Wire dash of Ariston 266 of 1959

[Don Ayers]

On the back of my original dash someone had glued an additional piece of wood. I was able to surface off that wood down to the original wood. This was so I could see the original screw holes for all the wire clips and how it was run.

the red dots are the original screw holes.

[Eric T.]

Don,

Nice investigative skills...

I like your documentation process. Please keep up up to date on this as you dash board wiring evolves... If I can dig them up... I'll send some pics of some original dashboards... 50yrs of use... but original.

[Rich]

Hi Don,
I found some photos of Ariston 204 from 1958 if they will help. I have lots more if you need them.

IMG_2145.JPG

[Don Ayers]

Rich;

Thanks so much for this great information. This AR dash from 1958 is a different version than mine but it does show how they did things in that Riva way. The dash changed on AR 219, which is owned by Dan Diehl in Tulsa. It is a project boat at the moment.

[Don Ayers]

Starting the new wire job on the 1959 Ariston.

First thing I have to learn is how to identify what exactly the original wiring was. I found this helping site online that does the conversions.

http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/wire_calc.aspx

Most of my original wire is still there but I find myself questioning if I should use it or go with all new "correct" wire.

I'll post here what I learn and how I proceed.

Hope this helps.

[Don Ayers]

Amazing that Riva used so many different wire colors and sizes. I identified 16 different colors and sizes of wire.

I will posts some pics here.

[Don Ayers]

OK, for all those that want to know...all three of you!

I have finished my review of the wiring in my 1959 Ariston.

There are 16 different colors and sizes of wire. (did not photo the 8 AWG black wire)

There are 13 different colors and sizes of wire loom (protective plastic cover PVC)

I will post pics of all of them. I have a detailed account of each and what is required to replace with new.

If anyone needs the full detail I can send the file.

Hope this helps someone

[Alanweinstein]

Dash wiring 1.JPG

Great compilation of AR wiring info......I should have further info regarding the tubing in the near future. I'll also post a few more photos of AQ 28 dashboard this evening. Although a slightly later Riva, it still shows the philosophy of Riva wiring.

[Don Ayers]

Update;

I was able to source all the wire except for the "two conductor" Red, Yellow and green. I am having that wire special made and will have extra if anyone needs it. (had to made a 500ft/200m roll)

See picture of new wire from, it is perfect colors and does not have any printing on it
http://www.riwire.com

Ground wire available from

www.streetwires.com


Regarding the PVC loom that the wire goes through I was able to source the sizes but not all the colors. Due to the fact that no manufacturer will produce without very large orders I did experiment with painting.

I used plastic/vinyl paint and it looks to work great. See picture.

[Don Ayers]

Got the main engine loom wire pulled this weekend. New wire from http://www.riwire.com

Update, the plastic paint used for the PVC covers works great, stays flexible and does not crack when bent.

[Don Ayers]

I just got in the special made two conductor wire. As you can see it is a perfect match and I have a lifetime supply.

[Don Ayers]

Here is a picture of the final PVC tubes. The painting worked great. Remember I used a special paint for plastics that is flexible.

I'm now ready to get in the boat and start installing.

[Don Ayers]

More progress

[Don Ayers]

Wire to the stern for blower, fuel tank sender and stern light.

Also the engine room lights

[Don Ayers]

Finished with the lights and aft compartment wire runs

[Don Ayers]

Here is my progress on the wiring of AR 266. I estimate to be 3/4 done.

I also have been having fun making a time lapse video. Enjoy Part 1.

[Don Ayers]

Updated Video and pictures.

The time lapse video represents approx. 35 hours

[Eric T.]

Looks awesome Don.

Not many people will go to the effort to make a historically accurate restoration of the minute details like the plating on the switches....VERY NICE!

[Don Ayers]

Here are a couple of final pics under the dash

[Don Ayers]

I forgot to post my trick on how to paint the outer colored tubing. I bought the right sizes from McMaster Carr in black.

I then figured out how many feet of each size and color.

Then I strung the tubing along a very long wire.

I had my listing so I knew what size and length needed to be a certain color. I marked each tube with the right color.

At that point I just walked down the line with my different paints and painted each tube the correct color.

I let this air dry and then just pulled them off the wire.

Hope this helps someone in the future.