Globetrotting U.S. and U.K.

Kit Shows
JULY/AUGUST 2014

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Globetrotting U.S. and U.K. Kit Shows

JULY/AUGUST 2014

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Bodacious Rebodies:
BMW
Miata
Camaro
Corvette
Challenger

Summit Racings
Cobra Buildup

BIGGER IS BETTER

Finally a

Comfortable
Cobra

THRILLS, NOT FRILLS

Call Today For a Dealer Near You

888.445.5226
USCATERHAM.com
Superformance LLC | 6 Autry Irvine CA 92618 | superformance.com | uscaterham.com | 949-900-1950

TABLE OF CONTENTS
COOL CARS

Excentric Lincoln Zephyr......................................... 8

Raiders of the Lost Cars......................................... 10
Explosive C4 Corvette..............................................12
Catfish Miata Mutation...........................................28
Texas-Sized Lone Star Cobra.................................60
Bueno Camaro Conversion....................................66

EVENTFUL EVENTS

Carlisle Kit Nationals...............................................36

Brit Kits in Stoneleigh.............................................52
Unique Motorcars Homecoming..........................72
VW Funfest..................................................................76
Factory Five Racing Open House.........................82
London Cobra Show.................................................94

TECHNICAL MATTERS

Dodge King Cuda......................................................86

Summit Racing Cobra Buildup.......................... 100

DEPARTMENTAL

Throttle Steering:
by Steve Temple, Editor...............................................14
FYI: All the Stuff That Fits!..............................................17
Club Profiles and Listings............................................. 108
Shop Time
by Jim Youngs, Editor Emeritus............................. 114
KCB Mall............................................................................... 116

JULY/AUGUST 2014

Kit Car Builder Staff:

Steve Temple Editor/Publisher

Larry Weiner Marketing
Deb Murphy Art Direction
Tina Temple Maven of Morale
Ashley and Stellaphant Furballs
Jim Youngs Editor Emeritus
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
(CONTRIBUTORS):
Harold Pace,
Joe Greeves,
Austin Price,
Dan Burrill,
Juan Lopez-Bonilla

Kit Car Builder Magazine is

published bi-monthly by
SCT Communications, Inc., 1427 Sioux
Trail, Reno, NV 89521
All Rights Reserved

Free Subscription at
www.kitcarclub.com

Editorial and Advertising inquires

should be sent to
steve@kitcarclub.com

Eccentric
LINCOLN

Blown Away by a Mysterious Zephyr

ncredibly low, astonishingly beautifuland totally unreal.

Thats because this Lincoln is actually a phantom, a
fantastical hybrid of a 39 Lincoln Zephyr with the nose of a
40 model.
Terry Cook of Deco Rides is the mad genius behind this
eccentric creation. Mad indeed, as its called Scrape (for obvious
reasons), and took four years and 4,000 hours to build on a

slammed chassis from a 78 Caprice wagon. His passion is upending

conventional builds with unorthodox design approaches, mutant
stuff, he quips.

Which explains in part his bit of whimsy in putting the name of
an outboard boat engine on the cover of the cars small-block Chevy.
He once mocked up a fake magazine cover, sarcastically titled Sheep
Rodder, to eschew the excess of conformity in the car builder scene.
There are no rules, he says. Let your mind roam free.
www.decorides.com

S
R
E
D
I
A
R

OF THE LOST CARS

his overgrown pasture full of

aging bodies might seem like
something an automotive
archeologist might come
across after hacking his
way through a dense jungle, and
suddenly stumbling into a clearing.
Nothing quite so dramatic, though.
Once or twice a month, [auto
historian] Rick DLouhy and I make
the trip to Fiberglass Farms,
explains Geoff Hacker of Forgotten
Fiberglass. Its a place we store
some of the relics from the past that
we have

pulled, poked,
prodded and saved along the path
were on, a path that focuses
on documenting the history and
importance of building your own
sports car in the early postwar
years.
Not all of these auto artifacts,
some 60 or more in all, that theyve
saved are fiberglass, as quite a few
are built from steel and aluminum.
Which makes this story even more
interesting to tell when you consider
the wide range of skills needed to
build such daring, innovative designs

by adventurous
and talented young
men of the Forties and
Fifties, and even later.
This was a special breed of young
men, guys who had what it takes
to fulfill their vision.Is there an
automotive relic in your past? Join
in the celebration of their stories at:
http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com

Photo by Geoff Hacker

From left to right:1956 Byers SR100,

1954 Victress S4, 1954 Victress
S4 body (mostly hidden), 1955
McCormack, 1955 Siebler Special,
1953 Grantham Stardust, 1958
Alken, 1955 Bangert Manta Ray,
1958 Thor, 1959 Cinnamon Girl

Explosive C4
Igniting the Fuse on Guldstrands GS-90 Corvette

couple decades ago, the King of the Hill C4 ZR-1 was the
fastest and best handling Corvette ever. But Dick Mr. Corvette
Guldstrand wanted to take it to even greater heights, and
developed his GS-90 version.
He had tuner Doug Rippie raise the Lotus-designed,
aluminum LT5s factory output from 405 to 475 hp. And also added
coilovers, fatter tires, a rounder nose with exposed headlights, and a

rear panel with a dozen taillights.

Drawing inspiration from the 63
Grand Sport, he painted it Nassau
Blue with a white race stripe.
Only a half-dozen were produced
before the then-new C5 stole the
spotlight. This GS-90 is number
two, now owned by Charlie Budenz,
a longtime Corvette enthusiast

and a docent at the Riverside

International Museum. He still
drives it on the street, while the
remaining five GS-90s languish
in museums. Although small in
number, the GS-90 stands out as a
last hurrah for the C4, a pinnacle of
Corvette customizing.

THROTTLE
STEERING
Looking Back
and Ahead
By Steve Temple

ur esteemed Editor Emeritus

Jim Youngs recently shipped
me some old, tattered files
from the dusty archives of Kit Car
Builder, some of which date back to
a now-defunct kit magazine that we
both worked on as well at another
publishing company. What I came
across was enlightening, both from
the content and format.
Regarding the latter aspect,
the boxes contained piles of blackand-white print photos and proof
sheets with negatives from various
shoots weve done over the years.
What struck me was how crude and
cumbersome the entire publishing
process used to be, requiring waxcoated plastic sheets of type cut
with an X-acto knife and laid out on
cardboard flats, and a proportioning
wheel to resize the photos.
Looking back on this arduous
process, building a kit car without

14

any modern power tools

would almost seem easy by
comparison. Imagine using
only crescent wrenches,
with no socket sets, or
making holes without an
electric drill, or inserting
machine screws by hand.
You probably get the idea.
Producing a magazine
on a computer with
todays software for
word processing, digital
photography and graphic
design is many times faster,
and allows us to provide
much more timely coverage.
In the past, a car show
feature might not appear
months after the actual date
of the event, but were now
able to provide it within a
matter of weeks or even
days. (This particular issue
is a case in point, as weve
been able to cover three
events that took place in
June in our July/August
issue.)
For digital magazines in
particular, weve just begun
to tap into all the potential
features. We can embed
active links for websites
and video links, along with
other reader benefits, all of
which markedly enhance
your experience of the
magazine, and make it much
more valuable resource
for various projects. And
stay tuned for even more
functions and features
to help you with your
kit projects. The effect
is like bolting a turbo or

supercharger on your
engine.
As for the content of
those old photos mentioned
at the outset, I was struck
by how much kit projects
have changedand also
stayed the same. I realized
how many kit designs have
come and gone, big dreams
than fell by the wayside
of changing tastes and
technology. Yesterdays
futuristic ride is todays old
news, looking kinda quaint
in hindsight. What hasnt
changed, of course, is the
enduring, evergreen appeal
of some key designs. Several
types that we covered a
couple decades ago are
still selling well, albeit with
some tweaks and tucks here
and there, depending on the
manufacturer.
I wont pretend to have
a crystal ball or magic tea
leaves and predict what will
be all the rage in the next
few years. But I have come
across some interesting new
trends, alluded to in our
current show coverage and
news items.
And I do want to share
that well be making even
more changes in both
the content and format
of upcoming issues,
dramatically different from
the files and photos in
those dusty archives. These
upgrades are all for you,
dear reader. So stay tuned.
Youre in for some exciting
rides!

BOOK REIVEW

Actual Mileage
By Max Zimmer

A Compilation of
Columns From the Past
Eight Years, Plus Some
Bonus Material

agazines typically
provide much more than
just information, sources,
pretty pictures and whats
new. At least the great ones
do. The great ones will give
you something to think about
in the form of entertaining
articles that are simply just a
good read.
Ive even been known to
subscribe to some automotive
rags just for the wellwritten rantings of certain
contributorsthe late Brock
Yates in Car and Driver, the
former Jean Lindamood
writing for Automobile and
Peter Egans insightful prose
in Road & Track to name
just a few. These guys are all
passionate about cars, but
they also provided (and in
Egans case still do) a different
perspective to the subject
matter.
As special-interest
magazine editors we always
seem to be searching for
writers that can provide
a skewed insight into the

subject matter
were covering.
And it may
just be a need
to satisfy an
unfulfilled
literary bent
thats typically
missing in the
hard-core
information
were
delivering.
Dating back to
about 1996, as an editor of a
couple of kit magazines, Id
been reading some fanciful
reporting in the newsletter
from the New Jersey Replicar
Club (NJRC) that usually
caused plenty of laughter and
some head scratching. Long
story short, in 2006 we hired
NJRC recording secretary, Max
Zimmer to write a column for
every issue of Kit Car Builder.
After all, he had the best
combination of experience:
hes an excellent writer, he
had built a very cool Porsche
Speedster replica, he had
ample automotive knowledge,
and he hit the Carlisle show
every year in company with
his replica buddies. And above
all, he worked cheaply.
As I recall I initially gave
him a rather loose set of
guidelines for his Actual
Mileage column, that of
trying to keep some sort
of car angle and limit it to
1,000 words. Otherwise, let
your imagination run free.

The result was some of the

more entertaining
articles Ive ever read,
which puts him easily
in company with some
of the folks mentioned
earlier.
Well, Max has
compiled all the Actual
Mileage columns we
published from 2006 to
2014 into a soft-cover
book, plus some bonus
material. Not just because
he dedicated the book to my
wife Queen Bee Carolyn
and myself, the book is a
great read, particularly if you
werent reading the print
version of Kit Car Builder
magazine.
In his words, Youre about
to head down a twisted road
called Actual Mileage and Max
Zimmer is your driver. Take
the passenger seat, buckle
up, hang on tight, and get
set to experience fits of gutbusting laughter, some heartwrenching tearjerkers along
the way, and brief encounters
with real-life characters
youll relate to and find hard
to forget. Enjoy the ride! I
couldnt have said it better
myself.
Signed copies of Actual
Mileage are available
for $14.95 plus shipping
from Maxs website, www.
maxzimmer.com, or unsigned
copies from Amazon.
Jim Youngs
15

FYI
New LeMans
Version of
RCRs SLC

WATCH THIS
SPACE

Something big is
happening, starting with
our next issue

TO GIVE YOU A HINT:

Itll involve a new format to
provide you with much more
info and practical tech tips for
kit and car builders
everywhere.

So, stay tuned for

something really
special!

ther than the bodywork,

RCRs new open-air
LeMans has the same proven
chassis as the SLC, an aluminum hybrid monocoque
chassis with CNC billet suspension. (In fact, we hear
that one builder bought both
coupe and Barchetta bodies
so he can swap from one to
the other when the sun- and
his fancy- hits him.)
The car shown here runs
a stock, 430hp LS3 engine
with LS7 exhaust manifolds,
a custom exhaust, Porsche
transaxle, the standard roll
bar, and one of the standard
wheel choices. Available on
either the SLC or LeMans
are Forgestar F14 (shown
here), plus the CF5 or the
new CF5S wheels at no extra
cost. This car also has the
new interior tub option that
is available in fiberglass or
in carbon fiber. The tub was
modified for the topless LeMans, as the roof structure
and roll cage are different.

In addition, the LeMans

has doors that open differently, a cut-down windshield, and different rear
bodywork that has double-bubble vent system to
exhaust engine-compartment air more efficiently.
http://superlitecars.com

17

FYI

E N G I N E FAC TO RY

Custom
Crate Engines

Yet Another
Bodacious
Rebody
R

eaction Research is still hard at work

on its ZGT rebody design for the BMW
Z3 (1996 to 2002 models). The design of
BMWs little roadster didnt carry a lot of
fans into recent times, so the prices have
come down significantly, especially for a car
that is quite mechanically sound and a delight to drive.
Reaction Researchs John Washington
and Mark Kittleson have gotten all the
small parts done and molded. Final work
is underway on the hood liner as we go to
press, and integrating the new rear fenders
with the new trunk will follow. The first car
should be done and delivered to its owner
in the Bay Area around the end of July.
Meanwhile, a fascinating ZGT build blog
is available to the public at www.FB.com/
ZGTcar. You can see how much work goes
into an original design, should you ever
want to attempt one yourself.
The complete ZGT body kit will retail for
a little over $9000. Due to the simple design
of the Z3s body mounting, average build
time will be less than 40 hours to paint18

347

FORD SMALL
BLOCK
POWERPLANTS

ready stage, with no welding or cutting

required.
http://www.reactionresearch.com

High-Tech With Old

School Look

isonger now offers a GPS-guided

speedo with a traditional Smiths
gauge face. It looks just right in a traditional Cobra or GT40 replica, yet has
the latest GPS technology for precision
accuracy. http://nisonger.com

STROKER

LS ENGINES

CHEVY SMALL BLOCK

AND LS ENGINES
427W STREET BEAST

CARBURETED AND EFI

Ready to Run
out of the Box!!
check us out!

