Tube Chassis - Comments on Running Wire through Tube

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:58 pm

I saw this pix on the net.

I'm aware it may not be adviseable...

May be helpful to post some comments on tips and/or comments

rickosuave1987 · Post by **rickosuave1987** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:42 pm

Running wire thru the tubing of a rail or tubed chassis bug is only good for one thing-looks.

running wire in the tubing would present a few problems IMO:

-Troubleshooting--You can see the wire to be able to tell if it is melting, or arcing. If the wire rubs on the inside of the tube enough to wear the coating, you can be shorting all day and not be able to find the problem

-Modification of chassis- Every time you welded on the tubing with wire in it, you would melt wires. Whether you want to change the chassis, or add a tab, it might require a complete rewire.

On the same note, adding wires would be very difficult. You would have to have a pull in each wire run so that you could add more wires if needed.

-Last is safety. Every hole you drill in the tube is a potential weak spot. the more wires, the bigger hole, the weaker that spot. If you drilled a hole for every exit from the tube you are going to need for a fully wired car, it will be like swiss cheese.

IMHO, it is just not practical. You could probably strategically place some 1" tubing just for wiring and not have it as part of the chassis, but still doesnt seem too safe.

DesertGuy · Post by **DesertGuy** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:31 pm

Boy Rick, you sure have alot of opinions...

However, I tend to agree with them myself. When I had my Harley I ran the wires in the tubing... which makes the bike look cool.

Whenever I was doing it, everyone said "Make sure you run futures... " Basically, if you know you need five wires, run at least a few more. That ended up saving my bacon later on. Also, when I ran them I just used welding wire (MIG) to fish them through... and that be my opinion.

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:22 pm

I agree with Rick, I don't think much of the running of wires through the tubes. If you do, grommet the entrance and exits. You can't bundle wires when running through the tubes but the idea of running futures (Desertguys' idea) is a great idea.

There is just too much that can go wrong inside the tubes to make it worth my time to do it. A lot of sharp things with all the welds and rough cut inside corners.

rickosuave1987 · Post by **rickosuave1987** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:31 pm

DesertGuy wrote:Boy Rick, you sure have alot of opinions...

What can I say? Im a complicated man.

Post by **2088 bob** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:39 am

Just to support rick on one more issue.....the rusting problem that usually comes with holes drilled in the chassis .I think I stated my opinion on this once before dead set against it that kind of install is for trailer queens

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:31 am

Thanks..

My hope is that we can help someone who may make this common issue.

I've had huge problems of tube filling with water.. it is a total bugger to get out.

T.

DesertGuy · Post by **DesertGuy** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:16 pm

MNAirHead wrote: I've had huge problems of tube filling with water.. it is a total bugger to get out.

T.

Now that's not a bad idea... When you are stranded in the Sahara Desert you would have something to drink... sounds like a tip for Survivor Man

69bajakid · Post by **69bajakid** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 9:59 pm

What you should do is run your wires like you usually would and use the cage as an air tank

on some of the jeeps we would build..we would drill holes into the tubes like ya would to run wires..and then weld a bung with a air coupler..if ya dont have any AC pump just stop by the gas station and charge the cage...have you air line and tools in the box.. makes for sweet on the trail repairs!

ya i know my post has nothing to do with wires..but just another idea

and it DOES work.

Cale