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CV Wiring: Good wire to use?
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2003 11:35 am
by jdebert
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.
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2003 1:20 pm
by jim
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.
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2003 4:11 pm
by KitN1MCC
well i like the Supeior wire Cable. i use the Amp King style for 10Ga and Bigger and regular for smaller cables
console
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2003 3:18 pm
by F1118
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.
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2003 4:30 pm
by jim
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.
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 10:59 pm
by jdebert
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.?
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 11:02 pm
by jdebert
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.
Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2003 7:02 am
by jim
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.
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:30 pm
by jdebert
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.
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Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 1:45 pm
by RADIOMAN2002
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.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:40 pm
by jdebert
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.