[Texasrocker]

18 ga "stranded" wire isnt that big or bulky to work with in 99% vintage radio chassis. Their are exceptions however! I wouldnt recommend using 18 ga under the small AC/DC type chassis', where extra-space is paramount. The 18 ga. "stranded" types solder much easier than many single strands in most cases once cut to length, & tinned 1st on each end. However, I do use the smaller guages also in tight spots! Guess its kinda "whatever" the job calls for? Heat shrink works fine for a quick "patch job" if needed also on a few wires! Sure bet though,.. if a "few"orig wires are brittle and crusty, so are all the rest in most cases! I replace all them individually one at a time in the old "crusty" sets with new wiring altogether for future dependability of "no shorts". I find it easier replacing the entire wire(s), with new, (point-to-point), than cutting one end loose and subbing shrink-tubing myself.
All my point was on this topic was helping "serious" restorers involved in this hobby get a "great amount",... of wire for "low $$"!! I restore LOTS of vintage tube-type electronics, and have found this the best-deal out there for serious hobbyists when lots of 18 ga wiring is needed from yr to yr in electronics restorations. I keep my supply of the smaller guages wire in stock from throw-away old TVs, computers, & misc electronics for free! There is always a plethora of different ga. wiring in those old throw-away chassis indeed. The Belden 18 ga wire works great in all the early TRF type large-chassis' models, and the Philco 37-XXX models, and many,many more brands! Purchasing 1200' of 18 ga. stranded electronics wire (in 12 separate 100' colors with pvc shield),.. for under $60 bucks is hard to beat on pricing for me. Just trying to share a good-deal when I find one!