funhouse1 Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 (edited) nix Edited January 18, 2012 by funhouse1
Danno Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Actually, that's pretty neat, Jack. You captured the look of a nicely done homemade sportsy car, I think!
Foxer Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Nice fiberglass body! My guess would NOT have been a Predicta to start this! This is a cool idea AND execution ... well done! And, I like it!
Draggon Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 I think your too critical. I have always thought that the Predicta front end was beautiful, the unchopped top gives it a real vintage look, and I really love that chopped off tail end! Whaddya mean "almost looks good" ?? I'll take it off your hands if you dont like it!
Bernard Kron Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Actually, I think you totally nailed the look of a fiberglas homebuilt special from the era. Whatever reservations you may have about the final aesthetics, you would have felt the same way about an actual period 1:1. Super cool idea with a very succesful outcome! I dig it!
sjordan2 Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Very, very nice and original. It really captures the 50s high-end sports car look. The front half reminds me of a Mercedes 300 SLR and the roof shape is reminiscent of an AC Aceca (except for the wraparound rear glass).
Phildaupho Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Very neat project. This is a lot pretty than some of the home-builts I have seen at vintage car races or in the pages of old sports car magazines.
Rob Hall Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 Pretty cool..wouldn't have realized it started as a Predicta...about the only thing I might have done differently would have been to shorten the roof, since the side window openings are sooo long..
funhouse1 Posted April 29, 2011 Author Posted April 29, 2011 Pretty cool..wouldn't have realized it started as a Predicta...about the only thing I might have done differently would have been to shorten the roof, since the side window openings are sooo long.. Agreed. I think the roof and rear end treatment in general leave a lot to be desired, but anytime you just make it up as you go along, hindsight is not going to be kind. I do really appreciate the charitable comments though, thanks very much everyone!
funhouse1 Posted April 29, 2011 Author Posted April 29, 2011 Jack, I don't know why you feel like you have to apologize or make excuses for this great build. A cool concept, & carried out very well, you captured the look & feel of those homebuilt specials to a "T". Add in superb bodywork & such clean & precise building & you've got a real winner here. The only thing that could possibly improve it would be a wheel swap. Don't get me wrong, those deep dish wires look great on the build & have a just right appearance, but if you're aiming for the homebuilt 50's era look, (which you've nailed in every aspect), then a somewhat more shallow wire wheel, or even a steel wheel might be a bit more era appropriate. However, if it were me, I'd simply say it was still being raced regionally in the 60's, had a wheel swap during that time period, & the build reflects that simply because they look so right on it!! There is a lot here to admire & for you to be proud of. First rate work all the way around. Again, a great point. The wires and tires are from a junked Miami Vice "Daytona", not exactly period...I like your bit about being a regional racer in the 60's!
seeker589 Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 (edited) I'd park it in my garage! Seriously - I have seen too many VERY poorly designed homebuilts. Have you seen the Old Yaller II? It's the yellow #70. Butt-ugly but fast! Max Balchowski was a genius! Your car isn't ugly - it has character! I love it! Edited April 29, 2011 by seeker589
george 53 Posted April 29, 2011 Posted April 29, 2011 I can see the Studie roof, but I'da never known you started with the Predicta! It came out REAL nice! Totally in keeping with your initial idea. VERY nice execution!!!
charlie8575 Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I think you did a fine job with this, too. The concept and execution are excellent. What engine is in that? Charlie Larkin
Chuck Most Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I'd have chopped the top a bit if I'd built it, but having said that, I love it! You might not be as fond of it as you'd like to be, but I'd GLADLY have it on my shelf!
Dave B Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I love it, Could be an Australian special, apart from left hand drive. I have a couple of projects along similar lines under way, one being the ugly AMT excuse for a Ferrari 250SWB but with the roof off, halibrand wheels & chev motor. Regards Dave
funhouse1 Posted April 30, 2011 Author Posted April 30, 2011 Have you seen the Old Yaller II? It's the yellow #70. Butt-ugly but fast! YES! Buick powered wasn't it?
funhouse1 Posted April 30, 2011 Author Posted April 30, 2011 What engine is in that? Charlie Larkin Thanks Charlie, it's the engine from the Predicta with a little detailing.
seeker589 Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 YES! Buick powered wasn't it? Yes, all of Max's cars were Buick Nailhead powered. He was quite the Nailhead magician. I'm not much for 'em - the size of the valves really cuts the high RPM air-flow. Today - You can make much more power with a Small Block Chevy - Dollar-for-dollar. For asthetics - the Nailhead is the winner, however. They just look great.
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