Shrink Tube

Hey, why is that electrical wire shrink tube so expensive. Even at Harbor Freight you get a few stinking pieces for $3 or so. Vacuum tubing is even cheaper, by far.

And you know those really cool longer thick black plastic loose tubes that are used on our harnesses - well where do I get that stuff? If I'm gonna make ANY changes in my car's wiring, it's gonna be a very workmanship like job.

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'83 SC

Try Home Depot in the wire dept or Radio Shack. Another place to try it your local car alarm or stereo installation shop some times there pretty friendly about that stuff.

Mike Miller
89 911

Super,

Try this source:

http://www.hosfelt.com/3M/3m1.htm


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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Heat Shrink tubing comes in many types, but there are two basic ones, PVC and Polyolefin. Use Polyolefin, PVC is what is often available in blister packs for outrageous prices and it is junk. PVC is a thermoplatic that is quite easy to overheat and melt or split, while polyolefin is a crosslinked polyethylene with much tougher thermoset properties The part number to look for is Alpha Fit-221 or Raychem RNF-100 or Remtek GPO-135 or equivalent. (I think - this goes back awhile) The best place to get small quantities is at an electronics wholesaler or better yet a surplus components place. They generally sell 4' lengths and will be reasonabley priced. If you can find it, try to find swome of the melt liner type material (ie DWP 125). This stuff will shrink onto your splice and encapsulate the joint in goop at the same time. It can also be used to make watertight y-joints or branches in harnesses by pinching the crotch of the Y with needlenose pliers while it sets. Looks molded - Slick.
We used to say that the cost of heatshrink was 2% material and 98% magic. (Actually it was our profit margin) Amazing the useless knowledge that accumulates in one's brain. Hope it helps.
Dave

Thanks, it does. Some of the most expensive stuff does tend to melt or tear. Like the great director John Huston said about making movies despite producers' interference..."We can make 'em bad. It takes a little longer and costs more, but we can make bad pictures when necessary."

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'83 SC

I found mine at NAPA. They have various sizes and COLORS!!! Great stuff, nice finishing touch. Have fun.

BR
'73T