BritishV8 Forum

Had a little time to burn and, now that the B is actually getting close to being reality (instead of collection of parts lying in my garage) I thought I'd have some fun with PhotoShop and show everyone what it should look like when complete (sometime next spring). Build thread is here: http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,22418



This little side trip was inspired by a hardtop I'm about to pick up. I wanted to see what it would look like on the car and, well, one thing led to another. You know how that goes. Don't you?

Feel free to post your comments. Color (including stripes) are directly from the early MG works racers. Okay, time to get back to work. Need to make some more money so I can finish the B.

(Update) Okay, for those who have asked for what it looks like w/o top.

Dave, this is going to be one AWSOME B when you're done !!!
Dave Craddock

Thanks Dave. You got me started with a terrific set of wings. From there, it just sort of took a path of its own. Always admired the early works cars so I started borrowing ideas from them as I went along. I'm down to doing the body prep on the front wings and hood, then bolt the suspension underneath it so I can roll it to the painter. After that, reassembly is my winter project. Hoping to be on the road in the spring...if my time and money hold out.

Those wheels are right up my alley!

"Those wheels are right up my alley!"

True story. Found them chained to a tree (only in Vermont) on my way to work. Stopped and asked the guy what he wanted and he said "$200". I though it was per each, so I shot back with $150 and he helped me throw them in the back of my Subie...all four...including the tires. I still feel guilty.

I always did like the looks of that Parish Plastics hard top. Guess next time my car gets paint maybe I'll paint it to match. David it looks like you and I are aiming for about the same deadline. Maybe we can help urge each other along.

JB

"Maybe we can help urge each other along"

Absolutely. Motivation is, in part, why I took the time to complete the rendering. Think I'm going to print it out and tape it over the workspace in the garage to serve as a reminder of what I'm shooting for.

And thanks for the information on the hard top. I (nor the seller) knew the origin.

DT

Good plan.

Parish Plastics originated that design, then it was later produced by another company. Someone on here will know the name. I think they are still in business and hardware and such is available. I bought seals and the back window from Parish when I freshened mine up back in the late 70's then had to trim the plexiglass to fit. If I was doing it again I think I might just see if I could get some armored Lexan sheet. It's a great top, but the latches and rear seal need improvement.

JB

Smoothline?

ding ding ding...we have a winner!  Trevor gets a free trip to the next Roadmaster weekend.  All you need to do is pay for your transportation.

Smoothline bought Parrish.  That is the top I have for my TR7.

O k, sooo......... we got "nuns" building lift-off hard tops ? How-bout a double bubble on that lid,(retro Italiano) ? Hot air,(other than mine), exits on front fenders ? Good Work, roverman.

Doncha just love it when a plan comes together?  The rendering looks great, as will the final product.

"Doncha just love it when a plan comes together?"

Yep, and as you well know, there were several times when it looked like this project was not going to see the light of day. I wouldn't be in a position to finish it if it weren't for the encouragement and support of others.

David,

Love your B.  

And a "Double Bubble" top would just be terrific - and unique !

keep them on the track,

phillip g

Thanks Phillip. Like most of these projects, some days it seems like I just got started, other days like it will never end. Once the drive train is reinstalled and everything is working order, the plan is to put it on a hauler and take it over to NHIS (New Hampshire International Speedway) for a track day. I figure a closed course will be the best place to shake things down before I put it on the road.

David
I love the flare work you've done!  Your own design?  Did you do the work yourself or have done outside.

What about the two axles?  Any changes in the width or just wheel spacers?

I'm just starting the engine rebuild (302  5.0L HO EFI) which should be completed by the end of January and then the car comes apart!!!

Doug,

Flares are Dave Craddock's speedster units (http://www.preformresources.com). Fronts are bolt on, rears you cut away the old metal and bond the new fiberglass to what's left.

Front valance is custom from an existing Sebring front, widened about 9" to match the new width of the car. Rear valance was also sectioned and widened.

Rear axle is a Ford 8.8 I narrowed to about 54".

Front spindles are early ('65) Mustang units w/Toyota 4-pot calipers and Dodge rotors.

You can read more about the project here: http://www.tempusfugitgarage.com Go to "cars" in the top nav, use the drop down menu and go to 'B'east, choose the section you'd like to know more about. I haven't finished the page sub-menus so the site is a little clunky to get around in right now. If you start at the BritishV8 journal you can go through the whole thing.

Regards,

David

David

Thanks for the insight!!  I just love the style!  I've been considering adding a hard top as well.  What's it like driving with the hard top on?  Just one other question, who did your axles?

Continued success,

Doug