I would think real metal wire is too springy to try and wrap around the spool. I've taken styrene rod or tubing (ie. Evergreen) of appropriate diameter and wrapped thread also of an appropriate thickness down the length of the plastic, and glue in place. About 4 - 6 inches long of plastic should give enough spools for at least 1 - 2 ships. Cut the plastic into lengths that will fit into the PE reels. If you use appropriatly colored thread you won't have to paint the hoses or cables.
In 1/700 scale I use a plastic rod about the correct diameter. This is chucked into a Dremel tool. Near the Dremel tool end, narrow gauge copper wire is tied. White glue is then thinly coated over the rest of the rod. The Dremel is slowly spun winding copper wire over the white glue. When the end of the rod is reached, tie off the copper wire. Allow the glue to set and paint the wire the colour you want. When dry cut off the lengths required for the cable reel. Dependent on the length of rod, you can make up enough to last a few projects.