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Wiring Harness Form over Function?

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Old 03-25-2022 | 11:11 PM
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Wiring Harness Form over Function?

I just wanted to gauge some interest in regard to Materials that make up the Appearance of a Wiring Harness...

The Images Below are of the Same Connector, but one Appears as Stock and the other is a dressed Mil-Spec Connection.
They both fit the same Connection, The Mil-Spec Version is more durable, but I am just curious if the difference in appearance matters to any of you who make Wiring Purchases.








Old 03-26-2022 | 01:54 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

You asked about the boot but it's actually woven braiding versus plastic tubing that my eye immediately goes to. Woven braiding has a more "upscale" appearance to me, whether true or not. And a heavy, tight weave braid looks better to me than the stuff where you can kind of see through the mesh. And a clean end with no fraying.

The boot makes for a uniform black color which is kind of nice. But it might be a bit of an eye sore in locations where it makes the harness poke out instead of tucking. It's maybe situational whether it looks better or not.

Last edited by QwkTrip; 03-26-2022 at 02:07 AM.
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Old 03-26-2022 | 02:07 AM
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Thanks for the Feed-Back!


You are looking at Heat-Shrunk Raychem DR-25 Sleeving with TechFlex PET Braided Sheathing over top...
with a Lipped/ Bootable Delphi Connector (uses PLR so that NO TPA is needed to retain the Terminals) and Boot.
Old 03-26-2022 | 02:10 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

I've been tweaking and editing my answer... I think I'm ready to lock it in. LOL!
Old 03-26-2022 | 07:38 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

It's a mixed bag to me. I like the mil-spec one because it doesn't have the blue element to it (Did you ever have to deal with the unerhood harmony folks in your previous work vorteciroc? Once they got me thinking that way, I haven't been able to NOT see things like that). And I agree with QwkTrip in that the braided covering does look nicer. But that in itself is a mixed bag, as while it looks newer/nicer, it does not look period correct, for those worried about such things.

My first thought was that while that mil-spec piece has that long protective end, it also will not work well or lay out very nice in many places where a tight bend is required.

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Old 03-26-2022 | 06:46 PM
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Connector Boots come in a massive variety of Bends, Shapes, and Sizes...
A tight bend at a Mating Connector can use a 90 Degree Boot if needed:


In regard to making a bend in the Harness...
The RayChem Sleeved and Twisted Harnesses are extremely flexible.
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Old 03-26-2022 | 06:49 PM
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
It's a mixed bag to me. I like the mil-spec one because it doesn't have the blue element to it (Did you ever have to deal with the unerhood harmony folks in your previous work vorteciroc? Once they got me thinking that way, I haven't been able to NOT see things like that). And I agree with QwkTrip in that the braided covering does look nicer. But that in itself is a mixed bag, as while it looks newer/nicer, it does not look period correct, for those worried about such things.

My first thought was that while that mil-spec piece has that long protective end, it also will not work well or lay out very nice in many places where a tight bend is required.

LMAO!

No, I did not have to deal with the "Underhood Harmony Folks" during my previous work!

But I totally agree.
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Old 03-27-2022 | 02:47 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
You are looking at Heat-Shrunk Raychem DR-25 Sleeving with TechFlex PET Braided Sheathing over top...
That stuff looks really good in real life, camera is not doing it justice.

Maybe a middle cost option for people with less coin is a heavy braiding with heat shrink to cover the cut ends. I once got a sub-harness like that from Tick Performance and it looked more upscale than the typical stuff I've gotten with Holley EFI harnesses. Basically somewhere between off the shelf harnesses and the high end work you do. Here's a picture, https://www.tickperformance.com/tick...iring-harness/

Last edited by QwkTrip; 03-27-2022 at 02:59 AM.
Old 03-27-2022 | 11:05 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
I just wanted to gauge some interest in regard to Materials that make up the Appearance of a Wiring Harness...
...but I am just curious if the difference in appearance matters to any of you who make Wiring Purchases.
The connector type doesn't make a shred of difference to me other than to say either style posted is a step above the OEM stuff from the 80's. Presently, I've got a mix of the original and my own crimped on accessories. I'd like to move away from that. I'm far removed from being period correct.


This has always bothered me. It appears to be unfinished.

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
You asked about the boot but it's actually woven braiding versus plastic tubing that my eye immediately goes to. Woven braiding has a more "upscale" appearance to me, whether true or not. And a heavy, tight weave braid looks better to me than the stuff where you can kind of see through the mesh. And a clean end with no fraying.
Exactly this. While I've a complete harness and sub-harness' built with the split loom, I can't say I've really liked the finished result. That's despite using all of OEM tees, clips, etc. The braided loom looks much cleaner.

Last edited by skinny z; 03-27-2022 at 11:13 AM.
Old 03-27-2022 | 06:56 PM
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Thank you for all the Feedback!


The Connector with the common GM Split-Loom/ Convoluted-Tubing, would be considered "Unfinished" as it does not have a Taped-End or a Plastic Loom Clamp.
The Design of the Split-Loom allows for an easy Taped Ending, let me see if I can find some Images.

Old 03-27-2022 | 07:08 PM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
Thank you for all the Feedback!


The Connector with the common GM Split-Loom/ Convoluted-Tubing, would be considered "Unfinished" as it does not have a Taped-End or a Plastic Loom Clamp.
The Design of the Split-Loom allows for an easy Taped Ending, let me see if I can find some Images.
I'm familiar with both methods of terminating the loom. I have many examples in my vehicle. That said, I still see it as "unfinished". What I have to replicate in my industry involves a little more effort. More like the streamlined, integral strain relief in one of your posted pictures.




That's what I'm after for a "finished" look. Very smart. Very tidy. Not to mention function and form.
Old 03-27-2022 | 08:03 PM
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Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Well you are correct, as the Boot helps with Strain-Relief and Sealing.

Inside the Boot, each Wire is "looped" once and acts as a small spring against tension on the Wire.
The Wires make a single Loop each, but looks similar to how Brake Line Tubing is Coiled at the Prop. Valve or Master-Cylinder.



Old 03-27-2022 | 09:31 PM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

TE Connectivity has excellent technical documents on their website for anybody that wants to learn more. I found these poking around their website and a whole lot more (no, I've never tried any of it). HP Academy also has interesting videos on youtube.

ELE-3COP-256 Hand Cable Laying
ELE-3COP-257 Application of Binder to Hand Laid Cables
ELE-3COP-258 Application of a Mylar Wrap to Hand Laid Cables
ELE-3COP-361 Application of Raybraid and Instalite Braid to Hand Laid Cables
ELE-3COP-551 Installation and Recovery of Heat Shrinkable Tubing
ELE-3COP-610 Preparation of Cable Jackets for the Installation of Adhesive Line Tubing
6-1773439-3 Raychem Tubing Products Selection Guide
Shield Termination (no document number)

82221 AMPLIVAR Splices
82561 Computing Circular Mil Area for Terminals and Splices
114-2088 Open Barrel Pigtail and Through Splices
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Old 03-31-2022 | 09:42 AM
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Re: Wiring Harness Form over Function?

Doesn't matter to me, as long as it works.




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