quote Originally posted by Gokart Mozart: ...It looks incomplete...

Agreed. I stared at both versions and thought about what I would do to make it look finished and decided that I like it better open. In fact, I want nothing back there but the powertrain and rear suspension. I am going to try and hide the chassis as much as possible by making the powertrain a stressed member.

One thing I am thinking about is pulling the rear frame rails in almost to the center and stretching the controls arms so that they extend from under the engine. Of course this depends on whether or not I will be able to incorporate the leaf spring inner mounts into the powertrain mounts. On the left side this should be pretty easy because the transaxle mounting lugs are right there. I want to curve a piece of round tubing to a plate bolted to the transaxle, and incorporating the spring mount shouldn't be a problem.

I am not sure about the other side though because it's the "front" of the motor. The only accessories will be the alternator and water pump, but that still means there has to be one belt. The 3100 also has a large aluminum contraption that houses the water pump. I am hoping that if I remove this I can run a conventional 2.8 style water pump, with a v-belt and find some good places to bolt up to the front of the motor. On Chevy V8 drag race aplications the front motor plate usually bolts to the water pump mounts and the water pump to it. I hope I can do something like this.

The two side mounts, and one to the front side of the block, would lock the powertrain to the chassis. These would be pretty stout to make it a stressed member. The end result should make the car look like it has a modern race car, modular, design. It would look like there's a powertrain unit bolted to an, F1-style, composite tub; with the front suspension mounted to the tub, and the rear to the powertrain unit.

Sorry to babble on... Just thinking out loud, to sort out some of the details. I will be away from the shop until after the New Year dawns, so I have to work on the car in my mind (dangerous ) and this computer. My December to-do list was more expensive than I had hoped, and took most of my project funds, but as soon as I get a couple bucks set aside again I'll start cutting and welding. The goal is to have a rolling chassis by the end of January, and start on the body in Feb...

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[This message has been edited by toddshotrods (edited 12-28-2007).]

Saw this at a car show in CleElum Central WA this last summer, Fiero drive train rear, the guy built it in about 4 months, has an amazing shop-

[This message has been edited by Bruno Mid Engine (edited 12-31-2007).]

quote Originally posted by Bruno Mid Engine: Saw this at a car show in CleElum Central WA this last summer, Fiero drive train rear...

Nice street rod.

quote Originally posted by Gokart Mozart: Just something I saw surfing. Different direction but still cool http://www.decorides.com/

I like Deco's stuff. I really like the "wheel pants". Their fenders and "pants" would make for a really cool land speed style car, and I seriously considered something similar for this project, but it seems to be "happiest" being a bare bones, minimalist, race car.

quote Originally posted by eph_kay: I really like the extended body lines, it was exactly what I had in mind... and as you said, just thinking out loud.Chris

I like the idea, but for some reason just seem to like this one stripped down to the essentials. If I don't do something like that on this car, the idea could surface again on a future project

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http://www.barrett-jackson....x?&In_LotNumber=1310

702cid V12 powered with a hand-formed aluminum body. Also features a glass grille and hand-blown glass taillights. A 20ft long, 8ft wide rolling sculpture.
Description The B-702 is the latest creation from the Blastolene Brothers, Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The B-702, designed by Leeds, was inspired by the great French cars of the 1930's. The size of the car is surprising at 19.5 feet long and the 94" width makes a powerful impact. The dramatic separation between the body and pod-style front fenders is further highlighted by the glass grille bars and woodlight headlights. The 702cid V12 was produced from 1960-1965 by GMC for use in 2 ½ ton medium-duty trucks, producing 650 ft/lbs of torque at 850rpm on regular gasoline. A modern Allison 4-speed sends power to a 9" Ford Currie rear end. 4-wheel power disc brakes and power steering makes the 4,800lb car drive like a dream. The Blastolene Brothers are known for their oversized V12 powered custom cars. Their first project was the "Jay Leno Tank Car" which rocked the automotive world in 2002. This is the first Blastolene creation to be offered to the public. The hand-formed aluminum body rides on a custom frame and the entire chassis is nickel-plated or powdercoated to a show quality. The interior is finished in Maroon leather and the oversized speedometer cluster is a Lincoln Zephyr unit. Rear fenders and body are all one flowing piece. The deep separation between the body and fenders are accented by hand-blown glass taillights. Painted Midnight Blue, this should be considered a rolling piece of sculpture. Debuted at Quail Lodge in Monterey, CA, in August 2007, the B-702 is a new construction being offered for the first time. This uniquely American creation is a true one-of-a-kind coach-built masterpiece. The Blastolene Brothers have created the unique look of this latest creation by combining the American love of high-powered, large displacement engines with a refined, almost European design sensibility. The resulting blend is unique in the automotive world; a passionate design statement with the performance of traditional American Hot Rodding. **TITLED AS A 2007 ASSEMBLED**

[This message has been edited by Gokart Mozart (edited 01-02-2008).]