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Well Camaro friends, the project officially begins... and my dream car will finally become a reality. Selling the SS wasn't easy but read on and you'll understand.
I'll be building a '63 Grand Sport replica from Mid America Industries. These cars are not a kit like the D&D or GSR cars. They're what Jeff Leech from Mid America calls a "hybrid", since it begins life as an real Vette and becomes basically, 'highly modified'. So far, the '63 Corvette donor car has been procured. I've also secured a front and rear C4 suspension with a dana 44 and 13" brakes which I'll begin disassembly and cleaning next month. Mid America will begin buiding the jig-built 4" tube frame chassis and complete body as soon as they get my deposit this week. My pal Andy and I will be doing most of the assembly but will leave the bodywork and paint to the experts.
Here's the general breakdown of what it'll be:
It'll have an American Speed 525hp 383 SB with a Kinsler cross-ram FI intake with the power put to the ground through a T56 six speed trans via a Hurst short throw shifter. Body color will be Cadillac 'Out of the Blue' with a 'Sebring Silver' Hammer Head stripe. The interior will have silver leather seats, steering wheel and door panels (like the '78 Pace Car) with lt. gray carpet. I'll keep my eye on the operations with a full array of Autometer gauges. Red racing harnesses will keep me planted in my seat and big fat Good Year Eagle F1 Supercar tires (275/4017 front & 315/35/17 rear) will keep me planted to the ground... maybe
When it's fully completed I'll probably be selling tickets for rides to help recover some of the costs.
[ 08. October 2003, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: Mark IXZD 150 ]
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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That sounds awesome. Good luck with your project and keep us posted with some pics if possible.
Did you ever consider building a GS replica to look like the Grand Sport did when it was first introduced and raced in 1963 without the flares and raised hood? It looked much like a stock Corvette but you could tell it was different because it had the trunk, right side gas filler, and the fixed headlights among other things. I think it would be neat to have one built like that since all the "orignal" ones and the reproductions have the later mods with fender flares, hood, etc.
Just a thought.
-------------------- Dave S Black 2000 Camaro SS Posts: 502 | From: Fort Mill, South Carolina....Charlotte | Registered: Aug 2003
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quote:Originally posted by SS_CarGuy: That sounds awesome. Good luck with your project and keep us posted with some pics if possible.
Did you ever consider building a GS replica to look like the Grand Sport did when it was first introduced and raced in 1963 without the flares and raised hood? It looked much like a stock Corvette but you could tell it was different because it had the trunk, right side gas filler, and the fixed headlights among other things. I think it would be neat to have one built like that since all the "orignal" ones and the reproductions have the later mods with fender flares, hood, etc.
Just a thought.
Honestly, no, but I know what you mean. They are cool but I really like the "flair" of the fender flares. Mine will be a modern interpretation of the vintage racers. The 17" wheels, modern powermill, modern suspension, modern brakes, modern colors and lack of all the racing decals will make it more of a pro-touring Grand Sport.
[ 08. October 2003, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Mark IXZD 150 ]
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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Sounds great. How did you decide on the components - is there a book on the car or are they options provided by mid america?
Posts: 3403 | From: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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quote:Originally posted by DaddySS: Sounds great. How did you decide on the components - is there a book on the car or are they options provided by mid america?
Mostly my creation. He can built tyrn-key cars but they follow general replica guidelines. The engine, interior, paint colors, wheels, etc. is all the culmination of tons of thought. It'll be very unique. I've lost a lot of sleep over this car.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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Sounds great Mark, ... definitely keep us posted with pics ...
Kevin
-------------------- Kevin Kolvenbach, 2002 Sunset Orange SS (#3455), Convertible, Black top, Ebony leather, Bilstein, ASR, 6SP w/Hurst, 345HP Dual-Dual Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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