Wrecker / Rollback 'steel' cable ?

[57peppershaker]

Hi Gents

I recently picked up a 1;25 scale die cast Chevy Silverado rollback recovery truck.

Whats the best thing to use to replicate steel cable for hauling a busted car up ? I bought the thinnest brass picture wire I could get & will weather it with vinegar & salt. I'm concerned it wont wind around the cable drup ect without wanting to unroll itself ?

Anything better out there ? And just as cheap lol

[Harry P.]

Heavy duty gray sewing thread.

http://www.joann.com/coats-andamp-clark-dual-duty-plus-button-andamp-carpet-thread-50yds/xprd840936.html#sz=90&start=1

[wrecker388]

I forget what this was called but I think it comes pretty close. It's some type of metallic thread that I think came from Jo-Ann fabrics in the clearance aisle. I think it was packaged with gold and silver. Here's a picture of it used on my 34 Ford Tow Truck. I wish I remembered the name so I could be of better help.

[espo]

Hi Gents

I recently picked up a 1;25 scale die cast Chevy Silverado rollback recovery truck.

Whats the best thing to use to replicate steel cable for hauling a busted car up ? I bought the thinnest brass picture wire I could get & will weather it with vinegar & salt. I'm concerned it wont wind around the cable drup ect without wanting to unroll itself ?

Anything better out there ? And just as cheap lol

Check out the jewelry department at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabrics. I have gotten vary fine chains there that I used for the tail gate on a pick-up. Something like that may work.    

[Harry P.]

Check out the jewelry department at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabrics. I have gotten vary fine chains there that I used for the tail gate on a pick-up. Something like that may work.    

But steel chain isn't going to replicate steel cable.

[Longbox55]

Another option, if you need something to replicate heavier cable, is nylon surveyors twine. Any hardware store should have it. Get it in white, and paint it with Metalizer . Burnt Iron works great for an old weathered look.

[Art Anderson]

Heavy duty gray sewing thread.

http://www.joann.com/coats-andamp-clark-dual-duty-plus-button-andamp-carpet-thread-50yds/xprd840936.html#sz=90&start=1

AKA Carpet Thread--available at Hobby Lobby & Walmart.

 

[restoman]

I've used copper wire from old headphones and ear buds... spray it with high-heat silver paint and it looks like the real deal.

[57peppershaker]

Thanks for all your answers Gents

Good old ebay had reels for a few £s. It arrived today, just gotta find time to use it.

[Chariots of Fire]

Try Beadalon nylon coated stainless steel beading wire.  It looks like real winch cable and is 0.015" diameter.  Only drawback is that it is very springy and if you don't keep a tight rein on it when you wind it, it loosens up and you have to rewind it.  Use some superglue sparingly to hold it in place.  Here's an example of how it looks.

[Art Anderson]

I've used copper wire from old headphones and ear buds... spray it with high-heat silver paint and it looks like the real deal.

I've used grey Carpet Thread on several cars, for emergency brake cables--it's very convincing for new cable, and has little, if any loose fibers, so it takes paint in case one wants to weather it.

Art