I wouldn't be to worried about the undercarriage on the AMT kit. Most of these "streamliners" had full belly pans anyway. If you haven't already, think about "bubble" type covers for the headlamps. I remember even seeing a few Corvettes where they covered the two openings on either side of the grill so that they could better control the air flow. If you haven't found tires that you like yet you might try some narrow tires from the Chevy or Ford pickup models. Just sand the tread smooth and round the shoulders.
Joel, your engine is looking great. Just some thoughts, as I remember these engines in their stock applications had some different colors than what your using. The photo above shows that the carb. and fuel pump is of a silver colored metal. The throttle linkage is on the passenger side of the carb. also. Looking forward to the rest of your build.
If anyone wants additional info on this car, I just finished reading the January #137 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines. They had 5 pages on the history and restoration of this car. Interesting history and lots of good pictures for reference for a possible build.
I wish there was better TV coverage of this sport. The "drift " guys of today could learn a lot from these drivers. I personally think this is the most challenging style of racing for a driver.
I vaguely remember some program that involved AMT. After sending in the box codes I got the Jaguar XJ something or other that had just come out. I don't think I ever built it though.
I like the showroom stock, but I'm already getting the Cad. engine out of the '49 Ford to put in a mild custom for myself. I'm thinking a nice "rake" with just a "nosed" and "decked" body mods.
I've seen other magazine stories on this race and the crazy cars that guys have entered before, but this thing has got to be the best yet. I wish I had the time, money, and skills to do something like this.
Built one of these and its '65 El Camino cousin years ago. While it may not be as high tech as the newer kits it can still be made very presentable with the effort you seem to be putting into it. Look forward to seeing how this turns out.