MkIV Would Of's and Should Of's

[flip1216]

Well... the deposit has been placed and the kit is on order. I've already ordered numerous parts for upgrades or modifications I'd like (many thanks to all of the 'pioneers' on the forum). With such a wealth of information at my finger tips, I have to ask - 'What are the would of's and should of's that come to mind?' Looking for a brief list to bookmark and return to - and hopefully capture before making the same mistakes!!

One I really liked was a Wareaglescott's when he went back over some of the issues he experienced a few months after completing his build. I am sure there an numerous others, but his comes to mind easily.

[wallace18]

I will starting my 5th MK4 build next month. P/S and P/B are 2 items that IMO make the car much easier and fun to drive. Quiet pipes also make cruising easier on the ears as well, IMO. Just my 2 cents worth.

[GoDadGo]

1. The Drop Trunk Sheet Metal Kit!
2. Ford Cobra Front Brakes & I May Still Add Them!
3. I wish I wouldn't have installed the stereo even though it looks nice in the car.
4. I may ditch my home-made passenger side heater since it just doesn't get that cold down here near New Orleans.
.....Note:.. I built it for Mrs. Go-Dad so it will likely stay.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=982

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

[cgundermann]

A liberal use of nutserts instead of rivets for any aluminum panels that may be removed for maintenance. Making the transmission tunnel completely removable. Also the dash removable/dropped is a must IMO. I have Cobra (Mustang) brakes and will upgrade to Hawk pads. I rerouted my defroster plumbing to run two heater vents to the foot wells. This and heated seats work well for colder days in the Pacific NW. I would now entertain power brakes and power/electric assisted steering. Quieter pipes will preserve what little hearing I have...

After 5 upper back/neck surgeries, I definitely would go with the new Mustang IRS.

Good luck and enjoy the building journey. All the Forum friends are here for you.

Chris

[DadofThree]

I don't really have any "Should haves", but a lot of "I'm Glad I did!"

Glad I did:
Hidden Cruise
Hidden Cup holders
Hidden USBs
Seat Coolers
Kirkey Vintage Seat (on my side)
Wrapped the sidepipes
Drop trunk mod
Rectangle Tail lights
15" Wheels
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Hidden Trunk Battery
Remote Charge Terminals in Trunk with Disconnect Switch
Removable Trans Cover
Enlarged my DS footbox on both sides and dropped the floor 3/4"
Enlarged PS Footbox
Competition Dash layout
Clock on Dash
Added Heater
Firewall Forward 2 inches
Windshield post Mirrors
Turn Signal Module
DS Footbox Access panel (Mk3.1 didn't have these from FFR)
Removable Steering Wheel
Floor High Beam Dimmer Switch
Wiring Diagrams
Main Power Disconnect Switch
Fuse block with lights to indicate which fuse blew
EFI
Stock 302 with E303
Alum radiator with shroud
Hood Hinge Set
Sound deadener
Truck bed liner on underside of body
Snapless tonneau cover - quick and easy
2" strap - cam lock - 5 point harness
Edwardb's grab handle on dash for passenger

Pictures - Pictures - Pictures!

(*whew!* That's a lot)

ALL of these have come into play or have been an important part of the positive experience! And I have really been happy that I did each one.

The only thing that I think I didn't really need to do, and don't really find practical for me, is the Cabin Cubby. Sort of wish I didn't do that.

Things I still have to add:
Trunk lid prop
Dual pusher fans (cosmetic)
Sun visors
Over riders

If you take the time to make the car how YOU want it, you'll be very happy with your build!

[Ducky2009]

RT turn signals, seat heaters (and depending on where you live, FFR heater too). PS & PB. Hi-back Kirkey seats. Drop trunk. I did add a radio and enjoy it. Glove box. Trunk lid support. Radiator fan shroud. One pc headers (vs. J pipes). I don’t have it but removable steering wheel would have been nice. Not sure it and RT turn signals work together. Competition dash. Rear view mirror mounted on top of windshield (vs onto dash). Roll bars on both sides.

[phileas_fogg]

I should have started with an oil pan that would support the demands of autocross. I just didn't know that one could destroy an engine by oil starvation in just a couple of runs. Fortunately, I found out from a buddy before I did any damage to my car. So...if you plan to learn how to drive your car at a track event - any track event - get the appropriate pan!


John

P.S. I've got Gordon Levy's race pan on order, but I'll be working under the car rather than out in the open!

[Avalanche325]

Here is what I retrofitted.

