Topic: 1968 Disc Brake Caliper Safety Wire

[CT428CJ]

Off topic but where did you find the safety wire?


NOTE: this post was separated from another thread

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=18719.0

[J_Speegle]

Off topic but where did you find the safety wire?

Think I purchased my last roll of black oxide plated bailing wire from OSH. Lasts a long long time.

I don't use the fancy special pliers - workers didn't use them so I don't plus owners/builders often wrap them too tight, evenly or too many wraps

Just my observations based on unrestored cars

[RoyceP]

I got the 5 pound roll of black oxide .040" steel baling wire at a yard sale for $1. I suspect that it can be bought at a feed store in rural areas. It appears to be the same wire that Ford used originally.

Looks like Tractor Supply sells a 3.5 pound roll calling it "Rebar wire"
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rebar-wire-16-ga-35-lbs?cm_vc=IOPDP1

Off topic but where did you find the safety wire?

[preaction]

Jeff, would Royces pic above of the safety wire installed be typical ?

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, would Royces pic above of the safety wire installed be typical ?

For 68 at Dearborn?  Let me look at my pictures

From the first post IMHO at least the one to the left is not like any I've seen since it would allow the bolt to loosen and the safety wire would not limit its movement as designed and the wire is laid over the spindle stop that was originally machined and is designed to contact the stop on the end of the strut rod. In it's current location it runs the risk of being smashed or cut by that surface bottoming out on a hard turn

As mentioned will find some pictures

[J_Speegle]

Have some pictures of the spindles on and off cars so unfortunately don't know the specific year and plant for each. Do know that one of the upper and lowers are from a 69 Darborn unrestored example

As you will notice the thickness of the wire used, its location as well as routing and that it was likely tightened with some form of pliers but not the fancy style many use today that produces allot of nice neat wraps. Ends were often left fairly long just right for grabbing cleaning rags and scratching hands and arms

Upper bolt-







68 NJ example


And another




Lower bolt-

[preaction]

Great pics and information thanks. And post title.

[Bob Gaines]

The fancy pliers Jeff is referring to are specific for making it easy to twist safety wire which is used in racing and aircraft applications to name a couple. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81r6W%2B97XML._SX679_.jpg

[CT428CJ]

Excellent information, thanks!

Not only that but the wire is in stock at my local Tractor Supply.

[J_Speegle]

Excellent information, thanks!

Not only that but the wire is in stock at my local Tractor Supply.

Remember to oil it before you put it on. So much easier that way

[Daisy]

As a USAF SNCO mechanic - I would have jacked an airman for most of those safety wire examples! :O

Proper safety wire is an art...

[jwc66k]

As a civilian contractor working on USAF tracking stations, you would have been walked off the site. Using "un-calibrated" safety wire pliers would have had the same results. There were a lot of other forbidden, "un-calibrated" tools on the list. Cars are not covered by the same safety and quality standards as the USAF (or USN). Still, old habits are hard to brake.
Jim

[midlife]

As a civilian contractor working on USAF tracking stations, you would have been walked off the site. Using "un-calibrated" safety wire pliers would have had the same results. There were a lot of other forbidden, "un-calibrated" tools on the list. Cars are not covered by the same safety and quality standards as the USAF (or USN). Still, old habits are hard to brake.
Jim

Well played, Sir...

[J_Speegle]

Found a few rolls still on the shelf at our local Orchard Supply the other day - Annealed Wire -  when I was checking out the Going out of Business sale all stores are having. Looks like the same stuff we've used for years for this application and hanging parts. Would work IMHO for the 69 "Big Suspension" ID wire wraps also

[Bob Gaines]

Also notice the wire diameter. The wire we very often see when judging in concours is too thin.