Now that is a class addition. Hat's off to you, wret.
Just a suggestion but I wonder if a trip to an antique store would be worth while and seeing if you could find an old telephone. That fabric covered wire they used to use on the handset would also be a good alternative to black rubber. It would also have an 'aged' look. Naturally you'd have to use only the covering over real ignition wire.
Nevertheless, your clothes line idea is a great one. It looks good. Thanks for sharing the idea.
Tom