1-800-704-5385
ENGINE / TRANNY PKGS.

www.fordcobraengines.com

FYI

FYI
Endurance Diesel

ecently, the idea came

to flower at Superlite of
running a diesel Superlite
SLC on a coast-to-coast run,
on a single tank of fuel.This
was mentioned in passing
to the owner of a Biodiesel
company, the response was
immediate...Lets do it together.
And now, the result of
that idea is the first diesel-powered SLC. The car is
basically a stock SLC with a
very efficient 2009 VW 2.0l

4-cylinder TDi
engine. Using
pretty tall gears
from a European-market VW
TDI car for economy, the engine
and transaxle
slotted right
into the SLCs
engine bay with
only a few modifications
to accommodate the taller
inline powerplant. With
a larger fuel capacity, the

B
SLC is primed to make the
cross-country jaunt this fall,
when the weather is right,
and the logistics are set.
http://superlitecars.com

Zeroing In

rian Ball Motorsports is nearing completion of its Great British Sports Cars
Zero GT Race, with just final wiring left before heading to the track for a shakedown.
This Miata-based kit is fitted with a 99
Mazda 1.8L engine thay includes a Borla Induction System and Haltech ECU package.
For those who prefer a ride for the
street, the Zero GT Road is in the final
building stages as well, and is equipped
with a Mazda 1.6L engine. Plans include using the GBS Individual Throttle Bodies and
Intake Manifold, which will be avai-

able
through
Brian Ball
Motorsports for
all Mazda
1.8L and 1.6L engines. Also scheduled to arrive is a programmable Emberald ECU with
base maps for both Mazda 1.8L and 1.6L.
All Zero Kits imported to the US are designed for the use of either a Mazda Miata
1.6L or 1.8L drivetrain and spindles. Brian
Ball Motorsports has kits are available in
the US for immediate delivery.
www.bbmotorsports.us

Investors Wanted for Replica Company

very rare AMX/3 (#4)

recently sold for something in the multi six-figure
range. With only seven of
these cars in the world (including the prototype display body), this is indeed a

rare event. The particular

car sold was the test mule
used in Monza Italy to see
just how good the car was.
Its said that BMW indicated
that it had one of the stiffest

chassis they had ever tested. The new buyer will be

taking the car from Louisiana to Germany and is said
to have paid somewhere in
the range of $400,000 to
$800,000.
For those who like
the styling of this 1970
supercar from American Motors, there is a
plan to build replicas
from the original prototype display body.
In 2007 Tom Dulaney
bought the body and in 2008
had a mold made of the
shell, which is an exact copy
of the exterior styling.
Next a chassis was built
by Dave Ward, of Big Red

Camaro fame, that uses Corvette C4 steering and brakes.

A five-speed SDR Mendeola
transaxle was selected for its
strength and durability.
Although promising as
a design concept, progress
on the replica program has
been stalled for the past
several years. So Dulaney is
looking for someone to work
with him in getting things
going again. If anyone is
interested in learning more
about these fantastic vehicles, visit AMX390.com, or
you can email Tom Dulaney
at Webmaster@AMX390.
com.
21

FYI

FYI

Miata-Based Aston Martin Replica

iven that the Miata is the

best selling production
sports car in history, its no
surprise that its becoming
an increasingly popular donor for a variety of projects.
For example, the U.K.-made
MEV Replicar, inspired by
the Aston Martin DBR1, a
legendary special from the
Fifties, is now available in
the United States in a righthand drive configuration
from Exomotive. Similar to
Exomotives popular Exocet, the DBR1 is designed
to accept the running gear
from a 1990-2005 Mazda
Miata. The fiberglass bodied DBR1 Replicar features
a lightweight triangulated
space frame chassis that is
stiffer than the original, and
weighs in at 1675 lbs when
finished.
With over 700,000 Miatas brought into the States,
plenty of donors are available at a low cost, plus tons
of available spare parts
and aftermarket mods. The
build progression is simple
and straightforward where
all you need to do is lift off
the Miata body and replace
it with the Replicar chassis,

22

just like hundreds of builders have with the Exocet.

Thanks to a huge Miata
aftermarket, the amount of
available suspension, brake
and power upgrades is staggering. Builders can tailor
the setup of their car to suit
their personal preferences
on or off the track.
The comprehensive
Replicar kit is supplied in a
British Racing Green, Black,
Bright Red, or Dark Blue
gelcoat as standard. The kit
also includes all lighting,
windscreen, aluminum trim
panels, and hardware. Just
add your 1990-2005 Mazda
Miata donor components
and to build an incredibly

fun and exciting sports car.

In other news, Exomotive is now fully moved into
a new 5860 sq ft production
facility in Atlanta. Production is being ramped up
on newly designed Exocet
bodywork and customer
deliveries will begin shortly.
In addition, owner Kevin Patrick says he plans to
campaign a new Flyin Miata turbo-powered Exocet
Race car at the 2014 Ultimate Track Car Challenge at
VIR in July.
Hes also been working
V8Roadsters, a Miata V8
conversion specialist, to
create a new V8 subframe
kit for installing the popular

GM LS engines in his Exocet kits. Patrick notes that

he has begun work on a V8
Exocet build, using a brand
new LS376/525 GM crate
engine. Running 525hp in
about 1650 pounds puts the
power/weight ratio above
the new McLaren P1.
Pricing on the MEV
Replicar kit from Exomotive starts at $12,999 and
includes the RHD front

subframe and steering rack.

All the other donor components are the same, so
the rest of the US-spec LHD
Miata donor parts bolt right
up, Patrick notes.
The first U.S. buildup is
located in Arizona and just
passed DMV inspection
on April 30. The builder
posted a thread about the
build here: http://mevowners.proboards.com/

thread/4317/replicar-arizona?page=4
A LHD chassis is possible, but the body mold has
the rear hump behind the
right seat and the dash is
molded for RHD. Someone
with fiberglass/bodywork
skills could likely take it on
if so desired.
http://exomotive.com

h
s
fi
t
a
C

n
i
y
l
F

turbo version of the

Catfish (featured on
the cover of this issue)
is in the works at Flyin
Miata. This company is
well known for its array of
Miata upgrades. Well try

to land this wild thang as

soon as its done.
In other news, what
started in 1998 as a nice
little backyard BBQ for
a few locals has grown
into a five-day Summer
Camp event
that pulls in
people from
all over the
world.
That
shouldnt
come as a
surprise considering all
the cool stuff
that takes

place. Over the years Flyin

Miata has had track days,
drag days, autocrosses, a
movie premiere, proposals, weddings, dyno testing
and more. The 2014 event
will be held from July 30th
to August 3rd at the HQ in
Palisade, Colorado. Log on
to https://www.flyinmiata.com for a schedule and
signup information.
23

FYI
Free Electricity
From Exhaust
Gas?

es, absolutely, and the

list of uses is virtually
endless. According to inventor Johnny Rowland, the
typical internal combustion
engine is only 25- to 30-percent efficient in converting
energy from burning fuel
into useful mechanical
work. Which means that
70- to 75-percent of the
fuels energy content is lost
to heat and other various
parasitic forces.

24

But thats no longer the

case with the Rowland Turbo Air Generator (RTAG),
Rowland claims. He says
the device transforms
waste heat and exhaust
energy from an internal
combustion engine back
into useful electricity. This
free and extra electrical
power can assist in other vehicle or installation
needs, or can be stored in
batteries or battery packs
used in hybrid auto applications or in Alternate Power Units for semi-tractor
trucks.
The RTAG system
mounts a turbocharger
downstream in an engines
exhaust
(with no
increase in
back pressure, Rowland says)
and the
pressurized
air from the
cool side of
the turbo is
used to spin
the vanes
of an aircraft-type
wind generator; there-

by making use of energy

which is normally lost into
the atmosphere. And this
reclaimed energy materially
adds to the overall efficiency of the engine.
For motor vehicle versions, turbo airflow to the
wind generator is supplemented by ducting pressurized air from the exterior
of the vehicle at highway
speeds. In this mode, the
RTAG can continue to generate electricity even when
the engine is not running
(such as on a hybrid running in electric-only mode).
The RTAG has a design
option which allows on
demand use rather than
full-time operation. This
features the turbo installed
in an additional loop on
the factory exhaust tubing
and by using electric cut-

outs, the exhaust stream

may easily and quickly be
re-routed through the turbine for generating electricity. The remotely mounted
turbo is also an extremely
effective muffling device for
dampening exhaust noise.
In actual practice, the
RTAG makes 14 volts of
electricity (which is what
the belt-driven vehicle alternator makes) at 35 mph
in the prototype vehicle. An
extensive feasibility study,
performed by the Lawrence
Regional Technical Center,
an independent technical
group, predicts a viable future for the Rowland Turbo
Air Generator.
By way of background,
Rowland is known for a
variety of products and
media endeavors, such as
the 460 Rowland cartridge,
ThunderMaxx Performance,
Guns and Gears TV, Johnny
Rowland News, Guns, and
Motorsports radio programming.

FYI

Email: johnny460
rowland@gmail.com

Business phone: 806-7170506

25

FYI
M

Norcal Kit Show and

Kit Planes

ark your calendar: the

Northern California Kit
Car Club (NCKCC) will be
holding its annual show at
the Oakland Aviation Museum on Sept. 21. Besides
hosting the clubs interesting collection of cars, the
museum has on display a
number of significant aircraft. The largest one is the
Solent Mk III Flying Boat,
once owned by Howard
Hughes,
and appeared in
the movie
Raiders of
the Lost
Ark as a
Boeing China Clipper.
In regular
service in
the late 40s
between
England
and South
Africa,
there are
only two
left in the
26

world.
Another interesting feature of the Oakland Aviation
Museum is a number of
experimental planes built
from kits. They include the
following:
Bede BD-5B: Constructed by do-it-yourself
plane builders, Bedes are
powered by various small
engines such as Honda and
Mazda power-plants.

Glasair SH-II: Introduced in 1979, the Glasair

was the first pre-molded
composite (fiberglass) kit
aircraft ever offered.
JDT Mini Max 1600R:
This ultra light is a minimum-cost aircraft that
comes in kit form and requires a minimum of building space to complete. It
took 1200 hours over seven
years to build this kit.

Jurca MJ.77 Mustang:This is a replica P-51B

as a 3/4 scale representation of the famed Red Tail
Mustang, flown by the illustrious Tuskegee Airmen as
bomber escorts over Europe in WWII.
Kitfox IV 1200: The
Kitfox is the most successful
aircraft on the market today. It retain its value due to
incredible fuel economy.
Wright EX Vin Fiz: This
replica of the Wright Bros.
Model EX was built in 1972.
The real Model B Vin Fiz
flown by Calbraith Perry
Rodgers, completed the first
transcontinental flight in
1911.
Also included in the
display are a Grumman NF14A Tomcat and MIG-15bis
of Korean War fame.
The NCKCC show on
September 21, 2014 will
be an Open Cockpit day
so visitors can get up close
and personal with many of
the planes. You can register
your car free at www.nckcc.
com. For info on the location of the museum, go to:
http://www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org

FYI
ACTIVE POWER GT
Deluxe Builder Package: $13,495

Standard features include:

Race-bred tube chassis using C5, C6
suspension
Body fitted and mounted to chassis
http://www.activepowercars.com
Doors installed, swinging and latching
DOT safety glass windshield installed
Rack and pinion steering, quick-release column installed

ACTIVE POWER, INC.

2597 Townline Rd. / Madison, OH 44057 / (440) 983-7190

@AcmeCarCo
Facebook.com/
AcmeCarCo
Parts, Builds,
Restorations, Shop Services

AcmeCarCo.com

Facebook.com/
AcmeComposites
Fiberglass Manufacturing & Prototyping

Acme-Composites.com

@BerrienBuggy
Facebook.com/
BerrienBuggy
Dune Buggies, Sand Rails,
Component Manufacturer

BerrienBuggy.com

@Acme
Composites

THE ACME COS

ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP WITH YOUR

AUTOMOTIVE PROJECT, FROM
BEGINNING TO FINAL COMPLETION.
We are looking for Berrien Buggy by Acme
dealers, domestic or foreign.

201 ROSS AVE, NEW CUMBERLAND, PA

(717) 774-9450

TheAcmeCompanies.Com
FULL SERVICE SHOP SERVICES AVAILABLE

FYI

FYI

Lone Star Shines

at Open House

one Star Classics recently revamped its entire

shop, and showed off all
its hard work, plus a dozen LS427s to its family
of customers and visitors.
Also announced at its open
house was a new, cus-

28

tom-engineered independent rear suspension package, using only 100-percent

new components. To enhance both performance
and ride quality, along with
easier installation and adjustment, this IRS consists

of an 8.8-inch Ford differential (3.55 gears, Eaton

Truetrac, Torsen type) with
custom half-shafts and uprights. The brakes are Wilwood four-piston calipers
with drilled/slotted discs
and an E-brake caliper.
In addition, Lone Star
has new, in-house servicing
capabilities, such as offering a seven-day, in-house
build for the LS427, plus
complete turnkey and turnkey-minus (less engine/
transmission) vehicles. A
half-dozen different drivetrain options from The
Engine Factory are available
on turnkey cars, so that
Lone Star now serves as a

one-stop shop.
If you werent able to
make it to this past open
house, Lone Star will be
hosting another one house
within the next few months.

Stay tuned for more developments on the companys

Cobra lineup.
www.lonestarclassics.com

Available now from $13,900

www.bauerltd.com
www.bauerltd.com

catfish 1/4h.indd 1

29

7/1/14 6:06 AM

FYI
Now Thats a
Kenne Bells
New Cowl Induction Inlet for the
4.7L Twin Screw
Blower

nce again, Kenne Bell,
the leader in late-model Hemi supercharger kits,
leaves the competition
gasping for air with the
industrys largest displacement, most powerful Twin
Screw Kit. Most supercharger kit manufacturers
and OEMs use the same
low-cost, little 2.3L, 4x4
lobe rotors for superchargers. By comparison, the
popular higher horsepower
Kenne Bell Mammoth Kits
all use the larger displacement/higher horsepower
2.8, 3.6, and 4.2 Twin Screw
setups with the more efficient 4x6 lobe rotors. Dodge
also chose the Twin Screw
for its new 2015 Challenger
Hellcat, the first musclecar
(except for the infamous
Ford GT) to step up to the
more efficient Twin Screw.

30

Bigun!

