Good evening, everyone. Interior resto is moving along...slowly, but moving along nonetheless. While the carpet is out, my next step before putting in the Reflectix is to replace the fiber optic cables. I have all pieces for the ends of the cables at the light source (dust boots, grommets, ferrules, lenses, etc); in order to avoid $150 and $180 for rear- and front-end fiber optic sets, respectively, I am ready to purchase some after-market fiber optic endglow cable (probably .22” in diameter as in other threads on the forum)—will probably get 100’ from TriNorthLighting for $55.

I have been unable, though, to determine a place from where to purchase the two-piece brass fitting set that maintains the cable’s position inside the lens at the console. Of those two pieces, I have been able to remove the outer one (with prongs that prevent the cable from moving out of the lens), but can’t remove the tight-fitting piece that immediately surrounds the end of the cable. Is there a secret for removing it from an old fiber optic wire, OR do I need to find this piece elsewhere…and where?

Also, having used wire cutters to cut the license plate FO, I noticed the following difference: I can see the different strands in the console end of this FO, while the ends of the other two rear-end FOs look like they have been melted together. Is it critical to get this smooth glass-like finish at the end of the cable or is it okay for the strands to remain visible?

I intended to post a photo, but couldn't figure it out...dangit!

Craig

 

use a new (very sharp ) razor blade to refresh the ends of the fiber optic cable.
I was able to reuse all my old cables, the terminals can be spread apart, and reused.
I even had to splice a couple of them that were cut by Bubba.
I am just finishing my fiber-optics.

 

.22" dia fiber is a lot larger than the original cable. It is about 1/8" diameter, I believe. So, I'm not sure how you get it to fit in the receiver locations. Not much help here. Good luck.

 

7T1...you're absolutely right. I got lulled into complacency looking at another thread and after receiving a reply from another aftermarket FO store telling me .23" was correct. Lesson learned to verify everything myself vice taking someone else's word for it.

Can't wait to get home today to work to get the brass fittings off of the old wire and to use a razor blade to cut the cord. Thanks for the help, all.

 

there are 2 sizes Dia. of fiber optic used on the 69.
Hi/Lo Headlight indicators are different size fiber optic.

also it is important to cut the Fiber squarely for best light.

I used a 2" square of plywood, and cut and + in the center, app. 1/16"deep
Then lay the Fiber-Optic in 1 slot, and cut the fiber square.

69Vett

 

69: Great...I was able to recycle the brass fittings after a bit of time freeing the old cord from it. Cutting with the sharp edge of a razor blade seems to help quite a bit, and it doesn't look like I'll have to "melt" the end of the FO cables to achieve the lighting output of the glasslike appearance of the stock version. More to follow.