Reader Question: Rewire or Not?

So this is the first time I've done this, but here's a reader question:

I have a 72 vw bus that needs to be rewired. I know nothing about this kind of procedure. in your opinion what would it cost someone to do this? like in a vdub shop. If you know. I will post a pic of my bus tomorrow. My wife and myself have owned this bus for five years. We bought it on craigslist for 1000 bucks. It drives but is in poor condition. How much do you know about buses and mechanics? let me know. We are in Oregon

Thanks
Doug

Doug,
My bus had really bad problems in the beginning and I became hell-bent on rewiring it. I'm glad I didn't. While every bus would probably operate better with all new wire, the cost and time outweigh the benefits unless your bus is a rats' nest. This is my opinion.
There are those that say rewire and have a solid nervous system of your car. If you're up to it and saavy, the bus does have an easy and exposed platform to work inside of. Just be prepared for it to not go smoothly.

I would imagine that most auto shops would not take on that project and probably try to talk you out of it. I may be wrong here but if I were them that's what I would do .

You mention that it is drivable and that's a good thing. To me that says it doesn't need to be rewired. Having no more information than what was in your question, I would suggest the approach that I took.

Before you do any of this.
DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE CABLE TO YOUR BATTERY. 


Tip 1: Replace bad wire.
If there are obvious wires that are melted or exposed, clip the section out and splice in new wire. Just do them as you see the need.

Make sure to get the right connectors if you're replacing those and invest in a decent wire stripper/crimper.

Here's a link with a diagram on how to do this: Wire Splicing Using Butt Connectors

Or you could watch this video:


ALSO, when replacing sections of wire, give yourself some extra wire... don't make it tight. In early attempts I made this mistake. Since then I've gone back and added more. The extra wire makes it easier to work with whatever it's connected to later on.

Make sure to do at least the gauge (thickness) or bigger. The gauge is directly related to the amount of electricity that needs to be sent through it. Splicing in a smaller gauge is just asking for a melted wire. Once you use the butt connectors, tape them or heat shrink them to seal the connection from the elements.

Tip 2: Buy some zip ties and secure loose wires.
Wires that wave around rub on things, rubbing = friction and friction = bad. Tie those puppies up.

Tip 3: Clean connection points with a wire brush or sand paper. Make 'em shiny. :)
You could do this all day. It's only going to help. It also is pretty rewarding and can be done in small increments. On top of that, you'll generally find some of the bad wire or just bad connections during this activity. One note: Don't remove too many at once.

Remove all your fuses (noting where each went) and clean all the terminals that they sit in. You can get replacement fuses at a FLAPS (Friend Local Auto Parts Store). I did this because it cost me $4 and it's a reason to go to an auto parts store which I enjoy.

Tip 4: Find your Wire Diagram and make a BIG Printout of it. 
... then hang it on the wall and use it to trace the wires and see what they are.
Your wiring diagram is available at VintageBus.com. Download it, bring it to a Kinkos or some Shop and have it blown up as big as you can.

Standard Tips I Tell People:
Advice: Use a Digital Camera and TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES.
This has saved my ass a number of times. I generally take pictures and have my laptop out by me, but whatever. The picture can answer everything. Also if you're going to blog, it helps :)

Advice: Use The Samba. (http://www.thesamba.com)
In the community section at the top are listings for businesses, clubs and events. Be sure to use the Search functionality because you probably aren't the first person to encounter stuff. pictures help with descriptions.

Advice: Make some VW Friends
Trust me, they are out there and they can support you in your efforts to get your bus running. I used to live on the West Coast and I know there are a TON of enthusiasts in Oregon. You can use the Samba to find these. You could probably put an ad on Craigslist offering food, beer, whatever and you'll have a party of people wanting to help.

Advice: Get a Recommendation for a Good Honest Mechanic:
... don't feel pressured into doing anything and make sure you ask questions. If they don't want to answer them, then move on. You know more than you think. Whether it be The Samba, friends or your own investigations, find a decent mechanic who's going to be like going to a doctor. I wrote a post about Interviewing a Mechanic. You might give it a read.

I think that that's about it. Please post your responses and lets continue the conversation in comments here.

Casey