Hard-shell hood wire replacement

[Huntsman247]

Has anyone replaced the wire on their hood?
And any suggestions of what works well?
The one in this arcteryx jacket is pretty hopeless as it doesn't hold form. I think its just plastic. Looking for something that will hold its shape yet resist a bit of bending from use before breaking.

The jacket often remains wet so a bit hesitant to just use gal wire.

[north-north-west]

Try heavy duty whipper-snipper cable.
Failing that, 1-2mm copper wire.

[Moondog55]

Yes Copper works
Buy a metre of solid TPS and strip the outer sheath off and use one of the PVC covered conductors, you have to use solid core not the multi-strand type

[Last]

aluminium tig welding wire. Try 1.6mm, if that's not stiff enough, 2.4mm

[Huntsman247]

Thanks guys. Awesome suggestions.
I've got plenty of electrical wire so will give that a go.

[Biggles]

Coat the wire, if going the copper way, with a polyolefin (heatshrink), with extra left on the ends. This will provide protection against corrosion, though not a lot.
In lieu of copper, maye flexible aluminium rod of 2 to 3mm.

[Moondog55]

You don't need to do that if using the PVC sheathed standard house wire tho. It is important ti use the solid core tho as multistrand is too flexible and won't hold the shape. Aluminium works also but work hardens more quickly so it doesn't last as long and that does need to be sheathed
Heat shrink wrapping the ends tho would really help because it's normal to fold back the ends of the copper wire by ten millimetres or so to give a smooth round end that won't cause extra wear on the tunnel ends. I'd strip the PVC from that end 20mm and use shrinkwrap there

[Biggles]

Flexible aluminium lengths may be available at Spotlight; many years ago (decades, prob. three) I replaced the formable wire in a Goretex coat visor on the hood with an aluminium replacement; it was wrapped in electrical tape, what in my student poverty I could not even afford a boiled egg! It was diligently sewn back together with a needle and clear thread, to the cheerful tune of 'sew, a needle pulling thread..."

If nothing else, Remote Repairs in Hoppers Crossing will do a top-notch job. But doubtless not cheaply.

Factory 6 / 2 Kilmarnock Court
Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029
03 8360 7113

[Huntsman247]

Thanks for the advice MD.
Yeah I tested the multistrand. It's defo too soft. I know a sparky where I might be able to get a length off the single core from.

Will use sugru to cap the ends of the insulation.

Thanks Biggles. Will keep that in mind for future more complicated repairs.
I'm getting handy with the sewing needle though and starting to make diy gear so I think I'll be ok.