Had a look at my various wiring bits ('81 in a million pieces, not been run in six years). They are clean and flexible and seem okay. I was struck by the thought: is there anything one can do to prevent wires from, well, I guess it is drying out? The big problems are when the plastic around the wires splits and cracks. So, can that plastic be...treated? ArmorAll? Anyone thought about this before?

Nothing useful that I know of.
Kirk

Try 303 Aerospace Protectant. It conditions and protects rubber and vinyl against UV and cracking. A bit on the expensive side but worth it. A small amount goes a long way. Use it on all the rubber weather seals throughout the car. Many boating stores carry it or you can order it from Amazon. I love this stuff.

Unfortunately many of those protectorents turn wire insulation into sticky goop and if it seeps into connections can insulate them causing bad connections.

Not this stuff. I've used it for years without any problems. Wipe it on, wait a minute and wipe it off. It penetrates the rubber to protect it. No residual residue, no high sheen, no stickiness and does not attract dust.

Sounds like just the thing. You ever use it on wiring?

Check out their website for all the info.

http://www.goldeagle.com//brands/303-products

jdssr wrote:Not this stuff. I've used it for years without any problems. Wipe it on, wait a minute and wipe it off. It penetrates the rubber to protect it. No residual residue, no high sheen, no stickiness and does not attract dust.

I have also used it for years but have found some materials it was not 100% compatible with. Used on a rag without saturating the wires with a direct spray would be best as long as you do not aggressively yank on the wires while doing it. The old metal connectors do get brittle and you can end up having to replace a good many of them if your not gentle. Whenever I check any wiring on my 78 I make sure I have the crimp set and connector kit handy as there is usually at least one that gets loose and splits if you try to tighten it in the least.

The trick is not to use too much. As stated before, for best results just a light coat, wait 1 minute and wipe it off. Also the problem with 30 plus year old wiring is that the covering has hardened and the wire itself can be corroded at the connectors. Just be gentle with the old girl.
I just love my OLD car.