how do you soften old wiring?

[E5 Charger]

I know I read about someone using lanolin, I think, to soften old hard brittle wiring. I searched and searched but couldn't find anything about this. Has anyone done this? Is there another product that can bring back some life to old wiring that is otherwise uncut with good connectors?

[tan top]

if it were me
would not risk it !!  , old & brittle !!  accedent waiting to happen  especialy  under the hood  

[Ghoste]

The very best way to soften old wiring is to replace it.

[E5 Charger]

I agree, but these are the wires coming off the taillights on a 74. I don't think they make replacements. Plus I'm sure the plastic housing would break trying to remove the sockets. I've noticed hairline cracks on the plastic by the socket. They aren't hard as a rock, but obviously not a soft as you would like. I will be replacing the wires under the hood, no hope for those.

[bull]

I used my credit card to soften it up. It came from Year One looking brand new.

In your case, however, you might have to try replacing the individual wires with new ones that are as similar as you can find. If they are pretty brittle I wouldn't reuse them.

[Tilar]

That plastic housing will definitley break if you try. I found out the hard way.

[HOTROD]

 

[The70RT]

Best way to soften it up is to put it in a burn pile....then cash it in for scrap to put towards a new harness. All new wiring for mine only cost a grand 

[elacruze]

This made a spark in my mind.

One of the reasons rodents love your wires is because the insulation is (supposedly, I haven't seen the science) made with peanut oil.
I think I'll get an old brittle harness and some peanut oil, and see what happens.

[Troy]

This made a spark in my mind.

One of the reasons rodents love your wires is because the insulation is (supposedly, I haven't seen the science) made with peanut oil.
I think I'll get an old brittle harness and some peanut oil, and see what happens.

You'll attract more mice?

Troy

[elacruze]

This made a spark in my mind.

One of the reasons rodents love your wires is because the insulation is (supposedly, I haven't seen the science) made with peanut oil.
I think I'll get an old brittle harness and some peanut oil, and see what happens.

You'll attract more mice?

Troy

Hm perhaps I can get my GF to assist, in a bikini.

[HOTROD]

Anyone ----got  A any A  Lotion  !

[1969chargerrtse]

And to think I clicked on this thinking there actually be a serious answer? 

[E5 Charger]

Hey, your not the only one. I know I read something about this before.

[elacruze]

And to think I clicked on this thinking there actually be a serious answer? 

I'm completely serious about the peanut oil.

[PatrickPeeters]

Replacing harnas would be best option.
i'm afraid i'm have to replace it also, mine isn't that bad but better save then sorry.
What will replacement harnas cost and where to buy?
Guessing peanut-oil would be cheaper and easier to find....
(Maybe you can swap engine also and try to run on peanut-oil if it doesn't soften the wiring)

[The70RT]

If nothing else the peanut oil may act as a conductor and then 

[ITSA426]

The best way to soften up the old harness is pour money all over it.  I just scrapped out some old harnesses.  Scrap yards pay you a few dollars for that stuff.

[PatrickPeeters]

Anyone knows where to buy new for reasonable prices?
Anyone did a wiring resto without replacing the original harnass?

[E5 Charger]

Hey I would be happy to buy new, but they don't make it for a 74 taillight!

[The70RT]

Anyone knows where to buy new for reasonable prices?
Anyone did a wiring resto without replacing the original harnass?

As far as I know just M&H makes one that is the original. http://www.wiringharness.com Year One carries the M&H and someone else does too. They are expensive though as I bought a complete set and was close to a grand. I figure if you are doing a complete resto you need to do it. Lots of these cars burned up due to not changing out the 40 year old wiring. Mine still looked pretty good but after my cars done I will ebag it.

[PatrickPeeters]

Will consider replacing because the hate it when you have to take car apart when there's a faulty wire or bad connection....

[Highbanked Hauler]

 An other thing to keep in mind is the corrosion  that builds up in the wire from  age. When I can afford to change the one in my car I will.

[greasyspider]

I have had some success with soaking them in WD-40.  As long as the insulation isn't cracked you should be fine.  I did it with a 52 M-37 power wagon that there was no harness available for.   However, the insulation was rubber not vinyl.  And I was able to remove the harness and submerge it in a small bucket.  Its worth a shot though. It won't hurt to try it.

[E5 Charger]

Thanks for all the advice. Wow 625 views! Obviously a lot of people are interested in this. I didn't realize you could buy the harness, I thought it was the wires running through the interior and through the interior and not at the lights with the sockets. I am afraid to remove the old sockets, I'm sure the plastic housing will break. I wonder if you cut through the metal behind the socket, if you could then separate them without too much stress on the plastic? This car is a long way from being done, so I have a lot of time to think about what I will do. Thanks again.