Fiber optic Fix
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Central llinois
Fiber optic Fix
I had good luck with this so I thought I would pass it along. I am in the process of getting all of the systems in the 69 working. I had all but one of the fiber optic lights working (RT. front). Since I am not doing a full restoration right now, I didn't really want to unravel the harness and try to splice the cable or replace the whole haness at this point. I found this place called the fiber optic store (thefiberopticstore.com) and ordered 20ft of their 48 strand jacketed end glow cable (about 26 dollars). It is only slightly larger in diameter to the original (3mm vs about 2.75mm) and has a similar black jacket. I ran it along the original harness and through the firewall at the 4 hole grommet where the tach cable enters and voila I have a fully functioning FO system for under 30 dollars. I probably only needed about 15 feet for this one, but didn't want to cut it too close. Their cable transmits light very well. and it blends in with the rest of the harness because of its black jacket. Yes, a little Bubba, but a simple fix to appease me until I get around to doing it right.
Jeremy
Jeremy
Last edited by RedAirRdstr; Mar 31, 2010 at 01:24 AM. Reason: wrong usage of to/too
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Certainly not a "Bubba" fix... You found a suitable replacement to the original cable and ran it the same route as the factory. I'd say you did a marvelous job. And, you've advised us of some good info (cable source) which I've never seen on this Forum. Way to go...and thanks. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 212
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From: Central llinois
I didn't actually splice into the harness. After reading all of the past posts on here regarding limited success, if any, with splicing the harnesses I decided that it just wasn't worth it to me to try to unravel the harness, find the cut and probably not be happy with the splice when it was done. I just clipped the original line at both ends where it went into the taped harness and ran an entirely new line from front light to FO display. I was able to melt the original ferrules from the ends with a lighter. I then carefully cleaned them out with a drill and re-crimped them on the new FO ends so I could plug it in on both ends
Jeremy
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: No longer in Heaven
redair-good job. I actually did a splice (driver's side rear) that came out great.
My question is the attachment of the cable to the interior display. Is there some type of lens that goes on the end of the FO cable that "brightens" the display and keeps it securely in there?
Mine all work now, but a few are pretty dim (I cleaned them all, and checked them all out at the source) and look like they need some type of booster to difuse the light at the display. It also seems like the cables are a bit too small in diameter to stay inserted up all the way into the display.
My question is the attachment of the cable to the interior display. Is there some type of lens that goes on the end of the FO cable that "brightens" the display and keeps it securely in there?
Mine all work now, but a few are pretty dim (I cleaned them all, and checked them all out at the source) and look like they need some type of booster to difuse the light at the display. It also seems like the cables are a bit too small in diameter to stay inserted up all the way into the display.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
From my experience working on military aircraft and in the telephone industry, it is standard practice to include a few spare wires in a large wire bundle. If a wire breaks in the bundle, the proper repair is to splice a spare wire in place of the broken wire. You did exactly the same thing, except since the General didn't provide you with a spare FO cable, so you added your own. Good Job!
Cheers,
Pete
Cheers,
Pete
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 212
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From: Central llinois
redair-good job. I actually did a splice (driver's side rear) that came out great.
My question is the attachment of the cable to the interior display. Is there some type of lens that goes on the end of the FO cable that "brightens" the display and keeps it securely in there?
Mine all work now, but a few are pretty dim (I cleaned them all, and checked them all out at the source) and look like they need some type of booster to difuse the light at the display. It also seems like the cables are a bit too small in diameter to stay inserted up all the way into the display.
My question is the attachment of the cable to the interior display. Is there some type of lens that goes on the end of the FO cable that "brightens" the display and keeps it securely in there?
Mine all work now, but a few are pretty dim (I cleaned them all, and checked them all out at the source) and look like they need some type of booster to difuse the light at the display. It also seems like the cables are a bit too small in diameter to stay inserted up all the way into the display.
Jeremy
