nels

Finally got the A-arms back today so decided to get the front end mocked up so I can start working out the mounts for LJ torana rack and plumb the front brake lines.

Chassis is slowly coming together..run the main brake line and fuel lines..just waiting on the rear end housing and A-arms to be back from the painter and can start installing all the suspension for mock up.

Chassis back from being tig welded and fish plated. just need to get the rear end back and locked in place, then can work out exactly we’re we want the shock mount crossmember to be welded in. after that it’s time to drop the motor and trans in place.

Cant say I’ve seen that one cos it would of been burnt into my memory

After a days sanding this first skim of epoxy has closed up the gaps and made the bonnet nice and flush with the fenders. got one more light skim to do and another days sanding and she’s done.

The whole front clip is a Heidts mustang ll unit for a Nova. They are one of the recommended brands for independent fronts so compliance guy is all happy. we had the front cut and narrowed in a jig to keep it all squared up.

All done.

A boat builder gave me this tip..cover areas you don’t want the epoxy to stick to with packing tape..then to get the gap you want use the foam stripping that you put around windows to stop drafts in the gap and cover with tape again. then it’s ready to epoxy over.

Just starting to prep the bonnet to close in these factory gaps..they are massive.

Rear end housing and a arms are all ready for painting.

Making a start on the not so exciting parts..seat brackets

I always liked them when they first came out in the early eighties but are really hard to find now. you can still get them brand new from Unlimited fiberglass ( Up22) in the states but shipping was a really expensive. they look good when you can set them back and level them off..heaps easier with a smaller car.

Scoops all glassed in..used a trick from an old boat builder.Mat underneath with epoxy and then using the same mixture and epiglass fluff particles to form a paste to fill the gaps between the scoop and bonnet.Ends up being super strong but also flexible.

Chassis will be away next week so thought I’d make a start on sorting out the bonnet

I hope to get close to this stance..just a little higher as it will be a street car after all.

that is a lot of motor for such a short wheelbase..shit load of fun tho. im still looking for front indicators..

That is such a cool car...from memory marks had a drop tube front end under it. now that I’ve seen the front end photos I remember that car when it was white.It broke the national records for its class in the first season. That’s when John Heskett first ran it. i bet you wished you still had that Monaro. what are you running now.

Hi Johnny.race...is that viva in the photo the one Mark Rendle used to race.

That looks so cool. i remember the blown one street racing in Neilson street onehunga back in the day.. it was quick but never saw it at meremere unfortunately.

Hi alex im thinking of doing something similar. its funny that car had a photo of a mouse on it and was called verminator and our green wagon was known as “ viva la mouse “ i could call it speedy Gonzales like the eighties cartoon with the fast Mexican mouse..ha interior will be stripped out..the car didn’t come with a dash cover sorry..would of given it to you for nothing..really like your green wagon and the two door hb you built..they are both awesome cars. if you have any thing else your looking for let me know as there’s a box of bits I’m not using. cheers nelson

Things were a lot easier back in the day. thats why we narrowed the front end in a jig and certifier is happy so far. wants to see the chassis completely welded up before we drop the body on and mate the two together. im going to have the engine and trans all mocked up in there also

Here’s my shifter. its an early b&m 60 series. bought it off eBay for $90 us and restored it. these things are getting real expensive now because of the nostalgia gasser racing

Thanks for the replies..always nice to know your on the right track. the car is a really solid base to start with..I’m not sure what motor they were thinking of putting in there cos the hole was massive..I will need to ad to it to tidy it up. issac still has the brown four door which is in great condition..not sure if he is still thinking of selling it.