Mark,

Dry rot and the effects of time and environment can take their toll without
any way of
turning back. However, my wife whose college degree is in home economics,
suggests two
products usually carried at fabric stores (Jo-Ann, Hancock etc). She also
says fraying and
wear of cloth are two different problems in that fraying generally happens
on the edge of
cloth. Her suggestion is to get something called "spray sizing" and try
applying it to the cloth wire to
preserve or revitalize the fibers. (Obviously disconnect power...sigh...I
feel stupid having to
say that because I know everyone knows better but I am a victim of
"contemporary correctness" I guess).
To retard or stop fraying get a product called "Fraychek." Also sold at
fabric stores.
Good luck.

WA9VLK