Very Astute
Hi Bob
You hit the nail on the head, revising the instrument panel based on what I have learned is one of the the things I wanted to refine in the design.
Things like putting all the electrical components and gauges to one side to cut down on accidental short circuits. Along with making the instrument panel supports strong enough that the stand can be pushed around by pushing on it. The radiator supports (2nd generation) is strong enough to easily push the stand around. Being able to remove the instrument panel completely and quickly also makes cleaning of the engine or painting easier.
The general layout also accommodates being able to remove the oil pan or head from the engine while the engine is on the stand.
Your question about the rear engine support is also one of those things that has gone through several generations to reach a version that will easily take either version of the rear engine mounts used on the 216 as well as the later engine mount design of the 235 or 261.
The test stand is also intended to take the Ford V8 though I have not tried putting one of those on it yet.
One of the other things that I have found is that the engine stand also works quite nicely for moving HUP bodies around on the shop floor when used in pairs.
Cheers Phil
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