The Over-Riders bolt up to the quickjack mounts with the same  bolt spacing, but the back of the overrider is angle and the back of the quickjack is straight up and down. Takes a little tweaking of the mounting hardware to get all the pieces to line up. The angle of the back matches the angle of the nose opening. If you plan to mount the chrome hoop, to get it to match the the overriders, the angle of the back MUST match the angle of the nose. Different bodies are on different angles and typically, none of them match the angle of the commonly foundRead More →

Choices I have often commented, “the most difficult part of building is selecting a color” The choice is often a spur-of-the-moment inspiration. For my second build, that inspiration came at a car show years ago when I ran across a Saleen 302 painted a bright red called “Lizstick Red”. Named after Steve’s wife Liz, the color is a bright red metallic tri-coat, similar to Candy Apple Red.  I searched the internet for years, looking for the formula for the paint or a place to buy it. Saleen is very protective of the formula, produced for them by BASF.  A little bit of blind luck, IRead More →

Always amazed at how much a little bodywork makes. She’s as flat as possible (How does a curved car get flat?) Time to start applying color A few of my own touches: Eyebrows adjusted to match headlight rim diameter All cockpit edges rolled 100%, including drops to door latch Rear ’round taillight’ area removed for proper fit of rectangular tail lights Full perimeter exhaust outlet. All wheel arches rolled to simulate aluminum wired edge. Oil Cooler lines reworked to align to front end Wiper holes and defogger holes  Tee nuts installed for hood stops and defogger trim Front and rear quickjack holes configured for ‘sliding’Read More →

Hood Tube Frame

Hood Tube Frame Mod One of the first things you notice on a replica is the underside of the hood. Original cars had a 3/4″ tube frame with an aluminum skin attached to it. Replicas – not so much. I obtained the upper skin of the Hurricane fiberglass and then mounted it to a tube frame I built. Considering the hood is bent in two directions and has four rounded corners, it tested my skills as a fabricator. I’m anxious to see it painted…Read More →

Third time is a charm. Plastic tank, aluminum tank, mod’d aluminum tank and now a redesigned aluminum tank. Some fitment challenges but more trunk space, more fuel capacity and an improved view from the rear. Check this out: Fuel Tank Mod’sRead More →

When I received my body, the gelcoat was in excellent shape. But as I began to work on it, I learned although the body looked good, the edges were horrendous. The glass cloth had separated, or wasn’t filled, there were all kinds of voids. No where near ready for final body work. I chose to correct these. Period Correct I wanted the car to appear as an aluminum car. We have all seen persons come up to a car and put their hand under the edge of the fender well, trying to feel if it is fiberglass or aluminum. I wanted to pass this test.Read More →

Extending the edgesAfter I positioned my body, I learned the opening for my side pipes was not correct. I would have to gain more clearance on the rear but I would have to extend the forward edge back. Extending the edge concerned me since it was cantilevered. I did some research on the web and found it was recommended that to get maximum bond, the joint should scarfed about 12:1.I decided I would put this taper inside and out and then install a layer of glass at the middle. Once that was solidified, I then built the edge up using Kitty Hair. I wanted toRead More →

The body I received was very high quality – on the outside. The inner edges left a lot to be desired. Two issues; 1) voids in gel coat and underlying glass had to be repaired to insure integrity of the finish and 2) I knew that people would be feeling the edge to determine the type of body. I could emulate aluminum but I could make it as close as possible. The body openings, on the inside, looked as if they had been cut out with a dull pocket knife. In many areas, the glass laminate had separated and presented voids. The arrows point toRead More →

Body MaterialsThe Hurricane body is polyester resin over glass fiber. I will attempt to stay with the same manufacturers, to avoid any compatibility problems.  GlassworkI chose to go with Evercoat products. Part personal preference and part due to the overwhelming use of Rage Gold as the finishing putty. Kitty HairFor patching or any area subject to high stress, this is a long strand fiberglass product. Long strand means you can’t just dip a little-bit out of the can. It is a real challenge to get out a golfball sized bunch. Keep trying, you get it out. Mixing is also a challenge. Uses the same amountRead More →

HUGE DAY! Took her out in public for the first time. Photos here. It is absolutely amazing how these things will draw a crowd. Three years, three months, three days. Sometimes it feels like it took forever, other times, it was just yesterday I was pulling her home from Lees Summit Let the fun begin  Read More →