The Built or Re-Built Vehicle

There's going to be a lot going on in any vehicle build. But it probably won't be like the TV shows and all happen in one hour :) Whether you dive into a new project, or one that's already under way, there's going to be a lot to take in to consideration. Here's a few areas to think about before cutting the first wire:

Owner's Plans and Expectations.
OK, in the real world, this is the Guy paying the bills. The owner will have a good idea about all the mechanical issues, body and trim work if needed. But they can't tell you to "run a 14ga blue wire from here to there" because that's not how they are thinking. So, take the time to ask questions about what features are needed, which ones aren't, what work has been done previously and why, what didn't work before the whole show began. Get a clear picture of where any new or upgraded electrical components will be installed and start thinking in practical terms. What will you need to add or move to get the desired results? This should lead to-

Mechanics and Mechanical.
Especially in modified or exotic cars, mechanical components will be located in some pretty strange and in-accessible places. And chances are, there will be at least a few wires involved for sensors, switches and control functions. Most of this will probably have been decided before you get on the scene, but don't hesitate to make practical suggestions. If your mechanic is about to mount a brake switch down by a frame rail, now is the time to make sure that the connector will be out of harms way and accessible to your wires- and ideally mounted in such a way that future service and replacement is possible. You get the idea-

Body Work.
Even the best body Guys seem to have disdain for wiring harness'. So try to keep it friendly if some modification they're doing is going to cut of or block the route you had chosen for important wires. Chances are, you're better off working around any changes they need to make- it's better to re-route a harness now and solve the problem rather than finding out later how they dealt with your evil wires! Your last line of defense-

Interior and Trim.
The Trim Guy will need to make whatever it is that the owner wants, on time and on budget. Be prepared to work with the trimmer as problems and concerns arise. He can't be expected to close a panel that has a giant wiring harness running through the middle of it :) Advanced planning and discussion will help a lot here. Likewise, you may have to help solve problems on the fly- Let's say the mechanic has already mounted a battery kill switch (they like to play electrician on occasion) but, hey- it's right where the trimmer needs to put the seat bracket!  Jump in there with the owner, propose a solution, get it done and keep the interior work on track. Trust me- when you need and extra 1/2" behind a panel to mount  a speaker or something, you'll be glad that you're friends with the trim Guy!

The pressure is on, the nice weather is here, and the Owner wants to drive this thing! Be ready to be part of the team, plan ahead and be prepared to do whatever it takes to get the rubber on the road.