wiring and plumbing

[guitarsam326]

I have been using telephone wire for all my air lines and hydraulic lines and such, but i'm not all that fond of it. maybe I have the wrong type, its not very flexible and doesn't want to hold its shape. I try and tuck the wires behind a cross member or whatever when I can, but when I cant I usually glue it, but that doesn't stick to the slick surface very well, the slightest bump and its all over, is there anything better out there?

[Superpeterbilt]

If you can find a coil of thin solder, its your best friend. Most hardware stores have thin rolls of copper wire and things like that. Dont under estimate the modeling potential of your local hardware store. Ive sprayed zip ties bright yellow for load staps and countless other things.

[Petetrucker07]

As Terry said, hardware stores. And just take a walk around a craft store or 2. Its really amazing what will work from there. Even drug stores like CVS, Walgreens and so on. Cosmetic sections have some hidden cross over items

[southpier]

I made the mistake of using recycled computer wire for spark plugs. once.

for all the work that goes into a finished build, it's worth (to me) getting the right stuff - even if it's not free.

[guitarsam326]

Thanks a lot guys, I have used the solder and it works, I just don't have multiple sizes so I guess I need to stock up. I'm always looking in craft stores, just never really get around to the hardware stores, and as far as the cosmetics sections, blush brushes work great for weathering powders, I have found that out!

[Jim B]

Sam, you probably are using the wrong "telephone" wire. There are lots of different types (I work in the telephone industry, trust me). For wiring & plumbing you need a solid wire (around 26 or 24 awg) that you'll find in CAT5 or CAT6 cable. CAT5 is a 4-pair (8-wire) 24awg, solid, tinned copper wire cable. You should be able to get a spool at Radio Shack.

Now using solder brings up an interesting discussion. Just how big are the air lines on a truck anyway? I would have to assume (dangerous word) that the main air lines from the compressor to the air tanks would be larger than the lines from the wheel lock modulators to the air brake housings. What about the air lines in an air ride suspension? I have a diagram that has the air line as 3/16" ID. Well, that's all fine, well, & good; but what's the outer diameter?

[guitarsam326]

Outer diameter is about 1/8" larger, give or take, I've never actually measured, but I will say that from what I've dealt with, the main lines from your compressor are about the same size as the main lines running to your relay valves and so forth, the lines get smaller for your signal air lines. Air suspension lines are fairly large as well. Thanks for the wiring tip James, I'll have to see if I can get some. What I really don't like about the wire I'm using is how it doesn't want to hold its shape, but I'll defineatley try some of the cat5 or 6 stuff, thanks again!