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 →

Fiberglass is Fiberglass The title is mis-leading. Yes, fiberglass is fiberglass but is it poly, vinyl or epoxy? And within a family, are various brands compatible? Fortunately, building two fiberglass cobras prior to tackling the GT40, I had some fiberglass experience. The good part is the GT40 was originally fiberglass so the build is consistent with this process.  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 finishingRead More →

HM1078 Mod’sMy car included the revised lower body panel, relocated roll bar, relocated louvers and rear wheel well depression, all changes in design by Hurricane to improve the kit. I have added these NOTE: The Hurricane kit builds perfectly fine on its own. I just like the idea, “If it ain’t broke, it probably still needs fixing” I love to tinker and improve everything. If I found a way to make my kit better, I jumped on it. Click on any of these titles to go to that info Trunk Latch FootBox Size Side Vent / Footbox Fuel Tank Vent eBrake Throttle Pedal and Linkage TurnRead More →

I’ve heard horror stories about registering a kit car. Wanting to head them off at the pass, I visited Troop C in Chesterfield, MO to discuss the requirements. I’ve learned so far:   Note: these steps apply to a ground-up build. There are shortcuts available to those using a donor car. ♦ When purchasing your car, SAVE EVERY RECEIPT – you will need it later. Ask for notarized receipts on all major components (Engine and transmission) ♦You need to start with a Form 551 which is available from the Drivers License offices. There is a $50 charge to initiate the form and there is a timeRead More →

Spindle Replacement The tapered joints of the balljoint are pulled into the spindle with 100 ft/lbs of torque. These joints are tight! To remove or replace parts, some recommend putting a pickle fork tool between the ball joint and hit it with the biggest hammer you can find. I was concerned this would destroy the rubber boot that surrounds the balljoint. A jacking screw generates the necessary forces to safely take the joint apart without destroying anything. I made the screw using a 3″ piece of 1/2-13 threaded rod and two coupling nuts. I cut a couple 1/4″ pieces of the rod and threaded themRead More →

Wheel alignment “Stringing” a car is the way racer’s do wheel alignment. You don’t need a fancy (expensive) computer aligner if you are willing to do some setup and understand basic measurements. Setup: Prior to starting the alignment process, you need to determine the desired ride height of the vehicle. Adjust your coil-overs to the height you want and the vehicle is setting at the desired ride height. You should know the rolling radius of your tires. (It is not the diameter of the tire divided in half). To do the alignment, the frame should be setting level. I cut up some 2 x 6Read More →

Choosing a kit supplierThis is probably the 2nd hardest thing to do in building your dream. (First is selecting a color). It is wise to do a little belly button gazing and determine what you are trying to accomplish. Different kits are designed to fulfill different objectives. Got lots of money, want as close to original as possible, like aluminum body. Kirkham is the only supplier to my knowledge, supplying an aluminum body. But be prepared to shell out $$$$ Got a wrecked Mustang in your family that you can get the motor and drivetrain from and on a very tight budget, FFR (Factory Five)Read More →

Kit Info As you begin your search as to which kit to purchase, a lot of factors come into play. What kit seems to be favored, locally? I live in the Saint Louis area and Factory Five cars are very popular – but I had some problems with their body profile and donor concept. What is your budget? There is a big spread from the Factory Five donor kits to a Kirkham aluminum body car. How much building do you want to do? Do you enjoy the build process or do you just want to put gas in it and drive? Where are you located,Read 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 →