Idea for alternate harness material!

While I was walking through the production floor at my work one day, I came across an idea for harness webbing material. I see this stuff in use everyday at work, but I finally made the connection. This material is called solder wick. It's a copper braid that's used in the electronics industry to help de-solder electrical connection.

It comes in several width sizes. It's bendable and holds it's shape, so you could pose it anyway you want. I think the fine braid does a good job of simulating the webbing material in scale. The biggest drawback is that it doesn't paint well. This stuff is designed to wick molten solder, so it tends to absorb the paint instead of keeping it on the surface.

The best part is that this stuff is relatively inexpensive...about $2.00 for 5 ft at any electronics supply store.

I'm in the middle of my WRC Evo 7 build, so I thought I'd give it a try with some scratchbuilding.

I used it for the seat harness and for the spare tire strapping material, and here is the result. It didn't come out too bad.

Bob

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/493693seatbelt2.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/729561seat1.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/877917frontseats3.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/995937top1.jpg

Ah, just what I need too.
Great idea, I'll go look for some for my harness too.
Thanks a mil for this bobski! woohoo :flash: :flash:

Interesting!

Thats a real good idea...gonna have to pick some of that up

Very Nice...I should go get me some....

thats pretty cool

im gonna have to try that some time

yeah, that's a good idea. You mentioned something about not bieng able to paint it very well, have you tried useing flat colors? I noticed your harneww was glossy, maybe you shoudl try some flat paint and it might work out! :)

I have some of that were I work also, we chip ECUs and have plenty of that stuff, thanks for the Idea.

damn this, i just got back from radio shack, and i saw this there, wasnt sure at the time what i could use it for, so i didnt buy it, looks like ill have to go back tomrorw, thanks for the idea:cool:

Interesting idea - should check around for some.

Originally posted by integra818
yeah, that's a good idea. You mentioned something about not bieng able to paint it very well, have you tried useing flat colors? I noticed your harneww was glossy, maybe you shoudl try some flat paint and it might work out! :)

I think you're right. Flat colors might work better. Shortly after I took the pictures, I put coat of flat clear over it, so it's not too glossy now.

Hey that is made in AMarillo TX that is where I Live!!!!

Nice idea, thanks. Is the strand rigid enough to be poseable?

It's plenty stiff. Just bend it the way you like and a little CA glue will keep it on wherever you want.

I forgot to mention also that it can be a pain to put the photo etch buckles on. You have to be careful to keep the strands from fraying.

Originally posted by bobski
It's plenty stiff. Just bend it the way you like and a little CA glue will keep it on wherever you want.

I forgot to mention also that it can be a pain to put the photo etch buckles on. You have to be careful to keep the strands from fraying.

Have this same problem w/ribbon so its nothing new.

Originally posted by integra818
yeah, that's a good idea. You mentioned something about not bieng able to paint it very well, have you tried useing flat colors? I noticed your harneww was glossy, maybe you shoudl try some flat paint and it might work out! :)

I'd think that spraying a of primer on each side would also help with the painting, wouldn't you?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by christofurr


I'd think that spraying a of primer on each side would also help with the painting, wouldn't you? [/QUOTE

I think this calls for some experimentation, for example, the material is going to more then likely have to be bent and shaped into place after painting, any paint that is too hard is going to crack and/or flake off. :)

thanks heaps for another great tip.
the more i see of this forum, the more i learn.
cheers B:ylsuper

thats a damn good idea if you ask me! thanks a mill for sharing!

Cool Idea

Originally posted by christofurr


I'd think that spraying a of primer on each side would also help with the painting, wouldn't you?

I think the primer might crack. Painting it is a better solution. :)

What size did you use? Cos ive used some at school and its way too thick for bucket seat straps. Ive tried afew things but theyve all been flimsy and unshapely. This one looks good though.;)