The new Bigun is designed to take over where

the popular Kenne Bell
Mammoth Kits leave off.
The Bigun is designed for
maximum horsepower,
competition Hemis, and
supports 1200 to 2000+
hp. It includes the 2350
cfm (168mm) Bigun inlet
system (vs. the 777 cfm

Bell superchargers, the

100-percent billet 4.7LC
features exclusive Patented Liquid Cooling and Seal
Pressure Equalizer for a
cooler air charge, higher
rpm and more horses. Also
new is the Case Injection
port which allows for the
injection of alcohol, water
and nitrous for additional

(81mm) stock Dodge part).

The huge unrestricted
rear inlet design allows
high-pressure, cool dense
air to be pulled from the
cowl area, just like racers
use in NASCAR, and were
popular on many highly
desirable muscle cars of the
golden era. Like all Kenne

air charge cooling.

For more information on
the BIGUN, check out the
Kenne Bell Superchargers
website www.kennebell.net
or call Kenne Bell at 909941-0985 today. Tell em
you saw it in Kit Car Builder.

FYI
Engines
of Desire

he Engine Factory has

been selling custom
crate engines for car builders of kinds for two decades
now. While carbureted
versions have always been
demand for its standby
powerplants (Ford 302,
347 stroker, 351W, 427W
stroker and the 350 Chevy),
over the
past five
years the
company
has seen
a growing
trend in EFI
(Electronic
Fuel Injection) models. Where
once it was
perhaps
ratio of 90
percent carb
to 10 percent EFI , its
now close to
50/50 ratio.
Even so,
people often
ask what are
the advan-

32

tages of EFI. There isnt

necessarily a cut-and-dry
answer to this question,
notes Christian Nelson of
The Engine Factory. So
we break down the pros vs
cons of each.
He sums it up this way:
If your using the car as
a weekend warrior and
generally staying close to
home with limited mileage, a carburetor is a great
way to go. But for someone
that will drive the car more
extensively on long cruises,

high elevations, and probably experience more consistency off throttle, then the
EFI setup is a nice way of
going.
We plan to address this
subject in detail in an upcoming feature, but in the
meantime contact Nelson
for details, and ask about
the companys engine/
transmission packages as
well.
http://www.enginefactory.
com

33

Touch-Screen
Control

aving a touch-screen display from which you can

control an entire car is now
at the reach of every kit car
builder. Called the Titan Power
Management Module (PMM),
it also includes voice-activated navigation, smart phone
sync capability, and race track
maps.
RVDTech has created this
solid-state power distribution
module especially targeted at
kit car builders and specialist vehicle fabricators. The
Titan PMM is a microprocessor-based unit that connects

and manages the vehicles

entire electrical system in one
compact unit, completely eliminating old relays and fuses.
It also incorporates features
normally reserved for production vehicles such as one-touch
starting, automatic lights, auto-cancelling turn signals and
keyless entry.
The real cool stuff starts
when you connect computer
tablet to the TITANs USB port.
This setup offers fabricators
the opportunity to install a
touch-screen display in the
vehicle dash or center console.
It can then not only control
the electrical system, but also
incorporates the latest in-car
technology such as GPS navi-

More Details on GT40 Replica Project

fter spotting a nicely crafted tubular space

frame at Carlisle (see show coverage in
this issue), our curiosity was piqued. So we
asked Dustin Trumbore at Performance Fabrication Works to send us more info on the car.
He relates that its a repro of the MK2 1966
GT40 (which uses a monocoque setup instead),
and both small- and big-block versions are in
the works. Other differences from the original
include a Porsche G50 gearbox (rather than a
ZF transaxle) and Corvette C5 rear suspension
with custom fronts.
Trumbore adds that, For the frame, I did
the engineering design in Solidworks then tested it in a structural analysis system. He used 1
1/2 x .120 wall, certified 4130 Chrome moly
34

gation, virtual dashboard, media player, smart phone hands

free, rear-facing camera and
much more. Car builders will
be able to brand the screen to
display their name, logo and
the vehicle model and name
etc.
RVDTech is also developing a new interface unit that
connects to the tablet which
incorporates a high speed GPS

tube for the main members and 1 x .120 for

the bracing. The tubes were bent on a hydraulic mandrel bender and coped for fitment. The
frame was fit on a 6 x 10 x 1 fixture table and
fully TIG welded by an AWS certified welder.
After welding the frame gets heat treated for
stress relief.
To see other projects as well, go to: http://
performancefabricationworks.com

www.vdo.com/usa

Take your instrumentation to the next level.

VDO A Trademark of the Continental Corporation

FYI

receiver, gyroscope, accelerometer, Bluetooth and OBDII connection all in one unit which
enables the company to offer
a range of performance in-car
Apps. The Pro Race Package
will come preloaded with maps
of every race track in North
America and offer a GPS sector lap timer, G-loads, full data
logging and video synchronization. This software will be a
game changer, offering Formula 1 style telemetry at an entry
level price.
If you are using a stock ECU
in the build, the system can
connect directly to the OBDII
output and display a full virtual dashboard including speed,
rev counter, battery, water
temp, oil pressure etc. This
connection can also be used as
a tuning tool as most ECUs can
also display throttle position,
airflow rate, intake air temp,
spark advance, torque loads
and more.
The TITAN PMM also makes
wiring much more simple for
kit car builders. Simply install
the programming software on
any PC, plug the TITAN into a
USB port and run the easy to
use software. RVDTech will
also supply a complete wiring
loom ready to lay into your
build and connect. The TITAN
PMM basic kit retails of $1,295
and discounts are offered to
fabricators and kit car builders.
You can find more information
at www.RVDTECH.com

The VDO CB500 is a true OEM-grade instrument cluster thats

perfect for kit and custom car applications. Our unidirectional
wire, single plug SpeedHarness enables plug-n-play installation.
Simple set up requires no speedometer or tachometer
programming, and when you hook it up to the new VDO GPS
Speed Sender, you get incredibly accurate speed readout with
no calibration required. The VDO GPS senders small size allows
a variety of easy mounting options it can even fit behind the
cluster. CB500 includes LED illumination, digital clock and a
complete set of warning lights all in one clean, compact layout.
For more information, e-mail: salessupport-us@vdo.com

CO1818_KitCarBuilder_CB500_ThirdH_7-14_V1.2.indd 1

5/23/14 10:28 AM

Service and Quality Second to None

Voted Best Cobra Replica by Kit Car Magazine
Awarded the Good Manufacturing Practices Award by AHA
Featured build up on the DIY Network
Cobra is a trademark of Ford Motor Company. Unique Motorcars products have no connection with Ford.

230 E. Broad Street Gadsden, AL 35903

(256)546-3708 or (256)546-2395
Visit us on the Web at: www.uniquemotorcars.com
www.uniquemotorcars.com
35

Fantasy Island
Making it Real at the Car Isle Kit Nats
By Steve Temple
Photos by Steve Temple and Courtesy
Carlisle Productions and Meyers Manx Club

very year in May we look forward to Carlisles Kit

and Import show, with the same eager anticipation
that the diminutive Tatoo voiced to his employer,
the enigmatic Mr. Roarke: De plane boss, de
plane! But with a slight change: De cars boss, de cars!
(and no bell tower to ring, nor any white suits either).
8

And theres another

big difference. While
people would pay
to live out bizarre
dreams on Fantasy
Island, these cars are
the real dealhot and
ready to go! Similar to
the TV shows variety
of intriguing story
lines, however, the
range of automotive
offerings at Carlisle is
remarkably diverse.
We came across
everything from
a record-setting
Victress from the
early Fifties to iconic
VW-based vehicles,
from classic racing
Cobras to futuristic
exotics. And virtually
all are available
right now, ready and
waiting to fill your
garage.
The setting for
the show is by no
means tropical, but
rather in the rolling
farmlands of central
38

Pennsylvania, where
often unpredictable
storms (such as on
early Friday, before
the start of the show),
guarantee green
pastures. Fortunately,
sunny skies prevailed
through the weekend,
making for a happy
endingwhich wasnt
always the case on the
TV series. Rather than

summarize all the

colorful characters
with mere words, its
far more entertaining
to present the
pictures and captions.
So sit back and enjoy
the show!

SOURCE:
Carlisle Events
www.CarlisleEvents.
com

This pristine Fiberfab Jamaican

II still holds its own in the styling
department. Well be digging into
Fiberfab history in a separate
feature.

We shared some booth space with the Ohio

Cobra Clubs raffle Cobra. The winner is announced elsewhere in this issue coverage of
the London Cobra Show.

This tough-looking buggy has an inboard

coil-over suspension setup.

Chet Galeks showed off

an alternative application
for a Hyabusa engine in
his Sylva J15. http//galekmotorsports.com

A wolf in sheeps clothing? Leigh Ann

Swartzs custom features the classic
body style of a 74 Karmann-Ghia, but
widened six inches to fit on an 00
Porsche Boxster S with a 3.2L mill.
11

Vintage Motorsports blacked-out

Backdraft displayed
some fine detail
work with some
cool customizing,
which well be highlighting in a later
issue. www.vintagemotorsports.
com

Geoffrey Hackers 62 Tiburon Roadster (aka Shark)

is in a special display area
of Carlisle. This aero design
is only one of six built, and
the only restored example.
For more info, see Hackers
website: http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com

Acme is reaching for new heights with a number of new kits and services. In addition to offering
fiberglass manufacturing and a new line of Berrien buggies, the company completed this Thunder Ranch 550-A6 kit (now available through Rock West Racing). It features a VW ball-joint, trail40

For automobilia fans, Shell Valley sells a reduced-scale

version of a Cobra nose. Frank McLaughlin from Monaca,
PA embellished it with a number of custom fabrications.
Details: Cobra replica mini nose
Factory Fives booth boasted a GTM beautifully finished
by Michael Ehrlich, taking it to a whole new level. Look for
a full feature in an upcoming issue. https://www.factoryfive.com

ing-arm front suspension with disc brakes. The engine is from a 1971 911-E
Porsche, totally rebuilt and upgraded. Transmission is from the same 911, but converted to 914
(mid engine) configuration. It also runs 911 axles, hubs, and brakes in the rear. The exhaust system, dry-sump oil system, cockpit heater using engine oil as heat, and shift linkage were all built
in house by Acme, which also handle prep and paint. http://acmecarco.com
41

Uniques 289FIA for Butch Capps of Mid

South Gear Specialists (which builds
drivelines for Unique) is a tribute to a
specific race car, CSX2323 driven famed
Cobra racers Dan Gurney and Jerry
Grant. Look for a full feature on in an
upcoming issue. http://www.uniquemotorcars.com

This CapeFear7 from CF7 is a Locost Seven inspired

car thats designed to use the Miatas suspension,
seats, instrument cluster, and wiring to create a
lightweight (at 1748 pounds) autocross and road car.
This approach keeps the time-consuming search for
parts at a minimum. The Miata is well known for its
handling and durable mechanicals. http://www.capefear7.com
While Ralph Laurens Bugatti Atlantic is reputed
to be worth$40 million, you can get the Pacific kit for less than $14K! Builder Terry Cook is
now offering fiberglass bodies of the Pacific
fastback, both with and without the dorsal fin
running down the top of the roof and fenders.
Details: www.delahayeusa.com

While Bueno in Spanish means good, that

translation hardly does justice to Bueno Designs
spectacular new body conversion for the Chevy
Camaro. It shows influences from a few different
exotics, but stands on its own with a unique and,
well, bueno sense of style. http://www.buenodesigns.com

In 1953, the Guy Mabee Drilling Special, a Hemi-powered Victress, set an

astounding record at Bonneville of
203 mph! Look for a full feature in an
upcoming issue. In the meantime, for
some history see http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com

This Fiero-based replica of the Ferrari 308 (popularized on the Magnum PI TV show) has an
interesting history. Called the Mera, it was sold
through Pontiac dealers only as a new car with a
price approaching that of a new Corvette. No kits
were ever sold, and only new Fieros were used
for the conversions.
Shell Valleys shop car is smart-looking demo,
with blacked-out trim and a Blueprint engine.
http://www.shellvalley.com

This Flared SC from JPS Motorsports,

sporting emblems provided by the cars
owner Jerry Freeman, runs a 177hp 2.5L
Subaru, a low-mileage JDM mill rewired
with a custom harness and mated to a
programmable aftermarket computer. In
addition to more power and 35mpg on
the highway, advantages over the more
typical, air-cooled VW Type 1 include
easier starting, lower emissions, and a
hot-water heater. http://www.jps-motorsports.com

42

15

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

Special Editions new
cream-colored Beck Roadster
(aka convertible D), has several features for year-round
cruising: roll-up windows,
taller windshield, refined door
cards, and a more developed
weather-resistant top. The
cars owner Carey Hines (VP
of Special Edition) is driving
this pre-production version
on a daily basis for final
sorting out, with deliveries
scheduled within the next few
months. Well provide a full report in a later issue.
http://www.beckspeedster.com

David Aliberti not only took home an award for

his Sterling as the best kit car on display, but
also now offers 3D printing for kit builders in
need of low-cost, custom fabrication. http://
www.sterlingsportscars.com

An electrifying development from Special Edition on a Beck Speedster. http://www.beckspeedster.com

This intricate, TIG-welded, chromemoly spaceframe

from Performance Fabrication Works is for a replica
of a 66 GT40 Mk II. After heat treating, itll be fitted
with a 351 Ford Windsor with a Porsche G50 gearbox, plus a Corvette C5 rear suspension and custom
front. http://performancefabricationworks.com
Chris Ardern of Active Power is now active again
with his GT40. Back in 1995, his first year at Carlisle,
he offered the Urban Gorilla Hummer replica, and
street rods later on. From that experience he learned
that asking a kit builder to fit doors and bodywork
can be too much work. I like to let them to be able
to start with the fun stuff right off the bat, he says.
Now he has a Deluxe Builder Package with all the
tricky stuff donebody mounted, doors swinging
and the glass installed. So when you take delivery
of the kit youre able to jump right on the assembly
work. http://www.activepowercars.com
Need your show passport stamped? This young
lady handled that for Carlisle attendees.

