That is for the motor control tether aka "Stay Cable". I don't think it was used on anything but the military versions. It was to control movement of...
That's a nice looking start Ductape! I cant think of a better project for someone who likes to work on cars. You have many options for your project....
Like you I often tore things apart just to see how they worked (great teaching tool, nothing like hands on). First engine I ever rebuilt was back in...