Further are there any 'old-timers'
out there that dealt with this, pre GPS days?
..... but we do live in the GPS age. I would not fly IFR without a portable GPS as backup.
Portable GPS and a mobile phone will get you safely out of most situations. I have had 2 x alternator failures (not in the FTDK) resulting in total electrical failure - portable GPS and mobile phone got me down and home.
FTDK has: Pressure AH and electric AH, 2 x VHF, VOR, ILS, ADF, G430W, G495 portable, handheld VHF with VOR indicator, Sat phone, 3 x other non-TSO GPS, 4 x torches.
Dr 
PS: You will minimize your chances of having things fail if you don't let Jaba near your aeroplane!