'56 Safari Rewire

[Wrightstuff6]

After purchasing a 1956 Safari last week, I have some electrical questions. First of all, is an electrical overhaul a necessity if the electrical is 62 years old? Is there an easier way that anyone has found than taking off the inner skin. I'm guessing these questions have been asked so even linking a prior thread would be great! Thanks everyone!

[goransons]

I don't have other threads or my pictures handy but let me summarize. Congrats on the trailer! Romex style wiring was a new concept. Your wire has a cloth insulation. Dry rot, moisture from any leaks, rodents, etc all take their toll. Secondly, being a new concept, they didn't have a lot of the safety features we expect (grounds, junction boxes, outlet boxes to name a few). Splices are all done within the walls (hidden junctions). Granted they are soldered and taped and were done neatly, it's not what we expect and they weren't pulling power for microwaves etc. A rewire is really necessary.

With the exception of lights, a lot could be run through cabinets but you'll end up with a lot of compromises.

If it were me, pulling cabinets and limited inner skins to rerun wire, add 12 volt if you want it, and to split things up into manageable circuits is definitely worth the trouble. If your zolatone is in great shape and you are careful, you can always replace pop rivets and have a paint shop make you a small amount of paint you can touch the rivet heads up with.

[StevieB]

Do you have any specific wiring issues that you have found?