C2 plug wire installation

[Randy S.]

I think it is time for new plug wires on my 66 small block. I still run the original shielding and the car is not judged. I was going to use the Petronix 708101 but searching the archives revealed some of the wires are too long and bunch up around the distributor. I am thinking of using the Delco 508N, ie, graphite on a thread.
A tip on installation from the archives was to cut the spark plug boot off the old wire, tape the new wire to the old, and pull it thru the shielding including the shields on the block sides
My question is are the Delco wires strong enough to be pulled thru the shielding? I am assuming these wires are fragile. Has someone used this installation method without damaging the wires?

Randy

[Bill I.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Randy, that won't work. The wires will hang up at the rubber grommets in the shielding that seperate the wires. You gotta go the hard route. Have Band aids handy. Bill.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Bill,
Yes that would be an issue. I would have to remove the upright shields at the rear of the block; that's not an issue. I was looking for a shortcut to get the wires thru the "boomerang" shields without damaging the fragile wires. I can't find it now but someone in the archives mentioned pulling the wires thru the lower shields using the old plug wire. Again won't that damage the fragile wires?

Randy

[Bill I.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Randy, the wires are not that fragile. It's pretty tight at the elbows, but if you want, give it a shot. Me, I would remove the shields, hey, use some chrome polish and they'll look new. Then you got new wires and new looking shields. JMHO, Bill.

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Randy,

It can be done by cutting the plug end off the old and using the old to thread the new through the shielding. The problem is only on the front 4 plugs getting it through the motor mounts

However I did it the opposite way, without damaging the old wires. Take the distributor end boot off the old (as well as the new).

Get some #12 electrical wire and tape it to the distributor end of the old.
Pull the old forward from the plug end, making sure that the old wires are dislodged from any of the clips or supports under the lower shielding.

When you get the old one through, then you have a pull wire for the new.
You have to take the distributor boot off the new and tape that end to the pull wire. Then pull the new wire back to the distributor. Make sure it doesn't get hung up on any of the clips or supports under the lower shielding

A lot easier if you have a pit, and can get under the car.

[Dale S.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Just be glad you dont have K-19. Dale

[Dale S.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

Also A/C with you K-19 D/

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 plug wire installation

All,
Thanks for the tips.
I have C60 (AC) and also a little paranoid about getting under a jacked up car so I was looking for tips to avoid removing the boomerang shields and getting under the car.

Randy