Modding to make it last longer.

I was working away, and wondering why Ford moved the power window and power door lock relays from the inside to the engine compartment AND why they changed to plastic relays from the tried and true steel relays. Then I got to the starter solenoid and voltage regulator, which also take a major hit with dust and rust.

AND THEN! A lightbulb went on! Why not move the relays back inside, under the passenger kick panel, and move the regulator to the firewall, where the engine heat would dry it off, just like they do on some of the truck models. Ditto with the starter relay. Just because Ford likes planning obsolescense, doesn't mean I have to carry on the ritual.

Any other ideas?

 

Well...I suppose you could move the entire engine into the cargo area....

 

Those components fail too often and need to be easily accessible.

 

Now that just ain't right. Funny, but it ain't right!

 

What's not right? It would be a Pantermont.

 

That's an option in all wagons! hmmm.

 

Well these particular relays were under the kick panel before 1981, so putting the 'new improved' plastic relays there should helpt keep them cleaner. I was also thinking of using a small bag of dessicant and placing them in a sealed bag to keep the moisture off. They only work when you lock/unloack the doors, so there wouldn't be much heat.

 

I took the entire Capri lighting circuit, and I mentioned to Andy, that if I switch to a Zephyr grille with the 3 headlights, I could get a fancy 'Z' for the hood ornament, and a couple of sword badges for the sides. The Fox/Zorro IV!

 

Sorry, I play banjo and don't understand three-syllable words. What's a Pantermont? I hope it's nothing obscene!

 

A Pantera was a mid-engine car.

 

I did my Corvair Greenbriar pickup with a 283 SBC and Corvette rads in the side vents, as a mid-engine. Very stable on turns and high side-winds. Not as many wheelies like I could with the Turbo motor. Just a short screech and gone!

 

Move the battery to the back and the solenoid with it.

 

Now there's a thought!

 

I've been wondering where to put a battery back there in a wagon.
Maybe in that pocket box you have on one side.

 

There's enough room for a longer, narrow one, as long as you use a marine battery case, and mount it higher than the bottom of that pocket box. There's about a 10" w X 18" long X 12" High space there. at floor level. You could go maybe 2" below floor level for more working height (battery change, boosting, etc. The Marine case would keep any acid spills off the sheetmetal and insulation. Maybe we need to fix up this box door on your panel and try to figure something out for the other side?

Good thinking Andy, Thanks.