Studebaker fuel coupe ? Updated 8-10-12

[cobraman]

My next project will be using the body from a Miss Deal kit and the dual engine chassis from the double dragster kit. Would this be considered a fuel coupe ? So far I have assembled the dragster frame and have done some work on the body. For the body I have begun to fill in the hole in the hood since the engines will be back under the roof of the body. I also added a piece of sheet plastic under the front of the body so hopefully it will pull the front end down lower when the body is on the frame. I will still have to open up part of the trunk area to allow room for the frame roll bar. Ideas and or suggestions and comments good or bad are welcome.

Edited August 10, 2012 by cobraman

[Dr. Cranky]

You got my attention!

[W-409]

Yep, great idea. I will be watching this one. You do amazing work, can't wait to see how it turns out.

[Burnout]

You've got my attention too! Don't know if this will help but the following link will lead you to a forum thread with hundreds of old fuel coupe photos mostly from the '60's.

Have fun and keep us posted on your progress!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306543

[cobraman]

Ken. Thank you so much for the link. Here is one I build about a year ago.

[cobraman]

Managed to find some time to work on this build. Not a whole lot done. I have the frame painted and cut out the rear portion of the body to make room for the frame. Other parts painted and shot some dullcoat on the wheels and headers. Some engine parts were de-chromed and painted.

[Ace-Garageguy]

This is going to be really really cool. Two engines, too cool.

[cobraman]

_{Here is another update. The chassis is just about finished so I can start more work on the body. The body is close to being able to be primed. The mock up shows some more adjustment may be needed.}

[W-409]

Looks good. Very interesting build, too. I really like the chassis detail, little adjusting on the wheel base, and it'll look Killer.

[cobraman]

Gotta make some extensions for the rocker panels and was thinking of chopping the roof but in my 50 years of building I only did it once and it didn't look that great. Wheelbase should be longer but I measured wrong and have it all assembled. Not sure I want to try and take it apart and risk breaking something. Maybe I could emlarge the front wheel well. ( ? )

[Danno]

Nice!

I'd just open up the front wheel well some more and call it good.

[cobraman]

I think that is what I will do. I have the lower panels done and will post a photo later. Now I am thinking I should build someting to make the inside headers route through the roof. I know this build will not be something realistic but if I can figure something out I think I will do that. Maybe. : )

[cobraman]

I made and installed the lower panels. I cut them out for the exhaust. Not sure if I should mold them into the body or not. I also started building a push bar with some plastic tubing. Everything still needs a little work. I had hoped to prime the body this weekend but that's just not going to happen. Still need to enlarge the front wheel wells. Also still thinking about routing the inside exhaust through the roof.

[Dr. Cranky]

Very cool so far. Look forward to more.

[cobraman]

Well, as I am aware this is not a very realisted build so why not do more ? I was thinking that we could not have the inside exhaust headers just be under the roof. It would either melt off the roof or blow the body off. So............ I cut a hole in the roof to route the exhaust the out of the body. I found some plastic the shape I want ( a lighter ) and sliced that up. It looks like it will work. Keep in mind it still needs to be cut and painted. . Photos to follow.

[John Teresi]

Ray.......just saw this thread........Wow!!!......this is gonaa be cool man......love it

[cobraman]

Thanks. Having some trouble with Photobucket in trying to get my photos posted.

[Mister Twister]

Definitely an interesting build and I like the '64 Chevy as well.

[Mooneyzs]

Totally cool build!

[cobraman]

[Ira]

GREAT PROGRESS RAY!!!

LOOKS REAL NICE SO FAR & 2 ENGINES TOO...

[Danno]

Too kewl for skewl, huh?!!

[cobraman]

I was finally able to shoot some primer on the body and cut the exhaust shield cut to the final size. I guess if this was a real car the driver would have to "feel" his way down the strip because no way could he see where the heck he was going.

[Davewilly]

very cool!

[cobraman]

I got the exhaust shield ( smokestack ) painted and decaled.