Control Panel Gonzo...

[1956Safari]

The PO must have ripped out the control panel leaving me with this ugly sight. Should I a) Cover it over with a nice piece of Aluminum, or b) look and look for a replacement part and try and figure out the mish mash of wires?

Also, since this is all disconnected, will this effect my new replacement for the Univolt and my electrical system in general?
Thanks for the replys!

[imeynstein]

I have a problem regarding my control panel also and some of the areas no longer work. I would like to remove my control panel, but I haven't any idea as to how this would effect anything. I, too, am hoping for any suggestions. I have a 1974 Sovereign and would like to know if anyone else has removed their control panel or replaced one. I would also like to get 'rid' of the univolt. It has a purple wire that is cracked and frayed and was also wondering if this is what has caused the front interior to no longer light. The exterior light by the door no longer turns on either....SIGH......I will have to wait until this summer to begin working on my AS as it is parked 30 miles away and will be moved to my home in June or July. I plan on doing research as much as possible until I can get it home and begin working on it....

[bake315]

If y'all don't have one already, you should each look at obtaining a service manual that will show wiring diagrams for the various system. Once you know what to look for and where to look for it, it becomes somewhat less mysterious and daunting of a task. With proper testing equipment it should be a simple (albeit time consuming) task to trace the wires. It isn't that it's complex, just that there's just a whole lot of it to go through.

Good luck and safety first!

[1956Safari]

I do have a service manual, but you mention testing... Since the control panel is missing, can it be eliminated? Would I be trying to isolate wires and tag them before covering up with a plate?

[1956Safari]

I'm also bagging the Univolt, but would like to figure out the electrical before I disconnect the unit. I guess I'll take lots more pics!

[TMiller]

Ref your control panel. My round exterior thermometer was broken and unrepairable by Taylor Instruments, so I, also, have a nice round opening going into the wall of the trailer. I am making a pattern for stained glass/copper foil work to surround all the working components and the new thermometer, once I find one to use. I can use the existing panel as an exact template from which to design my final pattern and component placement. I can also use different glass colors to indicate the different status conditions of the holding tanks, etc. Maybe like green for full water supply and red for a full black tank, etc. I'll post a photo when I finally get it done. Tom

[thenewkid64]

Originally Posted by mediaetc

I'm also bagging the Univolt, but would like to figure out the electrical before I disconnect the unit. I guess I'll take lots more pics!

If you look at the end of the univolt that all the wires go into you will see a fuse panel.

The panel and the colored wires are for the house circuits. The large feeds out of the univolt go to the batteries. You will either need to save the fuse panel, or get a new one to feed the house 12 VDC circuits.

[1956Safari]

Brett,
Thanks for the info, I'll play tomorrow with manual in hand and see if I can figure them out. Amyone want a 73' Univolt?

[1956Safari]

73 Univolt going once.... going twice... Directly to the dump?

[GetOutDoors]

I'm new to the forums. I purchased my 1966 Safari last November.

Currently, I have gutted the coach, and am sandblasting the frame. I plan on adding a control panel. Does Airstream have a parts list that I could order a control panel from?

[somefun]

imeynstein ,

Regarding the burned wire... I have a '74, and had the same problem with the same lights. I Just cut the wire at the fuse panel back a bit, spliced a new piece in, and reconnected it to the fuse panel. The wire had rubbed through the insulation, right near the panel, and subsequently bured the wire and the insulation as it grounded out.