My Cheetah inspired project -take 2

Hello Everyone,  A few years ago I posted my Cheetah inspired build here .  I've been driving it for the past 2 years.  I really enjoy driving it  and, I am happy with the way it handles and drives.  I built it with a modestly built Chevy 305 and Richmond 4 speed.  I use C4 Corvette suspension. 

This past fall I started on a new frame and drive train for my Cheetah body.  I have an LS1 engine that I purchased about 20 years ago.  I never used it.  I wanted to use it in my new build and add an overdrive transmission.  I had the LS rebuilt.  (mild build) and purchased a Tremec TKX  5 speed trans.

I made some changes to my original frame.  One of the bigger changes was to switch from floor mounted pedals to Wilwood hanging pedals.  While my original frame had good foot box room, going to the hanging pedals allowed them to be mounted furrther forward for more leg room.  The frame was changed to allow my clutch foot to have more side room.  I moved the upper rear shock mounts so that they are almost vertical now.  Before they were angled quite a bit.  The upper mount was. under the upper rear bulkhead cross member. 

My goal is to make a removable hard top that will hinge at the rear with gas struts mounted from the roll bar to the top to hold it up for egress.  On my bucket list is to drive the car from the Adirondacks of NY to Alaska. :). (never been there)

I just about finished the frame build today.  Here are a few pictures.  Having fun

Top mock up using pipe insulation foam to get an idea of the look. 

Wont be taking much luggage on that Alaska drive will you!

Are you mounting the rear springs to the stock bottom shock mount?  Reinforcement?  I know that you have succesfully built several C4 suspended cars.  I ended up going with a stock C4 monoleaf spring at 228 lbs. on my Lucra since the rate was close and nothing needed to be engineered.

I'm looking forward to seeing your hinge system on the hard top.  I bought an aftermarket 1956 Porsche hardtop that fits my windshield frame and am modifying the C-pillar to match the Lucra rear fender.  I'll get a hot rod shop to make some removable brackets on the roll bar mounts.  I am 5'9" and have to contort a little to get in and out.  No windows; its purpose is just to keep from getting sunburned on long trips.

Brian

Real cheetah body? or fiberglass repro

Brian, I would love to see pictures of your Lucra with the top.  Sounds cool.  The fact that the Lucra  has doors makes it a little easier.  
 

I'm using the MGB windshield.  I thought about trying to fit the MGB hard top but decided I want the fast back look.  
 

on my previous builds I mounted the rear coil overs to the lower factory shock location.  I've never had an issue.  However. I am aware of some reported failures.  On this build I'm mounting the bottom of the shock on top of the hub. I'll be fabricating the bracket and using the location of the sway bar mount. 
 

The shocks and springs shown are just for mock up.  I'll be using aluminum adjustable shocks with 185lb springs.  
 

My body is inspired by the cheetah. But, I made it myself.  I created the plug.  Had molds made.  My body's is simple. 2 pieces and fiberglass. 
 

Always inspiring to see your work. Following along.

Here is the Lucra with the Porsche Speedster hardtop.  I'm also a minivan enthusiast.  Its got a captain's chair and hauls engine blocks, mulch, kayaks, and makes a great camper.

In reply to deatonbt :

Wow holy E36 M3 that is a pretty car. I had never heard of one and then I had to hit the googles after seeing this picture. You sir are the boss of minivan owners.

I finished cutting and fitting the aluminum panels that seal the cockpits, foot boxes, small storage area behind the seats.   Next is drill holes for all of the rivets that hold the panels. Then paint the frame. 

Note:  The bolts holding the fuel tank are not the final ones. 

Still having fun

 Always love seeing your work. Are those AFCO shocks up front?

NOHOME said:

Wont be taking much luggage on that Alaska drive will you!

There's room for a frunk.

Thank you Keith.  Those are AFCO small body shocks.  I had them in my shop from a previous build. They are the correct length. So, I used them for setting the shock mounts.  I plan to use  adjustable aluminum coil overs with 2.5 inch inside diameter springs.  

The AFCOs are already adjustable aluminum coil overs with 2.5" springs, aren't they? I have a few random AFCO parts if they can be helpful. 

Thank you for the offer Keith.  
 

the AFCOS on the car are non adjustable small body steel shocks with coil over kit.  Basically shocks for a midget race car.  These are used and pretty much junk.  Bent shafts and bad seals.  
 

I've had 3 guys contact me today saying that they are interested in buying what I've just put together.  I know that just because they're interested doesn't mean that they are serious buyers.  But, I've sold 4 without really promoting the car.  
 

I'm not capable of building many more.  I'm thinking of putting the molds and jigs up for sale.  Hate getting older.  Hate health issues!  

"Bad seals" is how you know they're real AFCOs :)

Sorry to hear they're getting harder to build, but please keep plugging along on this one! Cheetahs are so cool.

Looks great!  

I'm also curious about luggage.  Or will there be a second support vehicle for the trip?  That said... Alaska in the Summer in an open car.... what luggage space you have will be taken up by stores of bug spray.

An under-hood windshield washer tank filled with DEET and the sprayers mounted on the windshield frame pointing at the passengers