out? I just want to be sure that the color of the insulation stays the same,but softer is certainly better... especially when removing or installing inner wire handlebar switches.
                                          Thoughts ? 

[trueblue]

I wonder if Don R's 'skin so soft' method would work for that too.   

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131810.0

[martin99]

Sounds like time for a new harness? If it's that hard you don't want to risk any fluids getting into cracks in the insulation which might cause you problems in the future. Just a thought.

[goofy3392]

I saw a video from DCC where they soaked a harness in WD-40. They had one of the big gallon cans of it.


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[grcamna2]

The wires aren't as hard as the outer cover,but just was curious if anything has been used w/ success before.

[mark]

rocking horse piss. works every time.

[grcamna2]

lol

[DH]

When I restored my bike ten years ago, I used WD 40 on a rag and it worked out good. I don't know if its the ideal thing to use for that purpose, but I'm still running the same harness now. Didn't harm the wire colors.
I like the Skin-so-soft idea. I'd try it on some old wiring that is otherwise junk and see how it works.

[Don R]

Low voltage only lol. BzzzzzAP!!!

[grcamna2]

When I restored my bike ten years ago, I used WD 40 on a rag and it worked out good. I don't know if its the ideal thing to use for that purpose, but I'm still running the same harness now. Didn't harm the wire colors.
I like the Skin-so-soft idea. I'd try it on some old wiring that is otherwise junk and see how it works.

Could be Don's already tried that Avon sss on wiring harness,switch harness covers? I got some because of his suggestion and works good on my cycle seat cover(does smell tacky though,but that goes away)so who knows? it's worth a try  what could it hurt 

[faux fiddy]

If it's just for  taking it apart to clean contacts or manipulating it back into place  you might use a 100w bulb to warm them up.  Heat always helps.

I think someone said they were using peanut butter on other certain plastics.

[grcamna2]

If it's just for  taking it apart to clean contacts or manipulating it back into place  you might use a 100w bulb to warm them up.  Heat always helps.

I think someone said they were using peanut butter on other certain plastics.

I was thinking if it was only temporary I would shoot them w/ WD and wipe'em down(I do that quite a bit on the contacts anyway to stop corrosion)and then heat the harness/outers to about 130 degrees F. before attaching it to the bike.
I just wondered if anyone's found something permanent like Wintergreen oil,etc.(although that might remove the color from the wires)to keep them soft,mainly the outer part of the harness.
peanut butter, lol  Did you mean peanut oil?

[DH]

Low voltage only lol. BzzzzzAP!!!

Yeah, I'd only wipe it down, not soak it 

[grcamna2]

bump

[faux fiddy]

Now that I think of it I think the thread said peanut oil was what  used on an airbox to condition the plastic.

[750cafe]

Vinyl protectant like Armor all. Or, better yet, Mothers Back to Black bumper protectant.

Eric

[grcamna2]

I like it when the wires/insulation cover,etc. are soft again so I can take my old harnesses and 'form' them better along the bike w/o too many wire ties or cable clamps,that's the main reason I'm asking. I like to re-use old ones for vintage originality. 
                                                                   thanks

[faux fiddy]

I like it when the wires/insulation cover,etc. are soft again so I can take my old harnesses and 'form' them better along the bike w/o too many wire ties or cable clamps,that's the main reason I'm asking. I like to re-use old ones for vintage originality. 
                                                                   thanks

Sometimes it's a hard call on the sheathing, it always cracks apart near the head tube, and I think if I do a wiring harness or have to dig a wire out of a segment of harness I'm going to use the spiraled plastic conduit.

[grcamna2]

I've used that coiled plastic cover once before John & it doesn't look to bad on a full custom build if that's what I was doing.I just like that thin flexible special 'wrap' they use back at the factory and want to preserve it if I can,that stuff is better than electrical tape and lasts longer.

[grcamna2]

I'm basically asking if any of you members have found a fluid to soak hard plastic in(like you would w/ Wintergreen oil for old rubber)for a while so it'll soften it a bit..

[750cafe]

Vinyl protectant like Armor all. Or, better yet, Mothers Back to Black bumper protectant.

Eric

Apply it many times and allow to soak in until you are happy with the results.

Eric

[grcamna2]

ok