Plug Wires?

[kymdlr]

Ive usually used pre wired distributors from some of the online sources or electric wires taken from random electronics to replicate spark plugs.  Recently ive seen some builders with wires that are significantly thinner than the pre wired offerings online and they look more realistic. Does anyone have info on where i could find thinner wires or longer length wires that I could cut down so I dont have to keep buying one distributor at a time?

[Casey]

 

 

[Belugawrx]

http://www.micronmeters.com/c-46-insulated-wire.aspx

I ordered 34awg single strand and it looks great 

[kymdlr]

Thanks Casey those links answered my question.

[MrObsessive]

Bruce, seems as though your link is broken. Here's the URL for those interested.

[Belugawrx]

47 minutes ago, MrObsessive said:

Bruce, seems as though your link is broken. Here's the URL for those interested.

Thanks Bill, Yep that's the place.

[Richard Bartrop]

Plastruct has some very thin styrene rod that is the right diameter for spark plug wire.

[MrObsessive]

1 hour ago, Belugawrx said:

Thanks Bill, Yep that's the place.

I want to say thanks for mentioning that site! I've used 30AWG Kynar wire and while that stuff isn't bad, in some instances that wire can be a bit "big". I've bookmarked them for future reference.

[peteski]

16 minutes ago, MrObsessive said:

I want to say thanks for mentioning that site! I've used 30AWG Kynar wire and while that stuff isn't bad, in some instances that wire can be a bit "big". I've bookmarked them for future reference.

Yeah, typical 30AWG Kynar wire wrapping wire has a total OD of around 0.020" with is a bit thick for 1:24/25 factory stock wires.

What's wrong with Detail Master and Pro-Tech ignition wires?

[MrObsessive]

Peter, one word..........cost. If I can find something very similar for half the price and I can do three times (or more) as many models, I'll take it.

[Snake45]

Go to Hobby Lobby or other craft store and look for/ask for "beading wire." There are several appropriate sizes and quantities and prices are very reasonable. 

[Casey]

What ever you use, PLEASE make sure the wires are not glossy. I have seen people use wires which are coated with some type of glossy insulation, and it comes off looking cartoonish. Do some quick online research regarding the brand and model of plug wires you want to replicate, then attempt to replicate that exact sheen. Often times, the glossy sheen of the insulation surrounding wires can be dulled with a quick wipe down of a strong solvent such as lacquer thinner, making them much less shiny, and giving them a satin sheen, similar to these MSD plug wires:

 

Also keep in mind if you are replicating a used vehicle, everything will tend to show some wear and dulling, as seen in this Mazda engine bay, spark plug wires included:

[Erik Smith]

11 hours ago, MrObsessive said:

Peter, one word..........cost. If I can find something very similar for half the price and I can do three times (or more) as many models, I'll take it.

Yeah, if you can find the OLD detail master stuff (yellow was actually yellow) you get more feet...I think it was 5, then 3, and now it’s down to 2...so I don’t buy the new stuff. 

[Straightliner59]

I've found some pretty small diameter wire at the train store. I still have LOTS of the old MSC plug wire lying around, as well, although it's a bit large for stock wires, it's decent sized for competition wiring. I just collect wire! On a related note, here's the link to a tutorial I did a while back on making your own "pre-drilled" distributors/magnetos from readily available materials:

 

Edited February 23, 2019 by Straightliner59

[OldNYJim]

On 22 February 2019 at 9:58 AM, Casey said:

Also keep in mind if you are replicating a used vehicle, everything will tend to show some wear and dulling, as seen in this Mazda engine bay, spark plug wires included:

Miata! ?

[Darren B]

On 2/22/2019 at 6:46 AM, Snake45 said:

Go to Hobby Lobby or other craft store and look for/ask for "beading wire." There are several appropriate sizes and quantities and prices are very reasonable. 

very amazing selection as well. the braided stuff is amazingly realistic as well.