Annie front truck wire issues

[naptowneng]

I decided to add weight to the front truck of my Annie, a recent model.  Took the bottom plate off to get at the truck, and discovered that there are 2 wires, red and black that come from the truck for power pickup.  They both come up from the truck through the spring, then through tiny holes in a washer and up to the motor area.

The red wire from the truck has "delaminated" with the insulation separating from the wire over about 1 1/2 inch of wire, including it seems the wire coming through the hole in the washer.  That is one tiny hole and small dia wire. 

Does anyone know the gauge of the wire and a source for this as it must be the right size to go through the washer.  Or an alternative approach to repair this?  I am concerned about a short developing with the exposed wire.

Thanks

Jerry

[Doneldon]

nap-
I wouldn't worry about the exact size of the wire.  Just use whatever will fit.  The wire gauge isn't so important on such a short run.

To prevent this from happening again, use some flexible adhesive, like caulk, near where the wire passes through the washer and metal plate.  That will keep the wires from rubbing/moving and abrading again.  However, make sure that you don't attach the washer and metal plate together or in any other way restrict the free movement of the front truck.
                                                                                                  -- D

[Barry BBT]

A better way is to bypass the route through the spring, drill a hole big enough for both the red and black wires, 3/32".

If you pull the bottom plate off you will see a small hole in front of the screw boss on the bottom of the first compartment in the chassis, en large that hole to 3/16", drill a hole in the bottom plate to match.  Route the new wires form the pilot truck hole, up through the bottom plate then into the chassis.  Find the wires to the pilot, splice in your new wires.  Put it back together.

Bonus, with the wires coming out of the back section of the truck frame, it will help keep the truck in proper orientation and prevent shorts.

Barry - BBT

[naptowneng]

Barry-

Thanks for the reply and info.  That was just what I was looking for to get those wires out of the small washer holes.
Regards

Jerry