Braided line/hose question

[mwfuss]

I have a question regarding braided line/hose. I know that there are a number of companies that offer braided line/hose for sale in various diameters [Detail Master, Pro Tech, several Japanese vendors]. I also know about the craft store items and the fishing leaders that are often used to replicate braided line/hose. The braided line that comes from DM, PT, and others, comes in small quantities. What I have often wanted to be able to do is to find a supplier of the same type of material, but in bulk. Does anyone have any insight into where I can find the same type of braided line material sold by the aftermarket manufacturers, but in larger quantities? I have found an item offered by Daburn. The item is described as Tubular Braid and is a tinned copper shielded braid. I have also seen other companies that sell this same type of material. Does anyone know if this would be the same type or material or close to the same type of material that is sold to hobbyists as braided line? By the way, I am not asking anyone to divulge any trade secrets here, I am just trying to find out if I am on the right track in my search for braided line in larger quantities. I would greatly appreciate any insight into this matter.

[crazyjim]

That Daburn place also has #2671 Ultra Flexible Sub-Miniature Wire that might be able to be used for ignition wire, battery cables, etc. They have several colors and sizes. Daburn doesn't show any prices for anything - at least I couldn't find them.

I don't know the the wire size that aftermarket guys use for their ignition wire or what sizes of the braided you'd use for what purpose (fuel, radiator, A/C, etc.).

[crazyjim]

Me again. Got out the old micrometer. Looks like .080 diameter (2" scale) for radiator hoses, .025" for fuel lines, and .022" for ignition wires (this size fits through the MCG wire looms).

[crazyjim]

I figured out how to get prices from Daburn. Whoa!!! Their #2350 tubular braid, 1/8"ID, 50 feet long, is $126.00. That comes out to $2.50 per foot. Outta my league.

[mwfuss]

Jim, I knew that the line from Daburn was way too expensive, I was only using it as a point of reference. My question still remains, however, and that is, does anyone know of a braided line material that can be purchased in bulk [at a reasonable price]?

I remember reading an article in another model car magazine a few years back that gave a suggestion for the type of material to look for at an electrical supply house that could be used for braided line. I know that there must be some way of obtaining small sized braided line other than in very small quantities. Or at least I hope so.

At any rate, my search continues and if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful.

[crazyjim]

I hear you. These aftermarket world (Scale Dreams, MCG, R&D) has to be getting the product from somewhere because I doubt they are the manufacturers. Have you tried contacting an aftermarket person and ask them to sell you a large quantity at a reduced price? Worst they can say is no. I doubt that they'd tell you their source. If I was in the business, I wouldn't tell you where I got product.