44

VDOs range of gauges continues to expand and impress, with compact clusters that are ideal for kit applications with limited dash space. www.vdo.com/usa

Genetic
Mutation

Morphing
Miata Into
a

Catfish

Text and photos by Steve Temple

44

hile most folks

are familiar
with catfish,
especially
around
meal times, theres a
lesser-known meaning
to this term. It refers to
a person who pretends
to be someone theyre
not, usually on Facebook
or other social media,
especially to pursue a
deceptive online romance.
The latter sense has some
relevance to Cord Bauers
new Catfish, a car that
started life as the widely
available Miata, but now
has a completely new
identity. As for the romance
part, well, we have to
admit to falling for this
new design for a number of
reasons.
First off, theres that
swoopy shape. Bauer says

48

its flowing curves and

fish-mouth grille were the
inspiration for the name
(not the internet scam).
At first glance, we couldnt
stop staring at its comely
and innovative form.
Which follows function by
the way, as many hours
of CFD (Computational
Fluid Dynamics) went into
developing the shape.
Bauers background

includes inventing the

ReadyRamp, and cofounding ReadyLift
Suspension, along with
designing numerous car
and motorcycle product.
According to him, the
Catfish has the same
coefficient of drag as a
Miatayet something even
more significant.
With a splitter, diffusers
and no windscreen, this car
has a lower Cd and more
downforceits a potent
track machine, he points
out. Creaform in Canada did
the CFD (Computational
Fluid Dynamics) work
using a software system
that many of the Formula
One teams also use for aero
analysis, and the engineer
who did the work got is PhD
in CFD.
Adding to the cars
compelling aero and

aesthetic statement is
the cockpit treatment,
with dimple-die, riveted
aluminum panels inspired
by the Lola T70, plus
custom gauge faces
replacing the factory panel.
Altogether, the interior is
Spartan and workmanlike,
but with a future-look
quality.
All told, we bet that
most folks would never
guess about the Miata
mechanicals underneath
the hood. But this is not
merely a simple rebody.
While the Catfish is
based on a Miata (1990

to 2005), the factory

unibody is not used.
Basically, just the roller
skate is employed, which
includes the engine,
drivetrain, K-members,
and suspension. A custom
triangulated tubular frame,
designed by multi-time,
Paris-Dakar winner Ron
Hemphill, replaces the
factory unibody cockpit
section, and connects the
front and rear sections of
the chassis.
The Catfish body,
consisting of a custom
layup using S-glass with
carbon fiber reinforcements

and tooling resin, mounts

onto this frame. The paint
slathered on the car shown
here is 2014 Mazda Liquid
Silver Metallic.
With the unibody
removed, what you end up
with is a vehicle that weighs
around 1,600 pounds, and
can easily have 265 reliable
horsepower (by adding a
turbo or supercharger).
Thats a 1:6 horsepower
to weight ratio, which is
well into supercar territory,
Bauer notes. This is
without trying hard! Breath
harder on the engine and
youll be at 1:5 or lower.

49

Indeed, weve heard about

a few track-ready versions
with skewed power/weight
ratios that are in the works,
and Bauer says you can
even drop in an LS3 V-8!
We drove the factory
demo, fitted with a
1.6-liter from a 92 model
(purchased for only $800),
delivering about 100
horses, and came away
amazed by the
quickness of the
throttle response.
Thats due in part
to the lightweight
flywheel (5.5
pounds) with racing
clutch, a lightly
refreshed motor,
a newer 6-speed
transmission and
a Miata Torsen
differential. Other
upgrades include a
MegaSquire PNP2

59

ECU, a Competition Werkes

custom side pipe, and a
hand-fabricated stainless
mid-pipe.
The handling is lithe
and supple. This particular
car has a Bilstein Sport
suspension (Spec Miata
type), with Swift Springs.
And the brakes and rotors
are Wilwood units that take
approximately 40 pounds

off the overall unsprung

weight of the car, improving
the underpinnings.
Even more fun is on
the way: Bauer says the
car will soon have a Flyin
Miata turbo setup with
DeatschWerks 700cc
injectors, FM exhaust
manifold, oil and water
turbo cooling setup,
intercooler and piping, a
blow off valve (external)
and boost gauge. No
nitrous, as that would
probably be overkill. Hell
have his hands full trying to
land this wild fish!
Since the Miata is the
best-selling
sports car
in history,
and the most
raced model
in the world,
aftermarket

support for all sorts of

performance and other
parts is extensive, and
Bauer plans to take full
advantage of that fact for a
Catfish variant in the works
(hint, hint). Other items hes
developing include a street-

legal windshield, basically a

cut-down and canted Miata
piece with a custom frame.
With the current wind
deflectors, Mother Nature
controls the temperature
knob, he admits. But the
payoff is that I can park the

Catfish next to a Ferrari or

Cobra or Porsche, and those
cars will invariably be the
second car everyone sees.
Win. And judging from the
interest received thus far,
thats no fictitious romance.
SOURCE:
Bauer Limited
Production
Mail address: 7003
Camino Del Vistazo,
San Clemente, CA 92673
949/361-1594 work
phone
www.bauerltd.com

Do the Math
Heres Bauers
rundown on the cost of
building a rock-bottom,
entry-level Catfish:
The rock-bottom DIY
builder could make the
car for less than $20,000,
with the main expenses
as follows:

The DIY buyer can

also sell off the parts he
doesnt use, such as the
complete shell to a Spec
Miata racer, doors, glass,
HVAC, lights, interior, top/
hard top, wheels/tires,

shocks/springs, and any

extras that have found
their way onto the Miata.
$500 or more could be
realized, making an all-in
price of $17K possible.

Kit price:
$13,900
Donor car
1,000
Wheels and tires
500
Paint or vinyl wrap 1,000
Miscellaneous
mechanicals
1,000

51

ROLLING
STONELEIGH

Fancy a smoke in a
Westfield? Its the
only place you can
nowadays.

Drifting Through
the Biggest
Kit Show in
the U.K.
Text and photos by Rob Hawkins

promising and optimistic

feeling at Stoneleigh

prevailed this year,

with a number of new or
updated kit cars on show in early
May. So the market seems to have
pulled itself out of the recession.

Mike Smiths Avante still looks

fresh, even though it has been
with him for 30 years. It was recently rebuilt and resprayed at his
farm.

The lengths some people will go to

in order to escape paying admission fees into a show. Thankfully,
nobody was exterminated and no
sinks needed unblocking.

DNAs all new Mercedes SL-based West

CDNAs all new Mercedes SL-based
West Coast made its first appearance
and caught the attention of many
California fans.

Cosworth-powered Zero from

GBS looks stunning under the
bonnet. Red Bull
exterior is all
painted, with not a
patch of vinyl.

Many manufacturers and

builders are stacked with work,
with the likes of MEV and Road
Track Race taking multiple orders
for kits, and newcomers such as
Bertini also making a sales splash.
Dispersed around Stoneleigh
halls 1 and 2, there was a wide
range of kit cars to meet. DNA
unveiled their all new Mercedes
SL based West Coast, a stunning
recreation along the lines of the
Ferrari California that can be built
54

The new four-seater Animoto adds versatility

and can be powered by a
K-series motor and gearbox from the
MGF or TF.
Thanks in part to the low cost
of donor cars, MG-based kits
are growing in popularity,
including this MGB panel kit
from RPS.

for around $37,000. The team at

DNA has earned a reputation for
producing good quality kits, and
is offering development services
to other manufacturers.
The return of old favorites
also included the popular
Beetle-based California that was
previously manufactured by DJ
Sports Cars, but is now owned by
Severn Classics. Now known as
the Arabella as either a Speedster
or California, a comprehensive kit

Kit Car magazines booth

with Nigel Dean on the far
left, followed by Tom
Saunders, Rob Hawkins and
Jimini builder Nigel Lamb.

Beach buggies
have now become
retro, classic and
collectible. Always
a good turnout at
Stoneleigh.

MG specialist Halls Garage recently acquired the Midget-based replicas of the

Frogeye and Sebring Sprite from Tifosi.

costs about $13,500 and includes

a body with all the doors, bonnet
and engine cover fitted, plus a
modified Beetle floorpan with
the supporting framework for the
body.
Other kits that are under new

management include the Midget

based Tifosi range, consisting of
the Frogeye recreation known
as the Rana and the SS thats
an impressive replica of the
Sebring Sprite. These kits are now
manufactured by a long-standing

55

MG specialist, Halls Garage of

Lincolnshire.
MG based kit cars have seen
something of a comeback in
the U.K., and there were plenty
of such models at Stoneleigh,
including the MGB based
RP251. GBS had developed

a modern uptake of a beach

buggy, but based on MGF/TF
donor components. De Havilland
returned to Stoneleigh with
several revisions applied to its
MG TF based Dino replica.
The U.K. kit car market has
clearly recognized that MGFs and

TFs can be bought for peanuts

and used in a number of ways.
Animoto for instance, have taken
most of the components from
the rear of one of these cars and
bolted them into the back of their
Fiat-based Sports Buggy. A longer
four-seater version was unveiled

at the show.
Outside of the exhibition halls,
the weather over the two days
of the show was in our favor.
AK owner Alan Witty counted
61 Cobras on the Sunday. The
Westfield Sports Car Club had a
similarly impressive turnout, but

A modern take on the classic Healey with Miata MX-5

donor components appealed to plenty of people.

Westfield Sports Car Club was flying several flags in a large area of the club fields.

Ultimas always attract lots of attention and

there were plenty to drool over in the club
fields and hall 2.

Theres no denying the fact that Novas

look absolutely stunning. A club lineup of them created lots of attention.
56

Everyone wanted to try the road-legal Vortex

V2 for size, which can accommodate a variety of powerplants.

This customers stunning GD

T70 was one of the best cars
at the show.

Windscreen and glass experts

Pilkington offered this Jago
Geep as a competition prize and
raising money for Marie Curie
Cancer Care.

Roy Smith has taken 25

years to assemble his
Nova and his wife Di is
still with him!
57

even the less populated clubs had

interesting displays, including
the ever-popular Novas, Midases,
GTMs, Ultimas and Italian
supercar replicas.
While new or interesting kit
cars rarely get missed within
the exhibition halls, the club
fields can swallow them up. For
instance, we stumbled across a

Murcielago replica based on a

combination of American and
British made parts, met a farmer
who had rebuilt his Beetle based
Avante, and saw a similarly old
Nova that had taken 25 years to
build. Which makes it all the more
important to roll through all of
Stoneleigh so you dont miss a
thing.
SOURCE:
The National Kit Car Motor Show
http://www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk

ABOVE: Imp- and Alfa-engined Clans are fast becoming classic and collectible.
LEFT: Severn Classics have taken on the Speedster
and California kits that were once produced by DJ
Sportscars.

MNR had an
impressive
line-up of
Vortxes and a
helpful crowd
of owners to
talk to.

Beetle-based sand rails have a

cult following and dont need to
be powering over dunes to look
cool.

Roadrunner Racings bike-engined LM1 single seater is

destined for hill climbs, sprints
and track work, but can also
be driven on the road and has
passed the IVA.

Ultimas are one of the UKs

supercar success stories within
the kit car market.
58

Sylva Riot is now under Xmoor and this one

has a mid-mounted Ford Ecoboost motor.

SIZE
MATTERS
Everythings Bigger in
Texas Even Cobras
Photos and text by Harold Pace

ike so many of our readers, Texan David Cheever had

wanted a Cobra since he was a kid in the 1970s. Today,
hes finally built one. (Which
came as a bit of a surprise to his
wife of 23 years, who didnt know
he was even interested in cars.)

Turns out Cheever had

grown up in a car family,
riding around in his dad
Lees Corvettes, Jaguar XKE
and a Sunbeam Tiger. Later
David bought a 73 Pontiac
Firebird and got involved in
amateur speed events. Lee
often told David about the
quickest of all muscle cars,
the vicious Cobra 427, but
there were none to be found
on the street at the time.
David saw his first real

62

Cobra in the 1980s. It was

featured at an Autorama
car show, and he recalls
thinking that one day he
would have one of his own.
But life has a way of
getting in the way of even
the best car plans, and
taking care of his wife and
two kids while making a
living as a pharmaceutical
sales manager trumped car
projects until the perfect
opportunity came his way.
Three years ago he
found himself in an
enviable position. He
had received a large
severance check from
a previous employer,
had another job lined

up and some time on his

hands. It was time for his
Cobra project to strike.
Cheever had always been
supplied with company cars
by his employers, so his
wife Kelli had never seen
him involved in automotive
projects. However, when
he revealed his Cobra kit
plans she was both pleased
and supportive of the idea.
He also had a friend, Tom
Tennant, who caught the
Cobra bug at about the
same time. They both opted
for LSC427 kits from Lone

Star Classics
and helped
each other
out.
Tom
bought his kit
a year before
I did, and he
helped me
avoid some
of the pitfalls
he discovered
along the
way, Cheever
notes. That
included
overcoming
some size
issues right
from the get-go.
I chose a Lone Star kit
because it was longer and
I could fit in it better, says
6 1 Cheever. The LSC427
has a 95-inch wheelbase,
five inches longer than a
standard wheelbase Cobra.
The rectangular steel ladder
frame features a Ford live
axle in back, and can be
ordered set up for Ford or
Chevrolet engines.
I loved the look of
their body, he adds, The
fenders are more flared
and it seems to have a
more aggressive stance.
Also, Lone Star was local
so I could ask questions
and go by their shop for
help. He credits LSCs Brian

Alexander with helping

keep the project on target,
and for selling him only the
parts he needed to build the
car his way. That proved to
be a boon, since Cheever
intended to build the car
himself and had to go on a
tool-buying binge.
That was a blast, he
laughs, What guy doesnt
like tools? He installed
an electric winch in the
ceiling so he could remove
the body and turn it like a
rotisserie. I would love to
have had a lift, he recalls.
Even a quick lift would
have been helpful. It would
save a lot of time. Cheever
also loaded up on engine
building tools, including
a dial micrometer, ring

compressor and feeler

gauges.
Dad taught me to buy
good tools once, not bad
tools over and over again,
he says. In particular he
recommends buying a highquality hydraulic jack.
Cheever started by
getting a donor 1989
Mustang 5.0, but in the end
he says he didnt use hardly
anything off it except the
engine block, Hurst shifter
and rearend housing.
Cheever and his dad fitted
the 8.8 rearend with Currie
31-spline axles, new 3:73
gears and an Auburn
limited-slip unit. Cheever
also built his own engine,
using the Mustang block but
not much else.

