What are you doing to improve the reliability of /ease of service in your builds?

[narly1]

As the title suggests post up your ideas along with vehicle type.

I'll start:

33HR: Built a "pallet" that sits on the flat plate on the frame above the diff. Undoing two fasteners, 2 fuel line connections and the pre-filter and fuel pump come out as a unit. Planning to mount the fuel pump relay on it as well with the electrical wiring connectorized for fast easy removal.

In addition I am using a Walbro fuel pump as they are readily available from most auto parts places with either stock or overnight availability.

Earl

[Jacob McCrea]

I have nothing specific to add but in general I made a few removable access panels and used machine screws rather than rivets where I might need to disassemble something. Also, don't place mechanical items and fasteners where only a mouse could reach them.

[Shamilton289]

Keeping it simple. No heat nor a/c. No radio. No heated seats. No power steering, no power brakes. Holley carb on top of a built 289. After I drive it I’ll see what I can’t live without and add it back in.

[Bob Cowan]

Reliability (or lack of) in these cars is really frustrating. Those of us who build our own spend a lot of money on what we think is the best parts on the market. And then they fail at a much higher rate your DD.

-- use factory FORD parts as much as possible. Sensors, pumps, etc. Race stuff looks cool, and feels smart, but many times factory parts last 10 times longer.
-- look for standard off the shelf parts for common stuff like alternators and starters. Did you know the stock starter for a v8 mustang is a high torque part? Duralast Gold is $175 with a lifetime warranty.
-- Install everything with thoughts of R&R on a completed car. Access panels, extra wiring harness connectors, etc.
-- Pay attention to bolt direction. Can you get that 3" bolt out? Do you have wrench access to that nut? Can you weld a nut to the back of that bracket?

[GoDadGo]

Make Everything As Accessible As Possible & Life Will Be Good!

On my car the following are all accessible via 1/8" allen head screws:

_1. Dash Board
_2. Stereo & Switch Pod
_3. Transmission Tunnel Top
_4. Slave Cylinder Panel
_5. Master Cylinder Foot Box Cover
_6. Sending Unit
_7. Fuel Pick Up
_8. Front Grill
_9. Stereo Speakers
10. Heater Core / Resides on Passenger Side
11. Fuse Panel / Moved To Passenger Side
12. Shifter Boot

https://youtu.be/V38Jajo_qOQ

Since I had to move the engine forward I can even get to the bellhousing bolts and all of the spark plugs are super easy too.
I also have a quick disconnect for my steering wheel so I don't have to use any tools to pull the steering wheel if I need to pull the dash

Good Luck & Keep Wrenching, Riveting & Customizing!

[narly1]

Make Everything As Accessible As Possible & Life Will Be Good!

On my car the following are all accessible via a 1/8" allen head screws:



GDG, your post hints to another good practice which is standardizing on one or a few types of fastener in your build (where practical).

Earl

[GoDadGo]

GDG, your post hints to another good practice which is standardizing on one or a few types of fastener in your build (where practical).

Earl


Many years ago Factory-5 participated in a Hot Rod Power Tour that had a stop in Gonzalez Louisiana.
Tony Zillo, who was the Factory-5's Tech Manager at the time, drove a MK-4 that had a major shifter issue.
They had to cut the tunnel top open to change the shifter so that is why I decided to make things easy to service.