WE internal wiring question

[Fennec]

Hello:

I am starting work on three WE phones (202 and 302) and a 634BA subset in different states of disrepair, and initial inspection revealed heavily discolored, and in some cases completely deteriorated internal wiring.

I have already ordered a new set of line and handset cords, however I wonder if anybody would be able to point me to a source for replacement/reproduction internal wiring?

Ideally, cloth covered in WE color/pattern assortment, however this might be a tall order, so vinyl insulation would be OK too... BTW, what gauge is this internal wiring? 22 or 24?

Pointers/suggestions would be appreciated.

[TelePlay]

I recently had to look for cloth wire to redo a subset. All I can say is NOS cloth wire is on eBay once and a while, it is not cheap and gauge is what ever they have as is the color/trace design.

One source is if you get a phone with a ratty handset or subset or line cord, the conductors within the cloth outer covering may be usable but choice of color/design is what you have.

One place to look is vintage radio sites, they use similar wire.

As for getting a desired color or design, good luck. I bought what was available when I needed it.

Others members may have links to good sources, or ideas on what to do. This should get you started thinking about what you want to do.

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Here is a seller offering 10' of 22 gauge wire at $15.

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Western-Electric-telephone-cloth-covered-wire-for-soldering-repairs-radio-/201773136445


There are companies that still make it for vintage lamps but that is usually 2-3 conductor and heavy gauge. Sundial has single conductor down to 18 gauge and not much choice in color/design

     http://www.sundialwire.com/single-conductorwire-1.aspx


Old Phone Work will make custom (lot of options) colored cloth wire for $0.75 a foot but you have to place a 25' minimum per color/design ($18.75 per design plus shipping)

     https://www.oldphoneworks.com/bulk-cordage-single-conductor.html

[Doug Rose]

I use Old Bell Yellow Blue cross wire. No tech on the road was without it. It was where NET (New England Tel in my area)Techs wired new Lines from their RJ11C into you phone system. Color code really stuck out, you could always find the Lines through a wad of xwire as thick as your leg. First time working on a new switch, you easily found the COs.

I have a lifetime supply. It was free to me....Doug

[Fennec]

Just wanted to let everyone know - I have found one source:

http://stores.ebay.com/Jake-s-old-Western-Electric-Stuff?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Disclaimer: no affiliation with the seller, link intended for information only.

Cannot vouch for anything, but in absence of alternatives I have purchased a good assortment of NOS 22AWG WE wire. Should be enough for my needs for the foreseeable future

[Victor Laszlo]

I think you'll find that the telephone internal wires are stranded. The wire that Jacobs sells is, for the most part, solid.

[Fennec]

I think you'll find that the telephone internal wires are stranded. The wire that Jacobs sells is, for the most part, solid.

True, but beggars can't be choosers... I also intend to use it for my antique radio hobby on low voltage circuits, especially where exact replication of lead dress is needed.

[rdelius]

Avoid solid wires where they might flex.They might break.Solid wire would be a poor choice for cords.