63

I had never built an

engine before, he says,
but with the information
available on the internet and
YouTube, I got the nerve to
take it on. Summit Racing
provided a 347 Stroker Kit,
and the block was decked,
clearanced and bored .030
over by Arlington Machine
Shop. Eagle rods swing Icon
forged 10:1 slugs that run
just fine on 93 octane fuel.
A Lunati roller cam bumps
the valves in the RHS 185cc
aluminum heads, fitted with
Comp Cams roller rockers.
Edelbrock supplied the valve
covers, plus a dual-quad, airgap intake manifold. Cheever
had not forgotten the look of
twin carbs on original 427
Cobras, and opted for dual
Edelbrock Performers with

64

the Endurashine finish.

Dad suggested going
with EFI but I went old
school instead, he says.
An MSD 6AL box provides
the spark and Painless
Performance Products the
wiring harness. Cheever
estimates power at around
400 ponies.
The stroker motor
is backed up by a TKO
600 5-speed box and a
McLeod clutch assembly. A
Ford Racing flywheel and
pressure plate are paired
with the Hurst shifter
pirated from the donor
Mustang. A Speed Dawg
color-coordinated shift ball
completed the setup.
The Lone Star
rectangular steel tube frame
was not modified, but the

suspension and brakes

were upgraded with QA-1
adjustable shocks and
drilled-and-slotted Wilwood
rotors. Shelby Classic
Chrome 17-inch wheels (8
inches front/11 inches rear)
are shod with Kumho Ecsta
XS rubber (245/40R front
and 315/35R back).
Cheever is a fan of
famed automotive artist
Bill Neale, who designed
the Terlingua Racing Team
emblem and black-andyellow paint scheme used
on Shelby Trans Am team
cars. A family vacation to
the Big Bend area of Texas
provided an excuse to visit
the legendary ghost town of
Terlingua, sealing the deal
on the tribute paint scheme.
Custom painter David
Brady (no stranger to Kit
Car Builder readers for his
numerous Cobra paint jobs)
slicked up the body and
applied Ford Tuxedo Black
(without the usual metallic),
topped with yellow stripes
and six coats of clear.
Cheever ordered his kit

without an interior so he
could add one of his own
design. Headliner Customs
recovered Mini Cooper
seats in black leather
embroidered in bright
yellow Terlingua emblems
with the infamous Texas
jackrabbit. Dynamat sound
deadening was installed
under black leather door
trim. The Finish Line
wood-rim wheel looks
period correct, as do the
trim and emblems. The
wheel is mounted on an
IDIDIT chrome column.
Starting with an uncut
bare aluminum dashboard,
Cheever came up with his
own grouping of Speedhut
gauges. He opted to not
install the windshield
wipers, but he does have a
bolt-on blade for inspection
time.
It may be a fair-weather
car, but it gets used. A
lot. Cheever drove it 500
miles after assembly, but
before it was painted, to
get the bugs out. Since
completion he has racked
up over 1200 miles, and is
looking forward to taking
his new steed drag racing
and, maybe, to the Big Bend
Open Road Race. Its on my
bucket list, he admits.
Theres no way to miss
the LOUD license plate!

They were acquired

through the Myplates web
site, Cheever explains.
Myplates is licensed by
the state of Texas to sell
specially designed, legal
license plates. However
cool, Cheever admits there

is a downside to the custom

plate. I figure I will never
be able to talk my way out
of a ticket for too much
noise since I have the LOUD
plates. All of which means
that this Texas Cobra is not
only bigger, but badder too!

SOURCE:
Lone Star Classics
http://www.lonestarclassics.com

65

The Changling
Creating the Look of a
Mid-Engine Exotic with
V8 American Muscle

Our goal was to build an affordable

custom sports car that rivals the
appearance of exotic supercars
today, and provides the
functionality, dependability, and
drivability of the Z28.

Text and photos by

Steve Temple

o misquote
Shakespeare,
Doth mine
eyes deceive
me? While
not correct in a literary
sense, this expression is
certainly fitting for the
new Bueno ZS7, for it is
indeed deceptive. While it
has the lines of a European
supercar, combining some
familiar design elements,
its not a replica of any
specific model.
It also appears to be a
mid-engine configuration,

but when you open the

rear deck, and instead of
a V12, youll find a large
trunk area. Go to the front
end and underneath the
hood theres a red-blooded
American V8, GMs LT1 to
be precise. Thats because
the platform for this
innovative body design is
a fourth-gen Z28 Camaro
(1993 to 2002).
We give high marks
to this body conversions
creator, John H. Bueno,
for breaking fresh ground
by using a new donorcar platform. While the
fourth-generation Camaro
is certainly plentiful

and affordable, and

well supported by
the performance
aftermarket, its been
more often used for hot
rodding than rebody
projects. And those few
body conversions that
weve seen have been
more along the lines of
aero treatments at most,
rather than a radical
reworking. But even
as hes leading the way, it
hasnt been an easy task.
While the drivetrain,
mechanicals, electricals
and all interior dash
components remain that of
a stock Camaro Z28, heres
the rub (more accurately
quoting Bill Shakespeare):
Recalling the kits initial
development, I had to first
research which donor car
had the appropriate specs/
dimensions to get me as
close to the shape and
size that I wanted, Bueno
explains. Not only that, I
would have to build this car
four times.
The first time would be

in his design process to

build a buck using any
materials available to
him, such as wood, clay,
foam, body fillers, and even
some existing automotive
body panels if they had a
particular look and shape
that he desired. Fortunately,
he was able to draw from
his training and experience
running a professional
bodyshop, along with
various automotive

restorations.
Our biggest challenge
was to make the car look
evenly designed throughout
its entire length while
keeping the engine in the
front and maintaining the
appearance of a mid-engine
design, Bueno admits. We
feel hes succeeded in this
aspect, as the shape has a

nice flow to it, even though

its much larger than the
various exotics it emulates
to some degree.
Once I had my buck
completed, I then had to
cut all the individual pieces
and prepare each to make a
mold, he adds. Once each
mold was completed, I then
had to prepare the mold to
make each part. After all
the molds and parts where
completed and laid up, I

69

bought a driver that would

be my final build.
Some modifications to
the donor chassis were
required, to ensure that all
parts would align and fit.
These included the roof,
front radiator support,
and outside rocker panels.
Getting more specific, the
roof was lowered three
inches, with additional
bracing added for support.
After the radiator support
was removed, it was
replaced with engine
compartment bracing
and bracket systems. In

addition, Bueno converted

the interior to a two-seater
with a custom center
console, along with panel
behind the seats. Lastly, he
applied PPG Globals Ruby
Red from its vibrance paint
line.
The car shown here was
still in its final stages of
construction, so we had to
shoot around a few loose
ends and rough edges,
but it does demonstrate
proof of concept. As of this
writing, a basic panel kit is
not available, as Bueno only
offers turnkey cars starting
at $79,500 (with a Z28
donor included with that
price; but discounted if
the customer supplies a
car. A Camaro SS version

is an optional upgrade).
While by no means
inexpensive, that price
is well below what a
mid-engine exotic sells
for these days, not to
mention its typically higher
maintenance and repair
costs. In contrast, a Camaro
can be serviced by any GM
dealer, and parts are readily
available. So all told, by any
other name, this rose would
smell as sweet.
SOURCE:
Bueno Designs Inc.
37140 Chancey Rd
Zephyr Hills Fl 33541
813/468-3296
www.buenodesigns.com

Insurance Coverages Available:

70

www.worldclassins.com

One Unique Homecoming

at Unique Motorcars

very year, swallows

fly to Capistrano, and
salmon swim upstream
to their spawning
grounds. And where do
Cobra owners go? Well, back
home, especially if they drive
one from Unique Motorcars.
This year, the Weaver family
celebrated its 21st Annual
Homecoming in early May.
In line with last years
schedule (well, if it aint broke
dont fix it), they
gathered at Top
O The River
restaurant
for fellowship
and dinner on
Thursday. Then
on Friday the
shop opened
up for most of
the day, with a
fine lineup of
customer cars
out front.

Thursday night at Top O

the River Catfish house

Maurice Weaver behind the wheel of a racy-red NASCARpowered Cobra inside the shop.

A snug hardtop for Cruising

in the Rain...

The wheels really began to

turn on Saturday morning.
After meeting at Noccalula
Falls, Unique customers
went on a cruise to blow out
the sidepipes, and enjoyed
a lunch stop along the way.
Then a return to Gadsden for
some time to rest and relax
then meet for Mexican food
and drinks.
What makes a Unique
Homeoming a unique affair
is not only how many years
its been held, but also the
friendship and hospitality
extended to all who attend.
So be sure join the fun next
year! www.uniquemotorcars.
com

Ronnie and Jan Tucker smile over their second Unique Cobra.

Unique Motorcars showroom with rolling chassis

and painted body displays.

Chris Newell, whos 6 5 in height, fits right

into Uniques new Tall Mans Cobra.

A packed house.

74

ABOVE: Sizing up some sombreros at El Tapitio Mexican Restaurant, with Dan Fowler
and Megan Weaver Player celebrating Reldon
Leinengers birthday.
RIGHT: No barrels over the Falls at Little River,
just some cool, soft spray.

Uniques 289
FIA, the first
one built in
1991,
at Little River
Falls.

75

Too Much

n
Fu

Photos by Ed Baumgarten and Jack Bretall

ho doesnt have fun at a birthday party? Especially

Beetles and Buggies Make the

Scene at VW Funfest

at a Sweet 16 anniversary of Mid Americas VW

Funfest, held in southern Illinois in early June.

Known as the premier

Volkswagen event in the
U.S., this celebration of aircooled VWs, kits and dune
buggies was jam-packed
with activities, including
a Friday Night Fun Run,
Celebrity Choice judging,
a 3-day Swap Meet, Expert
Seminars and a rockin
Saturday Night Concert.
Two added bonuses
were introduced a few
years ago, both located
under large hangar-shaped
structures. The Fun Dome
was home to an array of the
latest VW apparel, home
and lifestyle items. For
those enthusiasts with a
do-it-yourself attitude,
a hands-on display of
MWorks Chemicals
and Car Care Products
showed guests just
how easy it is to repair
rust and restore like-new
Although not a
quality to a Beetle or VWVolkswagen-based
kit, Schweppes
based kit.
Beverage CompaAt the same time, the
ny had these MG
Install Dome was buzzing
replicas built in
the sounds of installations.
the early 80s as a
Midwest AutoSavers,
promotional giveAtomwerk Engineering,
away to 50 sweepMid America Motorworks, stakes winners. This
particular example
Performance Choice and
was well preserved,
others performed installs
and its owner has
to upgrade VWs right at the
had two of these in
show. They also answered
his lifetime! The MGquestions on performance
style rims are actually VW wheels.
and enhancements to help

78

Now this is
a microbus!.
Well give it an
honorable mention for sheer
ingenuity.

A Bugatti blue tribute

to racing history.

Buggies rolling through the

Install Dome
enjoyed some
TLC and performance upgrades.

Providing extra security at the VW

Funfest was this flag-waving, missile-launching, half-track Beetle.

Popping a wheelie on
a VW trike!

owners keep their rides

running strong.
Note that when you live
in the Midwest region, most
of us have just awakened
our vehicles from a long
winters hibernation.
As much as we try to
getour prized possessions
roadworthy for the trek
to this first major event,
sometimes we experience
a hiccup or two. To help
get things sorted out, Dr.
Darby Milnor, and his verycapable team at Midwest
AutoSavers, offered their
services at the Install
Home, always ready to bolt
on that much needed part
or upgrade on your vehicle
to get you home safely.
Seminars were also
a main attraction at
Funfest for Air-Cooled
VW, with guests gaining
knowledge on identifying
sheet metal, learning
how to raise or lower
their VW, and getting
ideas for enhancing their
interiors. Seminars went
from technical to fun, with
Bob Van Heyst discussing
his impressive VW
collection and filmmaker
Damon Ristau giving an
introduction of his next
project, The Bug Movie.
Other highlights of the
weekend included the

79

This vintage 65 Bradley

GT showed just how far
you much you can dress
up a VW-based kit.

Low Speed Slaloms and

Exhaust Wars Sound Off,
the Salt Flats Flyer Display,
rock tunes by the Lemon
Brothers Band at the
Country Buffet, the Phone
Car built on a VW chassis,
and The Photo Bus, a VW
Bus transformed into a
traveling photo booth.
For highlights of
this years event, check
out http://youtu.be/
dO77tFFk9Bg
Plans are underway for
Funfest for Air-Cooled VW
2015, scheduled June 5-7,
so dont miss next years
party!

SOURCE:
Mid America Motorworks
http://www.
mamotorworks.com

Its a buggy
invasion in
downtown
Effingham.

www.kennebell.net
80

House
Party

Like the old Carly Simon song, Anticipation...is keeping me waitingDave Smith worked up the crowd before unveling of FFRs
new 289 FIA.

