1960 Braided negative cable - cleaning help

[Daniel J.]

I am trying to clean my original braided negative cable.
I have de-greased it, but still very aged looking.
Any suggestions on best method to clean (I was thinking about media blasting, but wanted to ask first).

Thanks, Dan

[Pat H.]

Re: 1960 Braided negative cable - cleaning help

A wire wheel should do the trick. I've used it on old copper radio ground straps and they come out looking like new

[John D.]

Re: 1960 Braided negative cable - cleaning help

Daniel, Better off using some kitchen type chemicals. Go to your supermarket and check out the ones for copper bottom pans.
Forge that. Go to Lowe's and buy some Zep All purpose cleaner. The green stuff. Mix it with water. 3 or 4 to one. Did the copper ground strap in that and watch it come out looking rather new albeit dull.
My pal FI Art used this Zep product for cleaning filthy copper spiders aka fuel distributors for the antique FI units. Don't live the ground strap in too loing though. 15 minutes or so should make it look great. If the cleaner discolors the copper then you solution is too strong. Never buy the purple cleaner as that stuff burns everything.
I use an ultrasonic cleaner with the Zep cleaner. If a part is really bad I turn the heater on.

[William C.]

Re: 1960 Braided negative cable - cleaning help

Keep in mind that the braid consists of small copper wires that have been passed thru a "hot tin dip" process to add a layer of tin over the copper for protection prior to the braiding process. Any strong abrasive action will damage the tin layer and provide you with a very non-factory look on the cable.