Trunk floor drop mod. I retrofitted it as soon as I discovered that a helmet won't fit.
Quieter pipes. I have a 500hp 347 with a fairly nasty cam. That equates to loud. I changed to Flowmaster slimlines, which are unfortunately no longer made.
Head rests added to the seats. Requested by my wife for longer trips. Not a fan of roll bar head rests myself. I did the same as John, here - https://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/413801-another-seat-thread.html
Premium soft top. keeps me out of the Florida sun, which gets to be no fun on a long hot day. It has also kept me out of the rain more times than I can count.
Lumbar support to the seats. I did this when I installed the headreasts. I used memory foam from a pillow.

What I wouldn't do without:
Power steering
Wilwood brakes.
Heater - yes, even in Florida.
Heated seats - yep.
Wipers. I don't get why someone would not put these on a street car. See soft top comment above
Russ Thompson turn signal and gas pedal
Glove box. I made my own.
Boig coolant hard hoses.
Removable (riv-nuts) on elephant ears and nose aluminum. I personally don't get the need for a removable transmission tunnel. There is nothing up there to get to besides the shifter, and you can get to that under the shift boot.
Cup holders. I did mine in the typical tunnel location.
Under dash panel. I like a simple, clean dash. My under dash panel has all kinds of extra switches and ports. Garage door openers, radar detector controls, gauge cal, USB ports, Power port, O2 sensor power, emergency flashers, and seat heater controls. All easy to reach and out of site.
Sun visors and wind wings. They make a huge difference in the wind turbulence.
As mentioned - Gordon Levy road race pan. I autocross.

What would I not do next time.
Polish the engine bay panels. HUGE amount of labor and you can hardly see them.
I used AL fuel line from the pump to the carb. I cracked a flare one time at the pump and then 10,000 miles later, got a pinhole up near the carb. I will NEVER use AL fuel line again.
I read to not cut the defroster vent holes until after I painted so they would line up better with the stripes. So I didn't. 20K miles later I still haven't taken a saw to the paint.

[Mark Reynolds]

Chris, We easily can fix your rear suspension for a nice compliant ride with the 3-link Handling Pack:
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/3-link-suspension-handling-pack/
"Ban the Bones" :)

[Itchief]

Bumper grommets front and rear from finish line accessories

mechanical throttle linkage from forte

Lower radiator mount, radiator fan shroud, radiator cowl cover from breeze

Overriders

Good luck

Rick

[flip1216]

Wallace, thanks for the response. I have seen numerous supporters of P/S - and I plan on installing as well. Haven't seen too much on P/B. Are there any kits on the market for the brakes? Everything I've seen uses a previously used booster.

[flip1216]

GoDadGo, why do you recommend the drop trunk kit? Looking at the 'juice worth the squeeze' aspect - do you really use the extra space in the trunk that often? I started looking at it, but didn't think I'd use it since the car is meant to be 'cruiser'.
I currently have the Wilwood brake upgrade, so think I am good there. Ford Cobra vs. Wilwood - thoughts?
As for the stereo, why not? I've considered it, but haven't made a final determination.
I think the seat heaters are a must in Northern Virginia - especially to keep my passengers (the lovely Mrs.) happy!

[flip1216]

Gundermann, what size nutserts did/would you use? Same size as the rivets (1/8'' I think)?
I've been torn on the heater - given it is open top I didn't see too much use. However, it would be nice on the feet. The alternative I was going to invest in is WWII era bomber jackets. Figure it would be a neat touch.

[flip1216]

Dof3, Tybee is really beautiful isn't it? Lived in Savannah about a decade ago... now back to business - I plan to pursue a few of the same options you've listed (hidden USB, power steering, windshield post mirrors, truck liner underbody, and overriders). One thing definitely coming off your list is the floor switch dimmer. I was literally researching the best solution for switching high beams yesterday and totally forgot about a floor switch option. I loved 'em in older vehicles, especially the old Broncos. Which brings up quite possibly the most important question - why don't we use those anymore??

[flip1216]

Ducky, why the removable steering wheel? Also, why roll bars on both sides? I get the safety for the passenger, but figured with such a low center of gravity it would be almost impossible to roll it.

[flip1216]

Fogg, I'm not too far away from you - we currently live in Lorton. Might have to link up when you have time. As for engine options, I'm putting the Coyote in and have followed suit with the Moroso Oil Pan. Not sure if that is the appropriate one/type, but seems to work for the group by and large. Thanks for the input - definitely a money saver!

[flip1216]

Avalanche, I am starting to notice a trend - trunk floor drop mod. I didn't realize the trunk was so small (being unable to fit a helmet).
Does anyone know of any slimline alternatives for the exhaust?
Did you use the FFR heater or did you use something else?

[cgundermann]

Chris, We easily can fix your rear suspension for a nice compliant ride with the 3-link Handling Pack:
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/3-link-suspension-handling-pack/
"Ban the Bones" :)

Thanks Mark, I thought I knew all of your products...missed that one.

