The Ford Barn

jdpaxton · 02-23-2018, 04:40 PM

I am redoing a wiring harness on my 39 and note the ring terminals all have a rubber hose for insulation. All of my sources of rubber hose are a bit too thick. Anyone come up with a more suitable and original looking hose? (thinner wall)

chap52 · 02-23-2018, 04:50 PM

How about garden drip system hose?

koates · 02-23-2018, 04:56 PM

Black shrink sleeving. You can cover with a second layer for a better look. Regards, Kevin.

tubman · 02-23-2018, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koates

Black shrink sleeving. You can cover with a second layer for a better look. Regards, Kevin.

I agree.

leon bee · 02-23-2018, 07:12 PM

One of the best things to happen with my wiring is I started buying that shrink tube in 4 foot lengths. Costs way less and I just cut off a hunk whenever I want. I use it all the time.

tubman · 02-23-2018, 07:39 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The best thing about the shrink tubing is that it's usually black, which looks more correct on these cars. I have spent a lot of time removing the colorful insulating sleeves from the hardware store terminals. I finally "bit the bullet" and bought a bunch of uninsulated terminals and found they are of better quality and a lot cheaper than picking up "onesy-twoseys" at the hardware store.

flatford8 · 02-23-2018, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

The best thing about the shrink tubing is that it's usually black, which looks more correct on these cars. I have spent a lot of time removing the colorful insulating sleeves from the hardware store terminals. I finally "bit the bullet" and bought a bunch of uninsulated terminals and found they are of better quality and a lot cheaper than picking up "onesy-twoseys" at the hardware store.

I do the same thing......melt off the colored plastic and replace with black shrink tubing....Mark

Drbrown · 02-23-2018, 09:04 PM

I frequently have a senior moment and forget to slide the piece of shrink tubing onto the wire before I crimp and solder the connector on. I agree with Kevin ... a second layer makes it look better and if your making a high amperage connection its better protection.

tubman · 02-23-2018, 09:17 PM

Duplicate post.

tubman · 02-23-2018, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drbrown

I frequently have a senior moment and forget to slide the piece of shrink tubing onto the wire before I crimp and solder the connector on. I agree with Kevin ... a second layer makes it look better and if your making a high amperage connection its better protection.

I have done this also. My solution (and to the problem where the shrink tubing is a little too large for the wire), is to slit the proper sized shrink tubing, spread it and put it over the area to be insulated, and then slip a large enough piece to fit OVER the terminal over the whole thing and hit it with the heat gun. Both pieces shrink, and most of the time, I end up with a good looking joint.

Shrink tubing is one of histories greatest inventions, right after the Thermos Bottle.

leon bee · 02-24-2018, 02:43 PM

I build motorcycles mostly. A few years ago I bought one that somebody else had built. A good deal on a real pretty bike. One day I realized that there was not one single blue or yello or red terminal mashed insulator on the whole machine. I still use a few, but they are hidden. My napa now has some of the non insulated terminals, but I still have to cut the plastic off butt splices, etc.

jdpaxton · 02-24-2018, 03:16 PM

Thanks guys. I am gonna keep looking. Shrink tube is just not the same regardless of how many layers. I`ll report back if I find a good replacement.
Finding clear tube is easy but the black seems to be the problem. Wife works at hospital and brings some outdated tube home occasionally and it is close in size but again usually clear. Thanks

petehoovie · 02-24-2018, 05:05 PM

They do make Thick Walled Heat Shrink Tubing

See > https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw...ds=&rmvSB=true

And > https://buyheatshrink.com/heatshrink...polyolefin.php

ReggieK · 02-24-2018, 05:47 PM

Try Rhode Island Wire. Lots of good stuff!!

v8fordman · 02-24-2018, 09:37 PM

Rhode Island Wiring sells the tubing in any length you want to buy. It is correct and if you choose, you may put shrink tubing under it to get a double insulation.

Graeme / New Zealand · 02-24-2018, 10:52 PM

Shrink tubing is great stuff. I've spent the weekend making a wiring harness for the turn signals I'm installing. I used a few different sizes and bought it by the metre length as its cheap that way. The left overs will last me the rest of my life.

GB

Mart · 02-25-2018, 04:04 AM

I'm doing the same myself, a complete new loom for my 41 pu. Ununsulated terminals, and heat shrink when I can. It may not be perfectly as original, but it is functional and smart and looks professional. It's worth getting a good pair of crimpers. I am also using the braided polyester sleeving. It takes a bit of planning if the loom is not dead simple, but I am pleased with my efforts.

In my mind, I wouldn't mind betting the original rubber tubing insulating material required an expander tool. I'm thinking a three pronged tool that expanded the tube to slip over the terminal and is then released and withdrawn.

Pure guesswork, but these were mass produced oem harnesses and special tooling would not have been an issue. I don't know what would have been available to the home gamer back in the 30s and 40s.

Mart.

flatheadmurre · 02-25-2018, 07:15 AM

There is a tool with 3 metal rods expanding to put the numbered sleeves on industrial wiring that is still sold...may work for this.

FireEngineMike · 02-25-2018, 08:39 AM

For those of us who sometimes miss a step, only to realize it later, there is heat shrink tape (Amazon: 1" x 180' for $7.85) and liquid electrical tape (Amazon: 4 oz bottle for $6.76). I have used both over the years with varying success. One reviewer posted detailed instructions for the tape. Neither is as neat as heat shrink tubing.

tubman · 02-25-2018, 10:07 AM

I agree with "Mart" about getting a good crimper. Those flat, black things with the red handles that most of us have are crap. I got a good one from Amazon.com for about $30 that works much better. Also we've heard the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none". I feel this way about electrical tools. I used to use one of those flat black things that was supposed to be a wire cutter and stripper as well as a crimper. These days, I use my new crimper, a quality set of side-cutters, and a purpose made stripper and it has made my wiring tasks much easier. The big advantage though, is my connections are of much higher quality that they used to be.

