how to get stiff old wires out of handlebars?

[dentedvw]

I bought some new bars, got the wiring out of the headlight bucket with minimal damage, and got the bars off the bike. Cables all out okay, going to clean up some stuff, notch the pods, etc.
Where I am stuck at is getting the old wiring out of the old bars. Aghhh! It's really stiff and hasn't budged a bit.

Got some tips on how to pull it out without pulling the wiring out of the pods accidentally?

Bike is 71 honda CL350.

 

[xs650]

I have had some luck using a hair dryer or heat gun to soften up the plastic sleeve on the harness,makes it come out a little better.

 

[dentedvw]

I used warm soapy water. Heavy on the soap. Then I cut the old sleeve off, and used large shrink wrap. I would take a pic, but I can't find my cameras right now. DOH.