The Wrap Comes Off a

New 289 FIA at
Factory Five Racing
Text and photos by
Christian Rowell
www.HighOctaneImage.
com

obody ever said

that Dave Smith
and the crew
at Factory Five
Racing (FFR) dont know
how to throw a shindig.
Every year they summon
home vehicles and their

82

respective owners to enjoy

a day a celebration, all on
the company. Its FFRs way
of saying a big thanks!.
One thing is for sure, the
cars that left the factory
never come back looking
quite the same, and in this
case thats a good thing.
Of course, Smith not
only enjoys hosting, but
also boasting about a new
product. Last year it was the
debut of the 818. This year,

a numerical designation
of a different sort: a 289
FIA Cobra.
The weather smiled
on the event, because the
day prior you might have
thought that someone had
ordered a monsoon, but by
start time the downpour
tapered off. One thing is
for sure, the rain didnt
dampen the spirits of the
people who flocked to the
event. It was almost like

a family gathering where

seasoned customers and FFR
builders mixed with new and
potential customers. It was
also a chance for the FFR
forum members to put a face
to the names they see online.
Scores of people
and cars braved the
ominous weather, some
driving to Wareham,
Massachusetts from as
far away as Maryland and

Pennsylvania, and others

arriving by other means
from even farther locales.
Accents from Germany
and Australia could be
overheard among the
attendees. This goes to
show that FFR is not just a
successful company within
the USA, but has a global
reach.
As noted at the outset,
the buzz for the day was all
about the vehicle hidden
under a red cover in the
showroom. Those that had
been stalking the internet
had heard rumors of a
289 FIA roadster, but FFR
only released a teaser
about it.
Those who attended
the open house were in
luck as today was the day
for the roadsters first
public outing. At 10 a.m.

Jim Schenck, Director of

R&D, and Jesper Ingerslev,
Director of Engineering,
unveiled it to a round
of applause and camera
flashes as the next product
in the FFR line up.
This 289 FIA/USRRC
roadster replica is nicely
timed, since its the 50th
anniversary of the original
forebear. While there
were significant variations
of body shapes, fender
flares, and other details
on vintage USRRC and
FIA racers, this particular
model pays homage to
some of the most famous
vintage racers of all time,
CSX2260 #14 piloted
by Davey MacDonald, Jo
Schlesser, Phil Hill, Innes
Ireland, and Masten
Gregory. (Look for more
detail on this replica and

Even as the range of FFR offerings has expanded, the mainstay of

the company is still the 427 roadster, which has undergone several refinements since its introduction nearly two decades ago.

A rare Spyder GT, number 19 of only 39 ever built, found its way to the open house, owned by Paul Murphy.
Its 351 Windsor packs a big punch, being taken out to 393 cubes. Add to that a turbo at eight pounds of
boost and you have a car that leaves its trademark black-line signature wherever it goes!
FFRs Coupe version with its distinctive
Kammback, recessed tail treatment continues to
command a loyal following, and several primo examples were on hand.
FFRs attention to detail is extraordinary, patterned after one of the most famous 289 FIA racers of all
time, CSX2260. Well be focusing on this new replica in greater detail in an upcoming issue.

others of its ilk in an upcoming issue.

Editor)
Its a car that Dave Smith and the
hardworking crew at FFR have wanted
to design and build for the past ten years
or so. On the day of unveiling two of the
vehicles were already in varying stages of
kit assembly, and orders for the 289 have
already been taken.
Towards the conclusion of the day
awards were given out for varying models
best paint, longest distance, etc. (see
sidebar). The 33 Ford that took Most
Innovative Design and Best in Show was
a real standout and drew a huge crowd
during the day. Ed Seagroatt of Sand Lake,
NY took home the honors with a car built
for him by Fred Hemming of Nassau, NY.
FFRs crew has once again proved that
with their latest car that they really are
great builders in the kit market. The 289

FFR Open House Award

Winners

FIA,represents yet another exciting chapter

for them. We hear even more vehicle
rollouts are in the works, and well keep
you posted.
SOURCE:
Factory Five Racing
https://www.factoryfive.com

Ed Seagroatt of Sand Lake, NY took top honors in

two catogories for his amazing masterpiece of a
33 Ford. It was a crowd favorite all day.

When four GTMs turn

up you know you are
in for a great sight.
All four of these had
amazing details, and
the maroon one with
the big intake pipes
was actually for
sale on the day. The
current owner Joe
Terminesi is another
victim of the build
bug, and is considering a Daytona build
next.

Best Under Construction Rod

Brew
Best Use of Chrome Craig
Lindsey
Best Paint Armand Pestana
Best Interior Jim Kalwiet
Best Engine Sean Lamontagne
Most Innovative Design Ed
Seagrott
Best Roadster John Nederfield
Best GTM - Michael Ehrlich
Best 33 Hot Rod Rob Nickerson
Best Type 65 Coupe Garry Bopp
Best of Show Ed Seagrott
Longest Distance Michael Ehrlich
The Robert Feddersen Award
Sean Lamontagne

84

85

Royal
Treatment

Transforming a Dodge Challenger

Into Mr. Norms GSS King Cuda

Text by Marv Herbert

Photos by Steve Temple
and Marv Herbert

ong live the

King! That was
the traditional
proclamation
announced during the
accession of a new ruler.
And wed say the same
about Mr. Norms GSS
King Cuda, because
its an all-conquering
monarch of modern
muscle cars.
That might sound

88

intimidating, and it
should, because this is
no ordinary Challenger.
Powered by a Mr.
Norms Signature Kenne
Bell Supercharged
6.4 Hemi, this SRT-8
powered muscle car is
one step away
from Hell on
Wheels. The
King Cuda
commands
some 650
horses, running
on 91-octane
pump gas.

Which means its is a noexcuses street machine

built to show all comers
whos the boss. This car
has performance that
rules the road.
So whats the edict
on the King Cuda? We

went straight to the source, Mr. Norm,

for the proclamation on what makes
this car tick. After hearing what he
had to say, we realized that it wasnt
just about the car; rather, the car is a
natural extension of who Mr. Norm is,
the King of Hi Performance (his regal
title that dates back to the Sixties).
The King Cuda is just one in a
long line of tire-smoking, asphalt
shredding Mopars that Mr. Norm has
created. Not only that, but he has a
long history of creating vehicles for
enthusiasts that are hands down
better than what the competition
offers, and for a lot less money. Recall
the GSS 440 Dart or Supercharged
Demon from back in the day.
Not good enough? Then how
about blown Hemi powered, acid-

89

90

dipped, altered-wheelbase Dodge

Coronets that ran a nitro load
that would make your eyes water
all night. When Norm showed
up with the Coronet, most of the
competition would have rather
gone home early than face this
man and his machine. It was the
kind of car that would make a
grown man quake in his boots.
Got the idea?
Getting back to his latest
offerings, whats it like to drive Mr.
Norms GSS King Cuda? With 650 hp
on tap, this Cuda was born ready for
life on the wild side. When equipped
with the Kenne Bell 2.8L Twin
Screw Liquid Cooled Supercharger,
its the equivalent of bringing a
gun to a knife fight. Or more like a
Howitzer.
So much power and torque that
the big 275/40ZR20 BF Goodrich
g-Force Sport Comp-2 meats on
the back simply cannot put all of the
power to the pavement when things
get frenetic. Nothing less than a good
set of street drag radials, running on
low pressure and heated up so that
theyre good and sticky will put this
kind of power down to the pavement
with any degree of effectiveness.
Going up in smoke may look exciting,
but its not the fast way down the
trackwherever it is that your King
is holding court.

Bangin gears with

the Mr. Norms Pistol
Grip Shifter is great fun,
and certainly the fast
way to row through six
speeds of pure nirvana,
thanks in part to the
leverage provided by
the long chrome arm.
Between the seamless
gear changes, the
ever rising and falling
crescendo of the big,
bad blown Hemi, youll
get thrown back into
the seat every time
you crack the throttle
wide open after a gear
change.
The interior of the
King Cuda is simply
sumptuous. It features

glove soft Katzkin

Leather, neat Barracuda
perforated inserts
and of course, the Mr.
Norms Hemi Cuda logo
embroidered on the seat
backs.
Outside, the King
Cuda leaves no doubt as
to its intentions, with
its Shaker hood and
Cuda Gill stamped front
fenders, along with a
71 style Cuda sawtooth
grille and 70-style tail
panel. The pedigree is
obvious from the big,
bold, in your face Hemi
billboards. Functional
Hemi Cuda Hood Pins
and Lanyards, and Hurst
Stunner Wheels drive

home the point about

whos really the King
here. Long live the King!

SOURCE:

Mr. Norms
Phone: 813/789-6179
Contact: Mike Staveski
www.mrnorms.com
Big thanks to Steve
Kaiser and Fairfield Auto
Group for providing
the Challenger for
conversion into the Mr.
Norms GSS King Cuda.
Fairfield Auto Group
3360 Rt. 405 North
Muncy, PA 17756
Phone: 570/546-5113
Contact: Steve Kaiser Jr.
www.fairfieldautogroup.
com

91

Saw-tooth frame is installed first using two

toggle bolts supplied in kit.

DIY Kit Versus Turnkey King Cuda

The King Cuda conversion can be
done in your own garage, resulting
is some significant cost savings. How
much?
The component package goes for
$4895, plus shipping. By comparison,
if the Mr. Norms GSS King Cuda kit
were completely installed by a shop to
look exactly like the car in the photos,
the cost would be about $9500. That
includes the installation of the base kit
plus the Shaker Hood, plus painting

The Challenger bone stock and ready for its

makeover.
92

the Hemi Billboards, the Shaker Hood

and the Cuda Gill front fenders.
In addition, optional carbon-fiber
dress-up items are available for the
engine bay, such as include Shock
Tower Covers, Fuse Box Cover, Engine
Shroud, and Core Support Filler Panel.
As for rolling stock, a Hurst Wheels /
BFGoodrich Tire Package (fourwheels
and tires), which includes mounting,
balancing, TPMS Sensors and Lug
Nuts, goes for $2250.00 (Note: Ship-

392 Hemi with supercharger installed. Yeah,

its got a Hemi, a Blown Hemi!

ping anywhere in the lower 48 states

is included in the price)
For greatly enhanced engine performance, add a Kenne Bell 2.8L Supercharger. This blower can be fitted
on any 2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger powered by either 5.7L or 6.4L
Hemi. Base price is $6995.00 for Black
Anodized unit, and upgrades include
$600 for a polished case, and $300.00
for Liquid Cooled. Installation cost
ranges from $1300 to $1600.

Mr. Norms Challenger Functional Hood Pin

Kit installed. All of the parts in the hood pin
kit are the same as on a 1971 Hemi Cuda with
the exception of the mounting brackets.

Mr. Norms Cuda Tail Panel left cover installed.

The completed Mr. Norms GSS

King Cuda. Compare the King
Cuda to the stock Challenger
on the previous page. This is
one dramatic makeover and
its easy to buil
93

POWER OF
LONDON
Cobras Caravan Into Ye Olde Town in Ohio
(Not England)

Photos by Juan Lopez-Bonilla and courtesy of Ohio Cobra Club

Text by Vince Lubbers and Juan Lopez-Bonilla

obra folks were able to gaze on crown jewels

of a whole nuther sort at this years London

Cobra Show (LCS). There was nothing unsavory

about this event (in dramatic contrast to the
darker history of the Tower of London).

All told, the 2014 LCS

was a tremendous success,
with more than 180 Cobra
replicas attending (and
even one original). It was
an exceptional weekend
full of exciting events that
will remain in everyones
memories. Especially for
Mark Braden of Galloway,
Ohio, this years raffle wi
Gathering at the
Speedway Gas Station
(normally an oasis for
truckers) on Saturday
morning was quite an
experience that you should
witness at least once
in your life. All told, an
incredible display of power
and performance as far as
your eye could see.
Then the caravan
into the town of London
was truly an amazing
experience, with all the
town folk, police and
fire department greeting
Cobra owners like kings
and queens of the road.
(Prince William and Kate

Middleton have got nuthin

on these red-blooded Cobra
owners!) As the pictures
show, plenty of rubber was
burnt this weekend.
The Gala under the
tent on Saturday was an
incredible display of Shelby

heritage as two of
Shelbys greats treated
us with a glimpse of
what it would have been
like working under
Carroll Shelby. Allen
Grant and Peter Brock
provided a tandem
presentation that was
spellbinding and reminded
the attendees how lucky
we are to interact with
key players who played
pivotal roles in the stunning
success of the Cobra. Truly
special.
This three-day event
was all for a good cause,
too, raising an impressive
contribution to the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. The
Ohio Cobra Club was able
to donate $60,000 to the
CF Foundation bringing the
grand total of donations up
to $900,000! Next stop, the
$1,000,000 mark.
Congratulations to the

the Power of
London will
keep on ruling
with a fist of
Detroit iron.

hard-working volunteer
staff, all LCS participants,
and sponsors. Numerous
clubs were in attendance,
in addition to the Ohio host
club. As always the other
car clubs interact as if they
were brothers and sisters.
Each with its own persona
bring with it friendships
old and new. And they all
eagerly anticipate sharing
with the rest of the clubs
members and making new
friends forever.
Look forward to next
year, as the 2015 raffle car
will be a Superformance
MK III S/C 20th anniversary
Edition #1, powered by
a Roush 427 R engine. So

SOURCE:
Ohio Cobra
Club
http://ohiocobraclub.com
Video Links:
http://www.youtube.com/

97

D
DYNO
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MR NO
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$219
COPED

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JANUAR

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VINTAGE MOPAR FEATURE STORIES

LATE-MODEL MOPAR FEATURES
JEEP AND RAM FEATURE STORIES
TECH TIPS & HOW-TO INSTALLS
MR. NORMS DODGES & HISTORY
SHOW AND EVENT COVERAGE
DISCOUNTS: PARTS, ACCESSORIES,
MR. NORMS MEMORABILIA

SPECIAL GIFT FOR KIT

CAR BUILDER READERS

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SUMMIT
MEETING

Factory Five and

Summit Racing
Collaborate on a
Cobra Project
Text and Photos by Steve Temple

ven though Summit Racing chose

a Sixties-style Cobra replica as a
project car, dwelling on the past
was not a primary consideration.
While this ride has all the sound and fury
of a classic muscle car, it also displays
decades of development in automotive
technology. Everything on the chassis,
from the frame rails to the custom
suspension to the Ford 427 stroker V-8,
all of these components are engineered

for improved performance and long-term

durability. Theyre also readily available
from Summit Racing and Factory Five
Racing (FFR) for ease of construction.
In this series of articles on the buildup
done at SKJ Customs, well be providing
hands-on tech tips that show how simple
and affordable it can be to build your very
own contemporary classic, a performer
that features both the style of an original
and the technology of the latest street
machines. Stay tuned for upcoming
installments, because once were all done,
youre in for one wild ride!

