I think with fifty year old wiring, this is on most people’s tooo dooo list. It sounds like you’re more in tune than I would be with wiring. I’ve got myself under the illusion possibly that newer wiring and terminals would help more than hinder the one candlepower headlights I have at present. My wish list on re wiring would also include a little extra length on the dash wires and to have a multi connector for the dash wires to keep it as easy as poss to get in and out and the same in the noisy cupboard for the motor and noisy hatch. That would really simplify popping the motor in and out and dash too for dim wits like myself. Maybe add a spur up the air intake ready for possible future solar additions
Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,sorry I can’t supply more practical help
Nice 1. I already replaced the charging/starter and battery cables and recrimped and untangled the rest a bit.
Changed up for an alternator so beefed up the cables a bit too.
All the lights are newish and quality units. Headlamps have osram nightbreaker bulbs i think. Loads of light on the road, but they could be better.
Some of the smaller cables are in a bad way and some are just too short now to follow a neat route, others replaced with odd colours over the years.
It starts from a button due to a P.O rewire when the ignition switch failed. Replaced the switch but the cables were all wrong by then.
I've added a front and rear fog which are yet to be wired up + hungry radio and want cable run in for other options like spots, gauges or fancy gizmos. So the harness will be less likely to need disturbing for later additions.
A second power feed for all the extras.
The multiplug/s for the dash is something i considered, but maybe repositioning the existing one that connects to some of the rear cables and adding another for the rest. Then there would just be the wiper motor, speakers and all the other random small cables and earths to disconnect. To be fair, the dash doesn't come out that often.
My only real concern in this is adding more connections increases resistance and can short if wet or corrode over time. For the cabes running to the rear it makes sense.
I am a qualified mechanic but have worked for years installing, warranty, retrofit and commissioning marine engineering systems on luxury yachts. Wiring is day to day but nothing like the old VW stuff, and nothing as big as the bus harness.
