newbie wire gauge question

[boss]

I've ordered a new compressor with wiring harness for my Cavalier USS-8-64K from Eric at Global Compressors (seems like a great guy).  I'm considering rewiring some other parts of the machine.  Two quick questions:

1)  What gauge wire should I use (14 looks about right when I eyeball it).
2)  several wires are wrapped in a rubber tubing (almost looks like surgical tubing).  What's the best thing to replace that with?

Any help would be appreciated.

[johnieG]

16 gauge is more than adequate for the majority of the circuits in the Cavalier 64 series machines, but I prefer to use 14 gauge with a ground (earth) on the main power cord. just use wire rated for at least 300 volts ( double your working voltage basically) do NOT use automotive style "primary" or " trailer" wire, it is only rated for 75 volts & the plastic will melt & soften at a much lower temperatures than the proper wire type, plus it presents a shock hazard.

The tubing is just used as a wire loom to keep the bundle neat & tidy & prevent any stray wires from getting caught in a door or snagged.  If you're not total into keeping it looking original, you can use a single color of wire & wire tag/ID each end.  

Most of the time the wires just need a good cleaning to look new, I use denatured alcohol on a terry cloth rag & wipe them down to remove the years of grime & grease & sticky Coke syrup ( with the power off of course)

[boss]

Great info. Thanks.