Chassis and Suspension,

Part 1
Starting with the foundation, one
quick look at the Factory Five Racings
Mk4 frame tells you that this aint your
old mans Cobra. FFRs four-inch roundtube main rails have thicker walls (0.120
versus 0.095 inches) than the original,
and a backbone section and extra
perimeter tubing doubles its torsional
rigidity. The dash/cowl hoop is welded
to this structurally stronger frame via a
cockpit surround cage, as are the hinges
for the hood, doors and trunk. Safety
enhancements include a taller, stronger
rollbar, along with triangulated bracing,
side-impact bars and crumple zones.
Add to this setup CNC-cut aluminum
panels for lining the cockpit, trunk, and
engine bay. These panels, made of 6061T6 aluminum, are stiffer than traditional
4000-series aluminum, and backed by
an integrated matrix of steel tubing for

101

bracing and support.

For Part 1, in the
accompanying photos
and captions, well focus
on installing the front
suspension and steering
rack, and then move to the
rearend in Part 2. Final
chassis tuning and scaling
will be covered at the end
of this series, after we
show details on the engine
assembly and drivetrain
install, along with body
prep and finish details.
Then well head out for
some driving fun!

FFRs independent front suspension features upper and lower A-arms with unequal-lengths in order to maintain camber
control. While Ford Mustang factory units
can be used, the optional tubular-steel
arms shown here are two to three pounds
lighter than stock, for reduced unsprung
weight. They also use polyurethane instead of rubber bushings for less flex and
more consistent suspension geometry.
The arms simply bolt into the mounting
brackets, with no welding or fabrication
required.
Heres the overall layout of the all the parts that are going into
the Summit Racing Cobra replica, built by SKJ Customs in
St. George, Utah. The cost of the FFR Mk4 complete kit runs
about $20,000 (not including drivetrain, paint, and some optional upgrades). Since every construction project needs a
good foundation, well focus first on the details of the frame,
and how the suspension bolts up. Then well move onto the
engine assembly, body prep, and final finish work.

A pair of Grade 5, 5/8-inch bolts secures

the adjustable upper A-arm to the suspension upright. Its securely supported by an
original-stye round-tube X-member at the
front of the frame. Note the adjustability
of the A-arms for fine-tuning the suspension geometry, both caster and camber,
along with grease fittings for thorough
lubrication. A fairly wide range of settings
is needed to tailor the feel and effort for
either power or manual steering. With the
ball joint located farther forward these
units offer two to three degrees more
caster than stock arms.

SOURCES:
Factory Five Racing
www.factoryfive.com
Summit Racing
http://www.summitracing.com
SKJ Customs
http://www.skjcustoms.com

This closeup shows all the components that

come with the Mk4 complete kit, such as
custom tubular control arms, Koni coil-over
shocks, and optional Wilwood brakes with 13inch rotors and six-piston calipers.
102

The coil-overs include Konis premium-grade, monotube

shocks that have a larger volume of oil to keeps the temperature lower. With an internal rebound adjustment, they
also offer more control for fine-tuning the chassis. The
coils can be adjusted for the desired ride height as well.
103

Heres how the front suspension looks once installed. FFR recommends professional alignment
using camber and caster gauges.

This closeup of the top of the coil-over shows

how it bolts into the upper brackets with aluminum spacers to keep the shock centered.

Once the coil-over is bolted in place, the

custom-forged spindle can be attached.
It includes an ABS ring should a builder
want to add that brake upgrade.

The standard FFR package includes Ford GT99

to 04 brakes with 11-inch
rotors, twin-piston calipers, and stainless steel
brake lines, fittings, and
fasteners. An available
upgrade are Wilwoods
13-inch slotted and vented rotors with six-piston
calipers. This setup is to
ensure even pad wear,
better feel and longevity
in high-performance applications. The pads are
high-performance units
for street use.

104

The steering system is an aftermarket manual

performance rack for Fox-body Mustangs, designed to handle a much heavier chassis. The
ratio is quicker, three versus four turns, and the
rack is designed to custom minimize bump steer.
Also, the swaybar is the same one used for the
FFR Challenge Series, race-tested and adjustable,
made of 7/8 spring steel with poly bushings.

Seen from above, the steering rack is

custom-made for the FFR frame, and
slips in between the suspension fronts.

105

After some gentle persuasion with a plastic mallet, the bolts secure the steering rack into the
frame mounts.

Heres how the rack looks after being attached to the spindle. In Part 2, well show how
to install the 3-link rearend.

CLUB
PROFILE
289 FIA Registry
Dave McDuffie
5 Beaufain Dr.
Sumter, SC 29150

Assoc. of Handcrafted
Automobiles
Mike Dresbach
17520 High Country Cr.
Gavilan Hills, CA 92570
909/657-0422
www.replicarclub.com
Arizona Kit Car Club
Dan Tideman, Pres.
www.akcc.biz
Avenger/Valkyrie
Registry
Ben Scheller
402 South St.
Berlin, PA 15530
814/267-3748
Aztec 7 Registry
Chris Guenther
6230 Quay St.
Arvada, CO 80003

Club Cobra
Brent Mills
414 Lybarger St. NE
Olympia, WA 98506
www.clubcobra.com

Deep South Cobra Club

www.dscc.us

DSCC Gets Down

and Dirty

Randys Tour De
La Cobra is an annual
spring cruise named
after Randy Dender, past
president of the Deep
South Cobra Club, who
passed away in 2012.
This years drive was
based in St. Augustine,
Florida, and showcased

Members of the Deep South Cobra Club loaded on the

deck of the Mayport Ferry to cross the St. Johns River.

the natural beauty of the

area.
The event kicked off
Thursday night with a
meet-and-greet where
attendees were each
presented a beautiful
metal Cobra silhouette
by Don Wright, owner of
Tangent Technologies.
Friday morning brought
sunshine and cool temperatures. The Cobras
lined up and departed
for a drive along the
lovely shaded roads bordering the eastern shore

of the mighty St. Johns

River. Later the tour
turned east to Tomoka
State Park where nearly
30 attendees enjoyed a
charming drive around
the park which showcases Floridas natural
coastal estuaries.
Saturdays weather
was even better with
warmer temperatures
and cloudless skies. The
roads were just as interesting, featuring a drive
along the winding coastal highways north of

Capital Area Cobra

Club
Wash. DC, MD & VA
www.capitalareacobraclub.com

Chicagoland Replicar
Registry
http://www.chicagolandreplicarassociation.
com
108

A glorious day for driving a Cobra across the Vilano Bridge, and down winding
roads along coastal waterways.

Jacksonville and a ferry

trip across the St Johns
River. The day was
capped by a unique dining experience and an
awards banquet where
some participants were
presented with one-ofa-kind handmade metal
sculptures based on criteria such as who drove
their replica the farthest
to attend the event, or
which owner experienced the most hardship
during the tour.
The highlight of the
tour was Saturdays
visit to Brumos Porsche
in Jacksonville. Anyone following sports
car racing of any kind
knows that Brumos is
one of the most prolific
and successful Porsche
racing teams in the
country, and has been
for more than 40 years.
Their iconic red, white,
and blue paint scheme
and ubiquitous number
59 Porsche 911 cars
are darlings of the race
track. The DSCC folks
were treated to a personal tour of the dealership, service facility,
race shop where the
cars are built, and the
stunning private Brumos collection.
The collection showcased decades of race
cars from their magnificent 962 in Copenhagen
livery to Miller Indy race
cars from the 1920s.
Memorabilia of every

description was on
display, including some
beautiful modern Indy
cars that were hanging
on the walls as if defying
gravity. To be sure, the
Brumos tour was the
highlight of the event,
but it was not the best
part.
What would that be,
you ask? It is the satisfaction you enjoy when
you get a little dirt on
your car. That dirt is a
reminder of wonderful
new sights, of being
reunited with friends
past and making new
lifelong friends because
of a simple common
love for these cars. That
dirt is a badge of honor and evidence of an
adventure that has to
be experienced to fully
understand.
A pretty car in a
garage is a great thing,
but a car dirty from a
long trip with friends
is a magical thing. If
you think the attention
you get in your Cobra
is fun, try multiplying
that times 20 or 30.
People come out of the
woodwork when there
are a bunch of these
cars parked anywhere,
and the conversations
are more like that of
gushing teenagers with
a crush than actual adult
communication. Peoples reactions to these
cars are amplified when
there is a group of them;

you have to experience

it to believe it.
The DSCC offers
several such events each
year, and you have no
excuse not to get that
car out of the garage and
get it dirty. The dirt will
wipe off, but the smiles
will last a lifetime. Life
may be grand when our
dreams come true, but it
is grander still when you
share your dream with
other people.
www.deepsouthcobraclub.cloverpad.org
Devin Registry
www.devinspecial.com

Georgia Kit Car Assoc.

David Boatright
2560 S. Hairston Rd.
Decatur, GA 30035
404/981-4143
Glen Pray Cord Group
2011 S. Cedar St.
Broken Arrow, OK
74012
918/251-3500
felixdegeyter@yahoo.
com
Grand Touring Sports
Car Assoc.
Earl Harper
42501 Malbeck Dr.
Sterling Heights, MI
48314
586/731-1842
www.gtsca.com

Gateway Cobra Club of

St. Louis
Chuck Grbcich, 6stingcobra@prodigy.net

Mark Earls,
mearls@sbcglobal.net
www.gatewaycobraclub.
com
Great Lakes Cobra
Club
Terry Anway
810/397-8476

Greater St. Louis Kit

Car Club
Dan Doerer
314/576-5856
Frank Garamella
314/752-4150
http://clubs.hemmings.
com/frameset.cfm?club=gslkcc
GTO Replica Register
www.GTORR.com

Handcrafted Automobiles of Minnesota

David Gageby
20120 Hillside Dr.
Cocoran, MN 55374
612/416-2212
Houston Kit Car Club
Jorge Matias
17718 Windy Point Dr.
Spring, TX 77379
Jacksonville Replicar
Club
Mike McManus
8091 Pierre Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904/781-2210
Kansas Kit Kar Klub
Jay Scovell
P.O. Box 160
405 N. Osage
Edna, KS 67342
620/922-7325

109

Kelmark GT/Karma/
Magnum GT Forum
kelmarkgt.com

Kentucky Cobra Club

Juan Lopez-Bonilla
2432 Crittenden Dr., Ste
201
Louisville, KY 40217
502/635-5711
www.kentuckycobraclub.com

Kentucky Cobras
Cruise to Bama for
BBQ

First stop: Bowling

Greens Corvette Museum with an always
watchful eye on the low
hanging clouds. Things
would improve but not
immediately. The plastic pig folks barred the
Cobras from the museum grounds. Were not
making this up! They
sought exclusivity. We
saw insecurity. No matter, we sucked down 93
at the corner Shell and
counted noses.
Next stop Franklin,
Tennessee south of
Nashville. Bob Turner
volunteered to arrange
lunch and then guide
the Snake train to Florence, Alabama. Fewer
clouds and it was warming up. Dropping down
the I-65 a tractor trailer
got goofy. Evasive action
by Don Muirheid and a
close call.
AhFlorence. And
reserved parking at the
Holiday Inn. Everyone
110

Sadly, the Hickory Barn is no more, the victim of a tornado.

is so nice (unlike at
the Corvette Museum).
Dwight Frye is there
to meet the entourage
and make us feel welcome. It was getting on
toward an early supper
and there were rumors
of BBQ-to-Die For. After
hellos (these take extra
time when you really
mean it) we followed
the local Cobras 30
miles to a BBQ emporium in Athens, AL. They
were expecting us. We

were expecting good.

We got great. Great BBQ
and even better memories. Yes, we did shut the
place down. We would
be one of the last visitors unfortunately---but
we will get to that in due
time.
Saturday morning
brought blue skies, 80
degrees and a plan to
visit Huntsville, Alabama---a second center
of gravity for the North
Alabama Cobra Club.

Fifty miles eastward

we curled into a golfing community with a
sumptuous club house
and a parking lot under
the trees---just for us.
It became our base of
operations and a comfortable retreat. Nicely
done!
Lunch found us
squired to a grassy
central plaza in Huntsville and as we arrived
we discovered we had,
yes yet again, reserved

parking on the grass

promenade in front of
our restaurant. Lunch
tables outside under
the trees and oh so
relaxed. Whats not to
like. Nothing actually.
And four cobras from
Chattanooga, Tennessee
journeyed in to join us.
Suddenly remembering
all the names was getting tough.
But with severe
weather in the forecast,
members of the Kentucky Cobra Club began
to think about a timely
exit. Indeed, the Hickory
Barn BBQ restaurant
they visited is now
gone---snatched by a
passing tornado. Our
return north was largely uneventful and safe.
Time to savor a heartfelt
sense of I am so glad I
went.

Kentuckiana Hot
Wheels
Terry Brown
14305 Wooland Ridge Dr.
Louisville, KY 40245
502/245-6346
Kellison Registry
hedfield@charter.net
Kellison Web Page
www.kellisoncars.com

Cobras collected together on the grassy central plaza in Huntsville.

