Cleaning cloth covered cables?

[Oberstar]

I have original 1ga cable from my 43 Dodge, and the ends are a bit corroded, not knowing what the condition looks like underneath the heavy cloth.  Can the entire cable be dropped into some vinegar until clean, or another method that will get these originals back into service? 

[desoto1939]

are the ends having a build up of white looking powder> Then clean off with a solution made up of baking soda and spread this onthe ends and they spray with some water. Then use an old toothbrush to work the paste into the area. The baking soda will nutralize the acid and then rinse off the soluition and you will have a clean batter end. Then put on one of the green and red felt washer on the battery terminal like on your modern car this will help prevent the build up of the white powder on the ends.

 

rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

[Oberstar]

Rich- no, it's not the 'typical' crust you see on a modern cable.  It's just the "copper wire cable sitting on a dusty shelf for 60 years" kind of grit and tarnish.  The cloth is attempting to unravel as well.  Best way may be to just measure impedance and see that its doing its job?

[desoto1939]

1 hour ago, Oberstar said:

Rich- no, it's not the 'typical' crust you see on a modern cable.  It's just the "copper wire cable sitting on a dusty shelf for 60 years" kind of grit and tarnish.  The cloth is attempting to unravel as well.  Best way may be to just measure impedance and see that its doing its job?

Thanks for the update:  is this just old cloth covered wire that is on a spool or is it  a wire harness for a specific car or truck?  In either case if the cloth is starting to unravel then the cloth is drying out and I would be very hesitant to even consider using the wire since the cloth is seperating from the wiring and then if you used it some place and had a bend in the wire then the cloth would eventually come off the bare wire and then you have the potential for a short and then a potential for a fire or something else. Just have it as an example of old original wiring but I would not even consider using it make it a display item in your garage.

 

Rich Hartung