cable clips or zip ties?

#1
As some of you know, I just finished cleaning up my 69 sprint. It had zip ties on the brake & throttle cable originally holding them to the frame. There were only two of the original zip ties left on it when the bike came to me. I went ahead and put zip ties back in the locations they were originally, but I bought some some new spring clips with thoughts of upgrading it. Now I am wondering if it will take away from the originality of the bike. I need opinions to help me decide. Thanks!!
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#2
Just be careful if you use cable clips, as they tend to scratch the paint. Not sure what came original but I think I'd stay with zip ties. Just my opinion :shrug:


Vic
 
#6
Well, I'd find the rubber coated cable clips and go that way!

Zips and metal will wear your paint.
That's a good idea. I wonder if that liquid rubber stuff that is used for making things like pliers have rubber coated handles comes in green? If I could coat the spring clips with green rubber, I would like the look. I do feel like I should stay with zip ties since they were what it had originally.
 

JTG

Active Member
#8
Prime and paint the clips the same color as the frame so they don't stick out like a sore thumb. You will be surprised how good they look.
 

buckeye

Well-Known Member
#9
KKKart did a write up on applying clips and protecting your paint. Suppprting member section maybe?? I've not used any clips for fear of jacking up paint. But, they sure look good. Great idea to prime and paint to match the bike. :thumbsup:
 
#11
Nuckle, I was a teenager in 1969 and I don't remember ever seeing or hearing of a zip tieback then. I'm not sure they had been invented yet. I could very well be wrong and if anyone on here knows when zip ties were invented I would like know. In view of the fact that your bike is nearly 50 years old I wouldn't be too sure that the ties were a later add on. I know Fox used cable clips on all of their Campus bikes from 1962 to 1969. Personally, I would go with the cable clips. Just my opinion. Ogy
 
#13
Even though they were invented in 58, I never have seen them on old bikes!
I know China was around in 1958 but probably wasn't selling cheap ties till much later.

I think my old stuff has clips, like my Texas Ranger.

And Ogy is usually pretty correct!!
 

markus

Well-Known Member
#14
Rupp was using "zip ties" in the mid '60's. My econocycle came with them on it as did my '68 TT. You can see them pretty good on the picture if you blow it up (1966). Interesting though, the optional light kit (as shown on the pic) used clips though:

 
#16
I have decided to stick with zip ties. I do like the idea of spring clips painted the same color as the frame as well as spring clips with rubber to protect the paint. If this was some awesome hot rod or over the top restoration I would definitely use the clips, but since I want the bike to be as stock as possible I want to stick with what it had in the brochure. I did go a little off track with a clear yellow fuel line, only because the original was hard as a rock and I thought it would leak. Thanks for all the input, info, ideas, & generosity from everyone here. I am definitely a bigger mini bike nut because of everybody on here :scooter::thumbsup:
 
Top