I was pulling my back inner panels a bit ago to pull my rear speakers when I noticed that the wires for the rear defroster running from the rear strut connector to a point about 4-5 inches away had completely lost their insulation due to heat. At the point where the insulation is good there's what looks to be a splice collar wrapped with electrical tape. The rear defrost for the car ('84 T/A) is original, I know this as a fact. I've never had any problems with the rear defrost before but needless to say this has me concerened. I can replace the bad wiring (not only is the insulation missing but the bare wire's turning green with corrosion) but I'm wondering what would cause this in the first place? Is this normal for this old of a car, or does it indicate a problem in the rear window wiring since I'm apparently pulling more current than the wire's designed for?

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

I'd suggest a larger (lower AWG ) wire to replace the weak sewction. Use solder instead of crimps or other connecting means. Chances are, the heat from high current hardened the plastic insulation, and the flexing from onening/closing the hatch have broken that hard plastic off. If you could find some mineral insulated wire, that would be the nuts.

 

Vader- so you think it's just age that finally got to it and not something more sinister?

'mineral- insulated' wire.... what exactly is that? I've never heard of it. Would any electronics store carry this?