55 Chevy - GA Group Build

[Guest snapper]

Here is a build that I am working on for our local chapter. This isn't the same one as my 55 Chevy Rebuild - I temporarily put this one aside to get started on the group build in this WIP which turned out to be pretty similar. This build is a dirt track racer from the 60's. This build has given me the opportunity to try a lot of "firsts", and I'm pushing myself to just do some things no matter what the outcome. I have made some mistakes already, but this is turning out to be one of those "I already did it, but I know what to do next time" sort of builds. I have posted a few progress pics below for feedback, but I have a few specific wiring questions I was wondering if anyone could answer for me or direct for me. There have been so many great builds in this forum with great wiring. I'm really trying to develop some wiring skills on this build, but I ran in to a few problems that I need to post. Thanks for your consideration and help,

-Plug wiring - I painted my plug wires black, but the paint chips off (enamel) very easily when bending in place. Is my error in not painting the wires correctly (such as sanding them first), painting them after putting them in place, or other? maybe in the type of paint? I figure acrylic would be even worse. I want to continue using this type and gauge wiring I have because it bends nicely and is easy to work with.

-Starter wiring - This engine just has the regular old cylindrical starter, but I need some advice on the positive and negative connections on the starter itself. Looks like there are a few additions that I can scratch build on the starter, but I don't have any good reference pics.

Thanks again

[MrObsessive]

Your engine looks really good so far, but I wouldn't have painted the wires as paint doesn't like to stick well on the insulation (vinyl) as it is. I would have went with black electrical wiring that you can pick up at an electronics store or barring that, at your LHS for some Detail Master engine wiring which comes in different colors.

The only suggestion I can make since you already have the wiring on, is to touch up the spots where it's peeling (carefully) and then stocking up on some engine wiring for the next time.

Now, I'm not an expert in the area of wiring for starters, so here's a pic of a Chevy small block with the starter attached. I do know that GM starters of that vintage had the solenoid mounted piggyback on the starter so someone with some better knowledge can help you out more there.

Hope this helps!

[Alyn]

You would be hard pressed to find a suitable type of paint that can handle bending, so if you insist on continuing to use the same type of wire, change your process to accomplish most of the necessary bending prior to painting the wire. As an example, glue the wires to a loose distributor, set it in place and route the wiring close to the finished positions. The remove and paint. After the paint dries, attach the distributor/wiring assembly to the motor and do the minimal final bending necessary. Touch up as required. Plastic insulated wire or bare copper, which usually has a varnish coating will both have the same issues, although the bare copper may fair slightly better. Paint is a thin film designed to provide a hard protective coating and just doesn't have the flexibility to handle excess bending.

For a better solution, use the wrap wire that many builders are so fond of. It doesn't require any painting and bends nicely as well. It's a solid conductor wire as opposed to stranded wire which doesn't hold a bend well.

As far as the starter goes, consider that to wire up an engine in great detail, three diameters of wire are required; larger diameter for battery cables, smaller diameter for plug wires and very fine wire for other details. The GM style starter has the solenoid on top of the starter motor with a direct connection to the battery. This is where the positive (red) battery cable should go. The negative side of the starter circuit is not wired, but rather is provided by the physical connection of the metal starter body attached to the engine block(metal to metal). There are additional wires on the solenoid, but most guys don't add them since they would require the ultra fine wire. If you want to run these, just route them into a wire bundle or back through the firewall or into the firewall bulkhead connector if one exists. A bit of work in an area that will probably be hidden by headers and chassis components.

For reference, .030" is reasonable for battery cables, .020" for plug wires and .007" for fine details. Human hair is around .005" give or take a ten thousandth or two. If you calculate the actual size of wire in scale these measurements are a bit large, but based on readily available wire, they will achieve a petty decent look for your engine.

Edited November 1, 2009 by Alyn

[Guest snapper]

Thank you fellas for this advice and reference pic Mr. Obsessive. This is great help for the questions that I'm continuing to have on this build. Roadhawg has given me a lot of direction on this build too, so I would like to thank him for that. It sounds as if I may still need to be on the hunt for right size gauge but just in black. I appreciate the general reference for different gauges as well. My favorite wire may not be the best choice unless I want the plug wires, etc. to be blue. On this build, I ended up touching up the wires after they were in place, but I don't like the fact that it could flake off at any moment or with any touch. Like you said Alyn, I have found the single conductor to work the best in bending. I'm just going to have to search out the right wire a little more along with some minor changes in my process.

Edited November 1, 2009 by snapper