What would you do different?

RockSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 06:44 AM

For some time, I have thought there should be two new "member favorites" in this forum. Both related to lessons-learned. My thought is that this could really benefit anybody building a car, and give them a single place to look. One thread would be things you did which you now wish you had done differently, and the other would be experiments you tried that were successful.

So, to see if there is any interest, I'll start with things that I would do differently.

I recommend against using the Ford-style clutch cable. Mine stretches, with only a heavy-duty Ford clutch, and requires adjusting every 500 miles. Hydraulic would have been better.

I recommend against using a stock-width 8.8 axle. It radically reduces your choice of wheels, and can turn that part of the build into a real chore.

I found the turn-signals on the Ididit steering-column to be a hassle. Too stiff to engage/disengage, and trips 'off' unreliably.

mustangmendez · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 11:36 AM

I hope by going to all the meets and luckly working /driving differant Cobras I should have a great combo taking a long time but it should really be worth the wait and extra hard work ...
Anyone else ?
T

Art Burtt · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 12:02 PM

I'd wait until I had all of the parts for the car. Trying to locate things like the brake lines before I had the headers was a problem. I had lines all ran to look like the picture in the manual but when I finally got the headers I had to buy new lines and re-bend them for clearance. I'd drill the holes in dash to exact size of gauges then enlarge if needed. Lastly,I'd do all sanding and cutting outside because the dust gets into everthing.

Lew Ledyard · #4 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 12:05 PM

I would have set aside more $$.

joea · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:07 PM

I would have bought a dozen real ones 30 years ago!

Chaplin · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:12 PM

used a small block

Chaplin · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:13 PM

just kidding

wilf leek · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:35 PM

I would not have come here, then I would not have Gasholes on my case. (or arruminium fever).

Wilf

Lew Ledyard · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:56 PM

Yup, stay away from gasholes. If you get caught up you will be chasing an arruminum (check your spelling Wilf), or worse, stainless steel, dragon and it will cost you.

kountzecobra · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 08:24 PM

I would have built a Contemporary when I had the chance!

Wilf, you are a Gashole through-and-through! Don't fight it, just enjoy the ride. Your 'glass car is plenty nice! (Even though the steering wheel is on the wrong side)

Bluesman · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 08:48 PM

I would have done the title/registration the cheating way instead of being honest. What a pain in the neck. 1991 vehicle with a 1969 engine. The last time they made me jump through hoops by taking the Holly off, put a Ford Motorsport (NAPA) on. Change the mechanical distrubutor to vaccum. Install a choke stove kit. Can't have an electrical choke. Big ass 14" t-stat air cleaner with the header heat riser piping. Take the timing advance from 36 to around 8 degrees. I stood there as the guy yells at his buddy, " engine temp is 240!". Blew all my coolant all over the floor of the test station. What a bunch of crap for a car that sees the asphalt around 1,200 miles per year. And now the friggin' ex gov of California tripled the registration fees. I should have titled it as a 1965 English Ford worth $4,000 bucks!

RockSnake · #12 (**permalink**) 11-06-2003, 11:06 AM

For a day or so, I thought this was going to die, but we have some good responses...and some less helpful ones.

I agree with the $$ comment. I was particularly bitten by the "well I have to change this, do I might as well upgrade, 'cause it's only xx more" bug.

Also must agree with the inspection comment. Inspection and Registration were two of my biggest fears in this project...and partly drove a decision to buy from an in-state manufacturer.

I also should have sought more advice. Some of my decisions were driven solely by the manufacturer's advice, and some were driven in direct opposition to their advice.

As much as I love these cars, I never imagined the kind of aggravation they would cause me...from the general public. There are an amazing number of people who like to tell me what I did wrong. So be prepared.

Rich · #13 (**permalink**) 11-06-2003, 11:35 AM

I would have bought a 289 FIA or a slabside. I like those body styles better than the 427.

Rich

HighPlainsDrifter · #14 (**permalink**) 11-06-2003, 12:00 PM

Rich,
Don't tell Walt you're a 'Closet' Slabman!

Perry.