Securing wires... best methods...?

01black_ac · 06-09-2006, 01:32 PM

I've got my system installed now, and am just test-driving it for a week or so to make sure I don't have any ground issues or any other kinds of interference before I put my seats and my dashboard back in.

I'm wondering, what is the prefered method for securing wires to the body of the car, for example under the seats... I'm thinking duct tape to hold them in place, but I'm not sure how well duct tape holds up over time after prolonged exposure to heat, etc. So how do you all secure your wires along the frame in places where they can potentially move around a bit?

'01

jayearl · 06-09-2006, 01:37 PM

I use good old fashion Tie Wraps:
http://www.xoxide.com/tiewraps.html

TruckinMP3 · 06-09-2006, 01:40 PM

how are you driving without seats? I guess that is not the drivers seat that is out...

Wire ties / Tie wraps or electrical tape

Jahntassa · 06-09-2006, 04:00 PM

Tie wraps (or wire ties, depending on who you're talking to) are my preferred method. Duct tape is HORRIBLE in cars, as the adhesive melts and sticks to everything.

Electrical tape is only marginally better, over time it will melt and 'goo' your wires. Not that it's as horrendus as duct tape, but the wireties are much more secure than either, and a lot easier to deal with.

01black_ac · 06-09-2006, 04:04 PM

Well, it's more for securing them against flat areas... If you take a look at the 2nd and 3rd pics in this blog post:

http://blog.thedarksighed.com/acura_...tem_wires_pt_2

you'll see the wires running along the flat areas that are normally under the rear seats... There isn't anything to really attach them to using tie wraps...

That's why I'm thinking they need to be taped down with some kind of tape that will hold up over time.

'01

Tkv000 · 06-09-2006, 04:09 PM

Its a good idea to cover the wires under seats anyway to avoid then getting worn threw. I use a good "gaft" tape (black duct tape) or I use dyna-mat to go over top of the wires, it never moves.

2k1Toaster · 06-09-2006, 04:13 PM

I didn't use these in my car, because I had enough crap to cable tie onto, but when building PC's and trying to make em look good, these things work really really well. I know you can usually get about 1/2" or a bit more of wire in there if you smash it a bit. Very sticky 3M adhesion stuff on the back. They only stick once. They work really well in computer cases that are shiny aluminium, and on walls that are drywalled. Everywhere!!! You can get a pack of 10 at radioshack for $3.49.

Tkv000 · 06-09-2006, 04:18 PM

Oooh, those are nice! I still like to cover the lenght to prevent chafting, but I can think of a lot of places I'll be using those! gotta love 3M stick, can't be beaten!

shotgunefx · 06-09-2006, 04:36 PM

I dunno, every type of glue on clip or other holder has fallen off, no matter what the adhesive or the prep to the surface.

To the trunk, I ran all the wires in the conduits under the side sills. One of them was even empty which was helpful with all the cabling. Don't know if most cars have similar channels.

I've used wire heavy duty wire ties extensively, but my new favorite are these
velcro ties that mount to the wire.

Cheap. I got them here...
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwol...prises1QQhtZ-1

Jahntassa · 06-09-2006, 07:10 PM

You don't really need to tie all your cabling down unless you think there's a danger of it 'wandering' into a pinch spot or interfering with something else.

Bundling all your cables all the way through can make it a pain later when you go to change something. Wireties make it easy because you can just cut 'em off and put 'em back on.

When you have wires running behind the dash, under carpets, under seats, and in areas that are fairly low traffic as far as movement, and it doesn't really matter how they look, you don't need to tie it down every 6 inches or anything.

stapan · 06-10-2006, 09:26 PM

I like using strips of sound deadener. They are much lower profile than adhesive cable clips (so your carpet doesn't bulge) and they also last longer.