30-40's Zip Tie Equivalent

Was there a zip tie equivalent for wiring harnesses that was used in the 30-40's or was the common practice to use friction tape or a cloth loom?

David

 

Friction tape I think

 

All I ever saw was a white waxed string, tied tightly and snipped off clean.....Really looked neat.

 

I seem to remember a thread where someone posted the string and the method used which was taken from aircraft wiring setups. It was an excellent article and thread on the subject.

 

Lacing cord.

 

We used friction tape too.

 

Here's some similar in stainless. Very "aircraft" looking, but at over $.50 a pop I'd want to make sure I have all my wires in the bundle.

http://order.waytekwire.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+L0D9C452152858700CA15082+M37+ENG

 

Also look into Adel clips, now sold under generic terms, strips of rubber-insulated aluminum made to fasten aircraft wiring to structure. This was a common WWII surplus item used on many rods, sort of a high tech upgrade to Ford issue wire to frame clips.
The aluminum tie strips are neat...I have never found any info on how old they really are. I have seen them in 1950's GM accessory packages to clip wire bundles from the accessory to existing wires, but don't know if they were available in 1930 or 1940...if they go back, I bet they turn out to be another aircraft bit.

 

A really good lacing thread:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185682&highlight=lacing

 

I used to be an A&P Mechanic for a major airline. What a great source of clamps, equipment and supplies for the auto enthusiast.

 

I've done lots of restoration to 30s American cars. I've seen the string method many times but the best looking was a small strip of plated tin that just got bent around the wire to keep it together. I would subs***ute stainless that was scuffed with a red scotchbrite pad and cut into 1/4" wide strips about 4-6" long. It would wrap around a Packard under-dash harness twice and not let go. And it looks authentic

 

Thats the one I was thinking of