Lake Snakes Cobra

Club
(Northern Ohio)
www.lakesnakescobra.
com

Manta Enthusiasts
Group
David Savage
www.mantacars.com
dsavage@mantacars.
com

Mid-America Cobra
Club
P.O. Box 11202
Shawnee Mission, KS
66207
www.midamericacobra.
org
Mile High Cobra Club
Al Bockman
ad303@yahoo.com
www.milehicobraclub.
com
MGTD Replica Club
http://www.tdreplica.
com
The Manx Club
www.manxclub.com

New Jersey Replicar

Club
http://njreplicarclub.
proboards.com/index.
cgi

Northern California
Kit Car Club
James Wagner
650/341-0211
www.nckcc.com

Ohio Valley Kit Car

Club
Dennis Motter
634 Stoneharbor Ln.
Maineville, OH 45039
513/683-3790
Ohio Cobra Club
Rod Pierce
info@ohiocobraclub.
com
www.ohiocobraclub.
com

Oklahoma Kit Car Club

- Tulsa
www.oklahomakitcarclub.vpweb.com

Rocky Mountain Handcrafted Automobiles

Chris Guenther
303/425-6807
aztec7fan@yahoo.com

Sebring/Cimbria Kit
Car Club
Nevada Replicar Assoc. Joseph Domanico
Jeff Wenger
6 Dixie Dr.
8635 W. Sahara Ave.
Bel Air, MD 21014
#614
Las Vegas, NV 89117
South Florida Cobra
702/617-3300
Registry
www.nvreplicar.com
3593 SW 173rd Ter.
Miramar, FL 33029
Northeast Ohio Kit Car 954/436-9101
Club
Paul Dicola
Squire SS-100 Club
655 Atwod Dr.
Art Stahl
Talmadge, OH 44278
11826 S. 51st. St.
216/633-6554
Phoenix, AZ 85044

480/893-9451
Squirepal@aol.com

Speedster Owners
www.speedsterowners.
com
Spyder Owners
www.spyderowners.
com
Superformance Owners Group
www.secondstrike.com
The Mera Registry
Rodney Dickman
10227 Caddy Ln.
Caledonia, WI 53108

Western Pennsylvania
Specialty Car Club
Anthony Menzietti
11725 Althea Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
412/243-7540
The Bug Club
www.the-bug-club.com
Deserter Owners
Group
Bob Elliott
e-bimelliott@comcast.
net
www.deserterownersgroup.org

National Sterling Owners Assoc.

www.nationalsterling.
org
EDITORS NOTE: Please
send club news, photos,
and website addresses
to: steve@
kitcarclub.com

111

Show Me in
Missouri

Frank Garamella and his CMC Gazelle

The Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri

(HCCM) works all year to
produce one of the best
car shows anywhere. The
hard-working liaison to
the HCCM, Frank Garamella, as usual, made
sure that all registration
chores were accomplished and returned
window credentials to
13 of the clubs membership who drove their
cars. Most of the day was
a blur of discussing automotive details on our cars
and the hundreds of others at the showpunctuated, of course, with hot
dogs and funnel cakes.

Dave Durham with his 289 Aurora Cobra

Sam McGrath and his Alfa Romero

Cliff Flath and his Brunton Stalker

Ed Morrison and his Sebring MX

Sam Ribaudo and his Shay Model A

Mike Gaan and his

ERA Ford GT40
Tom Scamen and his Spyderwerks 500 Porsche
Spyder

112

113

Return Line
Our Readers
Write the Right
Stuff
Developing a Thick
Skin
Dear Steve,
I am writing to say I love
your new digital format. I
can now download on to my
computer and read when I
want!!!! Great job on how it
looks. Please dont take the
negative letters to heart.
People dont like change.
You are doing a great job.
Please keep up the good
work. Also please give our
best to the Youngs. They
started a good thing!
Take care & thanks,
Lisa A. Hampton, R.N.
(wife of the west coast
Sterling hoarder, Greg
Hampton)
Lowell, OR

Thanks for the vote of

confidence. While getting
hit by brickbats is a given
when sitting in the editors
chair, warm fuzzies are
always welcome. And yes, the
Youngs really did get a good
thing going when nobody
else seemed to care, and
114

we feel honored to carry on

their work. Youre also right
about people and change,
but we hope our readers
will keep an open mind, as
even more morphing of this
magazine is in the works for
our next issue...

Computer Savvy
Reader
I was reading the letters
about the digital format
and thought I would add
my input. I have a new
computer with Windows
8.1 and I have saved both
issues in PDF format right
from the web page and have
experienced no problems
viewing the magazine. The
new reader in 8.1 makes the
Mag quite pleasant to view
and easy to read. I posted
a link on FB and hopefully
all my gearhead friends will
subscribe.
Looking
forward
to the pics
from Carlisle
as I wont
be able to
attend this
year.
Mike Davis
Salisbury.
MD

Thanks for your input! Note

the large feature on Carlisle
in this issue.

Harrisburg, PA.
http://www.
advancedcomposit
products.com

Gullwings Extinct?
Steve,
I recently pulled
up behind a beautiful
Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Roadster. I searched the
web for 300SL replicas and
all I found was information
that M-B had won a court
case (in Germany, I think)
that made replicas illegal
and 300SL Gullwing replicas
were destroyed.Nothing
was mentioned about
roadsters. So my question
is whether I saw an original
car or a counterfeit replica.
Dave Schiller
Raleigh, NC

Throne Room

havent found any lately.

However, we did hear about
a stillborn endeavor for
one, and came across an
idle body mold (plus one
for a Corvette Grand Sport)
at Advanced Composites in

Steve,
Thank you
for bringing
the magazine
into electronic
publication. It is much
nicer to read, the color is
fantastic, and with a laptop
it is even readable on the
throne.
I hope in the future you

can get by Strickland in

Dallas and do a photoshoot
of the progress of the
Lamborghini Countach that
was sidebarred in the paper
magazine a couple of times.
Good luck with the new
venture.
Ed Angell
Thanks. Weve asked
Strickland to send more pics
for an update. As for reading
KCB on the throne, were still
eagerly awaiting Apples
new tablet, the iPotti.

Weve seen various Gullwing

replicas come and go, and

To order, visit www.kitcarclub.com, or send check to NKCC, P.O. Box 434, Castle Rock, CO 80104
115

KCB MALL / KCB MALL / KCB MALL / KCB MALL

Custom Exotic Motorcars

READERS RIDE

Death
Valley Daze

his Cobra was built by

McGill Manufacturing
in Granby, Missouri for Bill
Kaminiski of Pahrump,
Nevada. As the southern
gateway to Death Valley,
the sparsely settled area
is infamous for a number
of things, but for Cobra
owners, its main attraction
is long stretches of smooth
pavement for blowing out
the sidepipes.
The engine is certainly up
to the task. Its a 302-based
347 stroker delivering 475
horsesand 402 pounds
of torque, wasmodified
by Clois Harlan of Tulsa
Oklahoma. This mill is
backed by a 5-speed
transmission from Ford
Motor Sports. The outside
is a Ford Red Candy Metallic
with white stripes, painted
by McGill Manufacturing.

Countach and Chupacabra

Bodies & Tube Frame
Chassis for all Mid-Engine
Cars
Of course, its obvious
from the grass and trees that
these photos were taken in
Missouri. Death Valley, here
we come!
http://www.mcgillsstreetrods.com

CAPEFEAR 7

A single donor kit,

no searching for
parts. Just an NA or
NB Miata, plus our
CapeFear 7, CF7m
kit, is all you need
to complete your
car.

CAPEFEAR 7

www.capefear7.com
www.capefear7.com

(919) 547-3236

Introducing the all-new

Bueno ZS7 a dramataically different approach to concept
supercars. Available as custom turnkeys. For details, contact us at
(813) 468-3296 or visit our website at www.buenodesigns.com

SHOP TIME

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Handy Measuring
Devices for a Job
Well Done
By Jim Youngs, Editor Emeritus

ll admit that precise

measuring hasnt always
been the guiding mantra
around the TajGarage, but
Im getting much better
slowly. Ive always blamed the
slight movement of that little
whatever its called at the
end of a tape measure or the
thickness of a pencil line for any

118

shortfall or overages
on some material Ive
cut, but thats probably
not fully the problem.
Carelessness is more
likely.
Eyeball engineering,
guessing at hardware
sizes and a tape
measure have always
been my go-to methods
of getting things to fit.
That is until I started
building stuff in earnest,
using a mill/lathe and
adding more exacting
devices to my meager
box of tools. Mind you
Im still not an expert
when it comes to

measuring things, but

Ive found some tools
beyond my handy tape
measure that greatly
assist sizing things
up, saving trips to the
hardware store and/
or ordering the wrong
parts online. Its not
uncommon to refer to
projects as a three-trip
process, describing
how many hardware
store visits it takes to
accomplish a task.
If memory serves,
a car-building buddy
who wondered how in
the world Id ever got
a project on the road

without it gave me my first

sophisticated measuring
device. Turns out, a dial
caliper is an invaluable
tool that I keep handy any
time Im in the shop.
Doing plumbing and need
to order some fittings?
You can quickly determine
the outside and inside
diameters without guessing
and order the correct
fittings the first time.
Admittedly, Im not very
good at looking at a piece
of hardware and knowing
what size it is. Dial caliper.
Need a clamp for a
particular piece of tubing?
Dial caliper. Curious as to
the depth of a drilled hole?
Dial caliper. A drill bits
markings have worn off?
Dial caliper. Need to turn
down a piece of aluminum
stock to a specific
measurement? Dial caliper.
Since that first gift
caliper Ive added a digital
readout version and a basic
version that came as a part
of a measuring set that also
included a machinist rule,
plus inside and outside bow
calipers.
Like me, you probably
have a cigar box or
something similar filled to
overflowing with random
pieces of hardware that
youve sworn to sort and

catalog some day. Of

course thats a fruitless
promise, as youve no
doubt experienced the
same frustration of
not being able to find
a usable nut or bolt in
that pile when you really
need it, and end up
heading to the hardware
store anyway.
As already noted, Im not
good at guessing the size of
a piece of hardware. I found
a very handy Screw Chekr
at The Eastwood Company
(www.eastwood.com) that
makes trips to the hardware
store much more effective.
It is a 5/16-inch thick
piece (I measured it with
my calipers) of aluminum
drilled and tapped with
some common hardware
sizes as well as appropriate
drill and tap sizes. There
are several similar devices
for measuring hardware,
including a yellow plastic
one seen in the lead photo
here, but it doesnt
have an easy way to
determine threads and
can be easily damaged.
One of the least
expensive and
handiest tools in the
box is a bolt circle
template ($3.99 from
Speedway Motors,
www.speedwaymotors.

119

com). Its especially useful

when scouring swap meets
to determine bolt circles of
a smokin deal on wheels or
sizing up that found 9-inch
rearend. Its also proven
helpful during my current
project of determining the
proper wheel sizes needed
for my 54 Belair.
Given that Im plowing
new ground here (atypical
Ford 9-inch axle under an
old Chevy with aftermarket
leaf springs and spring
hangers), I also decided
to see if a Percys High
Performance Wheelrite
Wheel and Tire Simulator
(Summit Racing, www.
summitracing.com) would
be any more helpful than
the old-school, plumb bob
and tape measure method
of determining proper
wheel and tire sizes.
The Percys tool is
easily adjustable for wheel
width, wheel diameter,

120

front spacing and back

spacing. I found it most
effective for determining
wheel diameter so as to
clear the new disc brakes
Ive installed. It was also
helpful to visualize possible
wheel widths that wouldnt
interfere with anything in
the wheelwells. As for front
and backspacing, I relied
on the plumb bob with
a straight edge and tape
measure.
Another handy,
inexpensive device
for measuring outside
diameters of hoses,
tubing and wires is
Made4You Products
Tube Gauge ($3.49, www.
made4uproducts.com). To
prevent second-guessing
clamp sizes and fittings,
this ABS plastic tool
accurately measures the
OD of tubing, hoses and
wires so you dont end up
buying or ordering the
wrong size stuff. This
company also offers a

version of the Bolt Circle

Template mentioned above
and even has for $16.99 a
complete set of templates to
accommodate virtually any
bolt pattern.
I tend to turn to The
Eastwood Company a lot for
all sorts of products. If you
havent as yet discovered
this company you need to,
and get on its mailing list
for their frequent catalogs.
I even purchased one of
its 220V MIG welders last
year. And of course I had to
have some of the companys
allied accessories, including
a welders jacket and a
welding blanket to prevent
my shops plastic RaceDeck
flooring from melting. In
addition, I bought a handy
Sheet Metal Gauge ($9.99
on sale) that takes away
another of those guessing
situations and allows
accurate settings on the
welder.
A dial indicator, and an

associated magneticbase and articulated arm,

probably isnt something
a guy really needs, except
for its cool factor, but
Ive employed one I got
at Harbor Freight (www.
harborfreight.com) a few
times when working on
the lathe. It also came
in handy when building
a Ford V-8 engine to
determine TDC with the
heads removed. Yeah,
probably not something
every shop needs, but when
determining if a brake rotor
is warped, or a turning
piece is round or a milling
table is squared to the head,
then this is your tool.
A good torque wrench
can also be considered a
handy measuring tool as it
measures and adjusts the
amount of twisting force
on a particular piece of
hardware. Before I could
afford a torque wrench,
I just figured tighter was
better and guessed that I

was applying the amount

of torque a bolt needed.
Probably not a good idea in
the grand scheme of things.
My first torque wrench
was a rather useless tool
that required conversion
math (something Im
particularly bad at). It was a
wrench that measured inchpounds rather than ft-lbs.
Next I bought a Craftsman
unit with a long needle from
the head to a scale at the
handle (shown). I always
questioned the accuracy
of that wrench, but used it
nonetheless. In recent years
I stepped up to a more
modern version that allows
its user to set the required
torque and then makes an
audible click when that
level is achieved. Engine
Labs (www.enginelabs.
com) has recently published
a useful, informative article
on the pros and cons of
the various types of torque
wrenches and the need to
keep them calibrated.

A couple other tools that

dont get used much but
are handy when needed
include an angle gauge and
a feeler gauge. I recently
broke out my angle gauge
to determine the proper
angle when mounting the
aforementioned rearend.
The feeler gauge is handy
for measuring spark plug
gaps or shim sizes, but I
dont use it much as I dont
do many tune-ups.
There are lots of great
measuring tools other than
the handy ones mentioned
here and when I find some
that I dont have but seem
handy, Ill add them to my
rollaway. One of these days
Im also going to divulge
some of those handy
modified, home-made and
secret tools that pros rely
on and may be useful in
your tool box. And maybe
you have some favorites
that youd like to share as
well...

121

What every VW Microbus secretly

yearns to become...
Got a weird or funny photo to share? Please email it to Steve@kitcarclub.com and well come up with
a caption if you dont have one...

WebSite: http://www.race-car-replicas.com

31795 Groesbeck Hwy., Fraser, MI 48026