So, what’s different with the new car? A commonly asked question, HM20203 is very similar to my first car, HM1078. So why and what? Why? Everyone talks about the concept of “if I had it to do over again, what would you . . .” There were few if any things I changed due to this concept. Yes, I did learn some tricks after building the first one, but for the most part, HM2023 is a totally different approach. Maybe the biggest motivator, ‘I like to build’. I just completed an almost three-year project and have a number of years of ‘annual upgrades’ ahead ofRead More →

The rollbar has a third leg that extends into the trunk, attaching to a frame point to provide triangulation strength. The originals had an adapter socket that bolted to the rear framework. The Hurricane Motorsports design has a tube welded to the rear frame extension that the strut slides over. It must slide down far enough to let the main rollbar pass by when it is install. The strut is then slid back up and the retainer bolt installed. All smooth and thought out, except on the trunk side.  Their original design relied on the three legged triangle to hold all the pieces in place.Read More →

On my first build, HM1078, the car came with a Lokar #EHB-7000F, flat-mounted eBrake handle. The originals angled up and there was definitely room for improvement. My first pass was to modify the mounting of it and the way it attached to the cables. The Ford TBird IRS eBrake system was pretty in-efficient and this mod was marginal, at best. This is a link to the earlier posting. After multiple attempts to make it work, I found a Lokar #EHB-7016 Transmission mount handle. This provided a longer handle which increased the leverage. I modified it to fit the Hurricane frame which became Mod level#2. ThisRead 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 →

There’s a lot that goes into building a replica in addition to the wrench turning.  Project background Costs & Budget The hardest part Time and space requirements Kit Info Problems Choosing a vendor Documentation Licensing Mod’s Couple tips – Do a lot of research before (and during) your start and developed a method of thinking about four steps ahead of where you are. (Where you plan to put that bolt might not be accessible once the body is in place)Read More →

There are a lot of minor details that go into the body. Paint Bodywork Fuel Tank & Vent Sway bar Throttle pedal Turn Signal Brake & Clutch pedals Brake & Clutch reservoirsRead More →

S/C  or Street model dash? Maybe a combination of the two Carpeting Wiring, the bain of many builders. This is really the nervous system of the car. It’s not that complicated if you have a plan WiringRead More →

Accessories can make or break the vehicle. They will make life much more enjoyable Oil Cooler & Twin Pusher Fans Fresh Air Vents Heater & Defroster Soft TopRead More →