Wireing harness tape replacement

[Ed]

Has anyone replaced the tape used to cover the wireing hareness. Mine is old grimmy and tore-up. I want to replace it. I've thought about useing electrical tape, but that shrinks over time and leaves a sticky residue. Any suggestions on what kind of tape to use?

[wal280z]

I've pondered this myself, Ed. I've been looking at Eastwood's "Cold Shrink Tape" (item #25051) for some time. I had something from my late father's garage that looked like black electrical tape but w/o adhesive on it. It was a little stiff to apply, perhaps it comes with instructions. I plan on placing an order for it in the next month or two, if you beat me to it, let us know how it works.

Wayne

[Bambikiller240]

I think Wick Humbles "How to Restore" book has a recommendation.

BTW, the OEM wrap on my 72 looks, acts, and feels like common electrical tape.

[civ104]

It's not quite authentic, but if I were to be attempting to rewrap the wiring harnesses. I would use a self vulcanizing tape, which I think is what the Eastwood offering is. In the Air Force, it was known as F-4 tape because it could be used in many different ways. I've been able to repair a burst radiator hose with the stuff, I think that was on one of my roadsters or the 510 I had so long ago. Scotch has a couple of versions of the stuff, but as I said, most aren't that authentic, due to the fact most of the tapes I have used have a colored stripe right in the middle of it.

Just looked at the Eastwood tape and that is exactly what I was talking about. It's a type of self vulcanisintape, and when you remove it, it's more like cutting the casing off a cable than unwrapping tape. :classic:

[Ed]

Thanks for getting me going in the right direction. I found that it's called "Loom Tape". Eastwoods has some.

If I remember I'll post my results.

Thanks again.

[TomoHawk]

Does that stuff get 'hard'? Wouldn't that be bad, because you couldn't bend it, or move it away while working in the area?

I like 'hockey tape.' moisture doesn't bother it, and it leaves no residue. It's also clear, and I don't know if it'll get brittle.

[civ104]

If it got hard; I mean so it would crack under stress, it never would have been used on aircraft. Maybe under extreme stress or wrapping it too many times, it would feel hard, but it ordinarilly(sp?) won't harden up.

[Ed]

Does that stuff get 'hard'? Wouldn't that be bad, because you couldn't bend it, or move it away while working in the area?

I'll let you know, I ordered a few rolls and will begin re-taping the engine bay wireing harness. Should have it done by Christmas :classic: .

[beandip]

Ed , loom tape is the stuff allright Essex is a maker of it # BT-079 If you have the HOW TO RESTORE book look on page 117 there is a long list of suppliers. Gary

[drunkenmaster]

its funny that people sell "loom tape" yet OEM manufacturers just use regular PVC electrical tape such as NITTO etc

[260Zed]

I ended up using a loom tubing. 25mm and 12mm. Kinda like spiral hosing but thinner and has a split down the middle. Took me way too long to unwrap the original tape, for me to even consider putting the same kinda stuff back on. I find it MUCH easier to follow a wire or do any work on the loom when I can just pull open the tubing. Rather than unwrap everything.

But I understand it wouldn't be for the purists.

I would upload pics, but I cant for some reason? Will try later.

Luke

[TomoHawk]

IMO, The plastic loom tube is great to hold a big bunch of wires (like headlight wiring) together like you said, and you can put clamps or ties on it and not worry about crushing, but I think that water can get in too easy, and in some places it's way too loose or cheap, like on top of the engine, where you want minimal 'stuff.' There, I'd rather wrap 2 or 3 wires with tape, instead of loom.

thx