02-23-2018, 04:40 PM	#1
jdpaxton Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 29	Ring terminals I am redoing a wiring harness on my 39 and note the ring terminals all have a rubber hose for insulation. All of my sources of rubber hose are a bit too thick. Anyone come up with a more suitable and original looking hose? (thinner wall)

02-23-2018, 04:50 PM	#2
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: Ring terminals How about garden drip system hose?

02-23-2018, 04:56 PM	#3
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,078	Re: Ring terminals Black shrink sleeving. You can cover with a second layer for a better look. Regards, Kevin.

02-23-2018, 07:12 PM	#5
leon bee Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 611	Re: Ring terminals One of the best things to happen with my wiring is I started buying that shrink tube in 4 foot lengths. Costs way less and I just cut off a hunk whenever I want. I use it all the time.

02-23-2018, 07:39 PM	#6
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,304	Re: Ring terminals Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The best thing about the shrink tubing is that it's usually black, which looks more correct on these cars. I have spent a lot of time removing the colorful insulating sleeves from the hardware store terminals. I finally "bit the bullet" and bought a bunch of uninsulated terminals and found they are of better quality and a lot cheaper than picking up "onesy-twoseys" at the hardware store.

02-23-2018, 09:04 PM	#8
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,267	Re: Ring terminals I frequently have a senior moment and forget to slide the piece of shrink tubing onto the wire before I crimp and solder the connector on. I agree with Kevin ... a second layer makes it look better and if your making a high amperage connection its better protection.

02-23-2018, 09:17 PM	#9
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,304	Re: Ring terminals Duplicate post.

02-24-2018, 02:43 PM	#11
leon bee Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 611	Re: Ring terminals I build motorcycles mostly. A few years ago I bought one that somebody else had built. A good deal on a real pretty bike. One day I realized that there was not one single blue or yello or red terminal mashed insulator on the whole machine. I still use a few, but they are hidden. My napa now has some of the non insulated terminals, but I still have to cut the plastic off butt splices, etc.

02-24-2018, 03:16 PM	#12
jdpaxton Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 29	Re: Ring terminals Thanks guys. I am gonna keep looking. Shrink tube is just not the same regardless of how many layers. I`ll report back if I find a good replacement. Finding clear tube is easy but the black seems to be the problem. Wife works at hospital and brings some outdated tube home occasionally and it is close in size but again usually clear. Thanks

02-24-2018, 05:05 PM	#13
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,081	Re: Ring terminals They do make Thick Walled Heat Shrink Tubing See > https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw...ds=&rmvSB=true And > https://buyheatshrink.com/heatshrink...polyolefin.php __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

02-24-2018, 05:47 PM	#14
ReggieK Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 119	Re: Ring terminals Try Rhode Island Wire. Lots of good stuff!!

02-24-2018, 09:37 PM	#15
v8fordman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lexington, NC Posts: 860	Re: Ring terminals Rhode Island Wiring sells the tubing in any length you want to buy. It is correct and if you choose, you may put shrink tubing under it to get a double insulation.

02-24-2018, 10:52 PM	#16
Graeme / New Zealand Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lower Hutt , New Zealand Posts: 2,126	Re: Ring terminals Shrink tubing is great stuff. I've spent the weekend making a wiring harness for the turn signals I'm installing. I used a few different sizes and bought it by the metre length as its cheap that way. The left overs will last me the rest of my life. GB __________________ "you can't make honey out of dog sh*t" "You're a long time looking at the lid"

02-25-2018, 04:04 AM	#17
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,745	Re: Ring terminals I'm doing the same myself, a complete new loom for my 41 pu. Ununsulated terminals, and heat shrink when I can. It may not be perfectly as original, but it is functional and smart and looks professional. It's worth getting a good pair of crimpers. I am also using the braided polyester sleeving. It takes a bit of planning if the loom is not dead simple, but I am pleased with my efforts. In my mind, I wouldn't mind betting the original rubber tubing insulating material required an expander tool. I'm thinking a three pronged tool that expanded the tube to slip over the terminal and is then released and withdrawn. Pure guesswork, but these were mass produced oem harnesses and special tooling would not have been an issue. I don't know what would have been available to the home gamer back in the 30s and 40s. Mart.

02-25-2018, 07:15 AM	#18
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Ring terminals There is a tool with 3 metal rods expanding to put the numbered sleeves on industrial wiring that is still sold...may work for this.

02-25-2018, 08:39 AM	#19
FireEngineMike Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Webster, NY Posts: 215	Re: Ring terminals For those of us who sometimes miss a step, only to realize it later, there is heat shrink tape (Amazon: 1" x 180' for $7.85) and liquid electrical tape (Amazon: 4 oz bottle for $6.76). I have used both over the years with varying success. One reviewer posted detailed instructions for the tape. Neither is as neat as heat shrink tubing.

02-25-2018, 10:07 AM	#20
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,304	Re: Ring terminals I agree with "Mart" about getting a good crimper. Those flat, black things with the red handles that most of us have are crap. I got a good one from Amazon.com for about $30 that works much better. Also we've heard the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none". I feel this way about electrical tools. I used to use one of those flat black things that was supposed to be a wire cutter and stripper as well as a crimper. These days, I use my new crimper, a quality set of side-cutters, and a purpose made stripper and it has made my wiring tasks much easier. The big advantage though, is my connections are of much higher quality that they used to be.