1956 What did they use for wiring bundles?

[knuckle47]

I didn’t think I was going to do this now but trying to remove the clock for repair gave me a view I need to clean up. I have several new wiring components and today, zip ties work great. What would be the methods used in the Ford plants in the mid 50’s to keep the wiring neat and in position?

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[Ward 57]

Don't know about the 55s & 56s But under the dash on the supports are spring clips that hold the wire. The only problem I've found that after the years the insulation cracks at those clips. Especially on the long runs on the fenders and to the rear.
Had an interesting thing that taught me this. A long while ago my horns quit working. Trace the wire end to end with a multi meter and the relay. All good. Honked the horn, nothing then checked the continuity again. None. Traced the wire and found at one of the fender clips the insulation was cracked and the conductor corroded.
End result; The corrosion was just not bad enough to conduct the current of my multi meter but under load would fail.

 

[knuckle47]

So my thinking is, this is a hard bending and twisting job and unless you’re looking for showing a big points thing… zip ties and adhesive mounting zip plates like these will work? I am not looking to redo this again in 20 years…God willing.

Used them on boats before. With a dap of methyl ethyl ketone on the adhesive pad before sticking it on the surface, once they dry it is like welding them on

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NYNVHZY/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[55blacktie]

Knuckle47, see PM.

 

[paul5456]

So my thinking is, this is a hard bending and twisting job and unless you’re looking for showing a big points thing… zip ties and adhesive mounting zip plates like these will work? I am not looking to redo this again in 20 years…God willing.

Used them on boats before. With a dap of methyl ethyl ketone on the adhesive pad before sticking it on the surface, once they dry it is like welding them on

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NYNVHZY/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

With the adhesive mounts, you probably will be redoing it in a few years. Most of the stock type clips are available and will outlast the adhesive ones.

 

[knuckle47]

Thank you @paul5456 …that cannot be an option. Bad enough I am undertaking this. It is like opening a hole in a wall and discovering 3 more projects inside. With my steering column out, I really thought I had good access under that dash. Proven wrong. I can see it is leading me down a dark hole. But the harnesses are here and more on the way this week. But at least it will be done

 

[Ward 57]

I agree, Who has methyl ethyl ketone in their shop unless you are an accomplished painter and know what it is and how to use it? You are a rare bird Knuckle...

 

[knuckle47]

Ok, so some clarity. In restoring old motorcycle fuel tanks there was a product called “Creme”. It is an epoxy tank coating sealer that has always worked wonders for my stuff. After you clean the interior of the tank you swirl this bottle of “stuff” ( methyl ethyl ketone) that comes with the kit to insure all of the rinse water is gone prior to treatment. I always saved it…poured it back into bottles as a solvent

 

[paul5456]

Thank you @paul5456 …that cannot be an option. Bad enough I am undertaking this. It is like opening a hole in a wall and discovering 3 more projects inside. With my steering column out, I really thought I had good access under that dash. Proven wrong. I can see it is leading me down a dark hole. But the harnesses are here and more on the way this week. But at least it will be done

Do you have the seat out? It is a lot easier working under the dash with the seat out.

 

[Ward 57]

Do you have the seat out? It is a lot easier working under the dash with the seat out.

I am thankful that I am only ( now at 68yo, lost some height and weight ) 5'6" and 135lbs and quite flexible I can fit under the dash. Only problem is getting back out after wrapping myself around whatever. I fit on buses and airplanes really well too.

 

[55blacktie]

I am thankful that I am only ( now at 68yo, lost some height and weight ) 5'6" and 135lbs and quite flexible I can fit under the dash. Only problem is getting back out after wrapping myself around whatever. I fit on buses and airplanes really well too.

Probably no need to shave your seat foam. I'll probably flip a coin.

 

[Ward 57]

Probably no need to shave your seat foam. I'll probably flip a coin.

Don't. It will compress after a bit and your butt with thank you. Ever tried to sleep on a fold out hida-bed couch? That will be the end result.