Scale convoluted tubing (wire loom)

[Ben]

Hey guys I am wanting to detail an engine I'm working on and all the electrical is wrapped in convoluted tubing. Does anyone make anything that looks like it in scale? Guitar string looks just like it but guitar string doesn't bend easily or drape over things as it is so stiff. Any help would be appreciated!

[Ben]

yes, sorta.

i have some stuff for use on Gundam models that is called A-spring and it's a hollow very flexible spring that looks similar to the wound guitar string. i've used it recently on my Willys and Fairlane builds. most of what i have is silver in color but there is some in black too. it wont "drape" unless you use something inside of it to form it and hold it to that shape but solid core wire should work that is a slip fit inside the spring. the only other person that i remember seeing use the A-spring material on model cars here is Pete Lombardo.

Hey Dave, do you have any pics of it installed on a model? Do you think really thin solder could be slid inside so it could be formed into harness's and such? Does it come in different diameters?

[my80malibu]

I made some once by wrapping very fine copper wire, around a rigid wire like a guitar string. I just kept wrapping and pushing it together, then I painted it with black enamel paint, when it dried I slipped it off of the guide wire. It was very flexible and easy to work with.

[Steve Keck]

Ben,

I posted a how-to in the Tips section here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45991

[LDO]

Try a light bulb filament, if it's the right size. Put a wire inside to get it to hold the shape you want, then brush on diluted white glue.

[FASTBACK340]

Make friends with someone that works in a transmission rebuilding shop. Ask for all the old seals and pop out the spring loop that holds tension on the seal. Some of them are pretty long & thin and can be painted/tinted to resemble looms. And they're free....

[Ben]

Thanks for the great tips guys! I've actually been a mechanic all my life and I'm very familiar with the springs inside the lip of shaft seals. Just never thought of using them! Great tip!