66 water pump questions

[98Fauxbra]

I have to replace the water pump on my g/f's 66 mustang. Where do I begin. I have never dealt with the front dress like this. Her car has power steering and aftermarket air. I can see that I am going to have to remove EVERY accessory to get to the pump but what keeps the belts tight? Do I just remove the idler pulleys? How do I get them tight again upon re-installing them? I am not a moron, and I am mechanically inclined, but I have only done this on fox and sn-95 cars. This is a WHOLE new learning curve. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[wannabegt66]

since you are used to a serpentine system i can understand your frustration, however it is quite simple. first take off the fan, then loosen the idler pulley for the ac and slip the belt off. next the alternator belt, loosen the bolt on the bottom of the alternator to do so, if the car has power steering there are 3 bolts on the front of the pump that will let you rotate it to loosen the belt, also a nut on the rear. this is all assuming you have a v8 to work on, and dont forget to use permatex or some other sealer on ALL gaskets of the waterpump, including the backplate. otherwise it will leak, a lot, i know i just made that mistake 3 times in a row. good luck and dont give up, it ISNT harder than it looks

EDIT: sorry forgot to add the ac idler does have to come off, and so does the compressor, just lay it back on the motor. and the power steering bracket doesnt have to come off just be loosened