CV Wiring: Good wire to use?

jdebert · Post by **jdebert** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 11:35 am

I am installing radios and PC's in a Crown Vic LX with bench seat.

Has anyone used PFA insulated wire in an install?

I am considering it because it will not melt or harden and crack. I may use polyolefin to protect it from abrasion and cuts.

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 1:20 pm

PFA is good for a harsh type environment. You should still loom it properly, however. Teflon (and many tradenames) is also a good consideration. I don't, however, think you'll need this type of wire for that install. A cheapo Best Buy serial cable will even survive in a public safety install, so a regualr type wire should be good. Just make sure any wire or cable meets SAE or other spec.

KitN1MCC · Post by **KitN1MCC** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 4:11 pm

well i like the Supeior wire Cable. i use the Amp King style for 10Ga and Bigger and regular for smaller cables

F1118 · Post by **F1118** » Sat Mar 08, 2003 3:18 pm

I tried to install a contour console into my 99 cv lx and it was very difficult to do. I dont think it looks that great.

jim · Post by **jim** » Sat Mar 08, 2003 4:30 pm

Contour console diffucult? These things are easy in the 99!
MOstly every department that I sell one to loves the looks of it. The equipment is much easier to see than when in a conventional console- and you still have room in the center of the seats.

jdebert · Post by **jdebert** » Thu Mar 13, 2003 10:59 pm

Well, I'll probably end up using PVC wire. BUt I'll keep worrying about it melting.

I've got a bunch of magnetic breakers for low voltage DC,. Has anyone used them in vehicles? Any problems with tripping going over bumps, etc.?

jdebert · Post by **jdebert** » Thu Mar 13, 2003 11:02 pm

I was thinking of switching to a contour console to get more radios in.

Do the heater controls need to be moved? That does not seem very easy.

jim · Post by **jim** » Fri Mar 14, 2003 7:02 am

A 3-unit Contour Console does not require HVAC relocation.

For the 4-unit, you will relocate the HVAC head. This takes about 3 minutes....if you take a coffee break.

jdebert · Post by **jdebert** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:30 pm

Must be a so very non-obvious way of moving the controls. I can't see how it is possible without yanking the dash.

I think I'll use PFA covered with polyolefin or silicone in the engine compartment. The last several times the car has been serviced at the dealers, the mechaincs were too sloppy--dumping brake fluid, ATF and whatever else they could. I do not trust that all these spilled fluids are "harmless" as they claim. PFA won't be damaged by it so I won't have to worry about shorts and wire fries from exposed insulation falling apart.

RADIOMAN2002 · Post by **RADIOMAN2002** » Thu Mar 20, 2003 1:45 pm

In the 30 years or so of installing in PD, FD. I have found that plain old PVC is fine, we bought some oil resistent type wire one year, really didn't make that much of a difference.

jdebert · Post by **jdebert** » Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:40 pm

True, PVC is generally OK but it does not like brake fluid at all.

I spilled brake fluid on some wire and within 2 years the insulation was literally falling off the wire.

I do not want to worry about those kinds of problems.