Chris

[phileas_fogg]

Fogg, I'm not too far away from you - we currently live in Lorton. Might have to link up when you have time. As for engine options, I'm putting the Coyote in and have followed suit with the Moroso Oil Pan. Not sure if that is the appropriate one/type, but seems to work for the group by and large. Thanks for the input - definitely a money saver!

I drove through Lorton yesterday (got in 50+ miles)! I'm in Fairfax Station, so PM whenever you'd like to meet.

Regarding riv-nuts, I standardized on #10-32 throughout my car. The fuel & brake lines are secured with #10-32; the splash guards, the pedal box access panel, and the under dash panel too. I even swapped the #10-24 screws at the filler cap with #10-32. There's nothing magic about the size; just use fine thread when you tap into the thicker frame pieces (4" tube & 2" square).


John

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Classic instruments. Have a custom set now to replace the base FFR instruments but have not installed them yet. Happy with everything else.

https://www.ffcars.com/forums/members/albums/50738-bear-avhistory/bear-2-2833-picture44880-shga850.jpg

[Avalanche325]

Bumper grommets front and rear from finish line accessories

Rick

Yes yes yes on the fronts. Especially if you are doing nudge bars. Rears optional from my experience.

[Al_C]

GoDadGo, why do you recommend the drop trunk kit? Looking at the 'juice worth the squeeze' aspect - do you really use the extra space in the trunk that often? I started looking at it, but didn't think I'd use it since the car is meant to be 'cruiser'.
I currently have the Wilwood brake upgrade, so think I am good there. Ford Cobra vs. Wilwood - thoughts?
As for the stereo, why not? I've considered it, but haven't made a final determination.
I think the seat heaters are a must in Northern Virginia - especially to keep my passengers (the lovely Mrs.) happy!

I'll only comment on the stereo. I, too, was a proponent of installing a stereo system of some sort. I got A LOT of feedback on that. My suggestion: don't spend money on one. Your side pipes are your stereo. (you probably wouldn't hear the music anyway) Just my 2 cents.

[TBull]

I get that some people don't like the looks of a stereo in one of these cars, but I love having my tunes. When you're just out cruising by yourself and taking it easy, you can definitely hear the music. That's what the volume is for. you can still hear the rumble of the pipes and sometimes the combo of the music and the engine combine for the perfect time. Also I've used my music when I'm parked or with some friends. I guess it depends on how much you like music and do you want it along for the ride. For me I'll be incorporating it in somehow. Either a hidden stereo or traditional on the new build.


Other things,
Dropped trunk - on long cruises you need stuff in case of breakdowns, or just picking up a load of supplies at Sam's Club. (Yes a guy took a pick of my grocery getter to prove the usefulness of the car.)
Hidden cup holders
A snapless tonneau covers - I got one for my old cobra and it was used daily when I drove to work. Real quick install and kept out prying eyes and other debris
Good brakes - Depends on how fast you want to go. Being able to stop all that horsepower is more important the faster you want to go

[Ducky2009]

Ducky, why the removable steering wheel? Also, why roll bars on both sides? I get the safety for the passenger, but figured with such a low center of gravity it would be almost impossible to roll it.

Removable steering wheel makes it easier to get in and out. You can't pull on the windshield to get out (you'll break it). Sit on the floor with you legs straight out, back against a wall. Have your wife hold a pie pan (pretend it's the steering wheel) and try to stand up without anything to grab on to (don't run into the steering wheel). AND, you can NOT swing your legs out the door to stand.... you'll burn them on the side pipes. You'll learn how to get in and out.

Rollbars... safety.

Some other comments
Nutrivets - I used 10-24, made of Steel. Aluminum nutrivets are not the best, IMO. They can bind-up easily if you remove the bolt to many times.

Power Brakes - FFR sells Wilewood. Have never heard anything bad about them. For less cost, you can also use Ford calipers and Vacuum assist power brakes from Whitby. Whitby has the vacuum booster, master cylinder, remote reservoirs, etc. Depending on the footbox you use, $400-$500. With the Wilwood footbox, you'll need the $100 replacement pedal. The Mustang footbox would need modified too, if that's what you have.

[Fixit]

Here's my .02 worth

Russ Thompsons turn signal setup - elegantly simple solution to add "traditional" turn signals
Russ Thomson's dropped trunk - easy way to gain space from wasted air
Rivnuts/Nutserts - absolutely. Not terribly expensive for a kit, and will make life much easier. (6,8,10-32 & 1/4-20)
Breeze radiator shroud - no brainer. Improves cooling and looks much nicer than the plumbing strap