[jfmrsw]

Firsthand experience. Purchased the car second-hand. Unbeknownst to me the prior owner did mess with some wiring and the fuel delivery.

Live wire + nuisance fuel leak + car cover + Florida sun = total loss. Arson investigator could not pinpoint exact wire but definitely behind the dash; aluminum melts around 1250F and the dash was vaporized by the time the fire department got to it.

Lessons learned:
1. if you buy vs. build, have the car thoroughly inspected. I was distracted by the quality brand and original build quality and low mileage, not considering that the unqualified owner and his local wrench could have made compromising and potentially dangerous mods.
2. If you have a battery switch, use it. I did not.
3. Fire extinguishers. Make sure you -- and your neighbors -- have them. My neighbors spotted the flames (we were not home) but could not extinguish the fire in time because they didn't have a fire extinguisher in their garage.
4. Proper insurance.

We were lucky that we didn't lose our home or our lives. People often highlight that these cars can kill you; I would also add that the build can kill you if things were assembled or modified by someone without the proper skills.

Hope this helps.