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I've decided to replace the wiring inside the engine compartment on the 61. There are just too many issues I have seen so far to try and keep the harness. I can't find new connectors so will have to reuse and splice new wire onto them. Problem is, when I expose the wire for soldering, the copper has turned black. As a result the solder won't stick and rolls of the wire. I have tried different ways to clean up the copper with no luck. Anyone know a good way to clean the copper so that the solder will grab?
Last edited by dan_6776 (August 21, 2015 9:44 pm)
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I use fine sand paper. I skin the wire, than flatten out the individual strand into a "fan" shape and then pinch the "fan" in the sand paper and pull. this cleans the strans well enough to solder.
After I typed the above technique I figuered there was probably a chemical way to do it so I did a google search and found this I have used salt and viniger to clean coper before so I know this technique will in fact work.
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Thanks for the information
Great link will give it a try next chance I get. Never had luck with sanding the wires, maybe using the wrong grit. I also tried Muriatic Acid with no luck, just melted the insulation. Also tried wire wheel on an electric motor. Was running out of ideas.
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You may try a flux that cleans wire well... that is already reasonably clean. Old wire won't "whet" (take solder or be tinned) well. Try to strip it back a little more, the wire may be cleaner. I went with all crimps on the new harness on my '59.
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I used the vingar/salt and baking soda solution method to clean up some old wires today for soldering. I am here to tell you that it worked great! I wish I would have known about this years ago.
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