Robbie asks the question [040213 MMDigest], "What do antique car
owners specify when an old auto is rewired?"

The answer is not particularly relevant to the question about whether
or not to bring an old 120 volt AC apparatus up to modern standards.
The old cars are 6 volts DC.  Nobody's going to get killed with that.
(Well, you can fry a finger or a wrist if you short the battery hot
wire to ground with your ring or watch band.  That's why I don't wear
either any more.)

But the answer is, of course, varied.  The purists buy a new wiring
harness, with braided insulation, just like the original, and they put
it back exactly the way it came from the factory.  The average
restorer, not particularly interested in authenticity or showing his
car, will still replace the wiring harness, because it's a complete
assembly, but will use modern, plastic-covered wire in hidden
applications or for modifications (like adding an electric fuel pump).

There are those who don't care, and they'll use anything.  Some guys
who can't seem to make their 6-volt system work, will put in an 8-volt
battery, or convert the car to 12 volts.  Some will replace the points
with electronic ignition.  Some will replace the old cut-out (crude
voltage regulators) with solid state devices.  But these changes are
for improved performance rather than safety.

But again, this doesn't compare to 120 volts AC.  The cars are a single
wire system, with a return ground through the chassis.  The voltage is
low, and is direct current.  My Packard is positive ground.  There
isn't much to upgrade, as far as safety is concerned.

Ray Fairfield