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Rhythm - Rolling Art by iNVisionPROTOTYPES
Started on | : 10-31-2008 05:37 PM |
Replies | : 132 (10008 views) |
Last post by | : iNVisionPROTOTYPES on 03-09-2014 08:49 PM |
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Oct 31st, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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I'd like to share with the members here a completed project that I started when I was about 16ish(around the mid 90's....) Sitting down with my dad one evening we did a few conceptual sketches for a mid-engine vehicle. Some styling cues were borrowed from classic European sports cars as well as American muscle cars of the late 60's. The SR-71 Blackbird played a key role with regards to the shape of the vehicle - such as the concave surfaces flowing from the front fenders and into the turbos. The interior design was based loosely around a fighterjet cockpit. Our goal was to create something that may have resembled a factory produced elegant supercar in the 60's. A shot of the SR-71 depicted on the car's show poster.  Then about 3 years later the fun began - building the car. I basically learned how to shape metal, weld, do bodywork, and paint...and while I had some experience from repairing our own vehicles, it wasn't to the degree required in creating an entire car. That came from just picking up the tools and getting into the work. Rhythm was handcrafted from flat sheet metal entirely from scratch and taking 8 years (8000 hours) to complete. As for the powerplant, I utilized a 'hotrodded' SBC350 Chevy V8 mounted in a reverse rotation (pulleys facing the back of the car) manner. The vehicle is licensed as a fully functional road vehicle. Ohh...and I almost forgot to mention...the body is all steel.      [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-30-2011).]
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05:37 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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CenTexIndy Member Posts: 3061 From: Waco, Texas, USA Registered: Mar 2006
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Lots of work. VERY nicely done.
Almost looks like something out of "Cool World" or some other cartoon.
I LIKE IT!!!
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05:44 PM
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Bradley Jay Member Posts: 794 From: Redlands, CA Registered: Jun 2008
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Oh I'd kill for a build thread on this car.
Very nice piece of craftsmanship. I think the style of that car will go far. Welcome to the forum!
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05:51 PM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Thanks ppl!
First question I get is.... "What the heck it is?"
The theme took influences from the SR71 blackbird - kinda. Took 8 years to get it built. People that have seen it...i guess depends what cars they're into.. say.. Maserati, Ferarri, Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Jaguar, etc...
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06:29 PM
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avengador1 Member Posts: 35468 From: Orlando, Florida Registered: Oct 2001
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Wow!  That car certainly has a ton of work done to it and is one of a kind for sure.
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09:41 PM
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Nov 1st, 2008
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IIKool Member Posts: 1288 From: Daytona Bch. Fl. Registered: Sep 2006
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Alot more pic's needed on this car
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06:11 AM
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Fiero2m8 Member Posts: 1928 From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Registered: Feb 2006
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by Fiero2m8:
Welcome to the forum Nick!
Ryan
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Thanks man!
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11:07 AM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Since i can't easily post the display poster that's shown at car shows - too hard to read when posted on the site, I've summarized some of the content below. Chassis - 'Hotrodded' SBC350 Chevy V8 mounted in a reverse rotation - Fuel tank mounted down the centre of vehicle for a balanced weight distribution - 4 Wheel Disk brakes Body - All hand-crafted sheet metal body - Fighter jet influences incorporated into overall design - Functional twin turbos provide additional cooling with ‘57 Ford Fairlane lenses at rear - Running, signal, and brake lights retrofitted with LEDs - Sequential signals on rear deck facilitate a tracer effect - Triumph TR7 front and side glass - Jaguar hood 'massaged' for a more aggressive yet elegant appearance - Power mirror supports blended creating an extension of the rear turbo with no visible fasteners - Elliptical shaped exhaust ports flush fit with body - Trim pieces for hood and turbo scoops hand formed and polished - inlaid with woven stainless steel mesh - Side trim pieces machined and hand tailored from billet aluminum - Custom moulded wheel centre caps Interior - Mat finished interior presents a refined atmosphere - Hand brushed stainless steel trim inlaid into dash and extended into door tops - Driver’s console based on a fighter jet cockpit - occupants experience fighter vision - Heads up display located on ceiling - Steering column ignition key shaved and relocated below dash - Hand-crafted billet aluminum foot pedals When I get a moment I'll post some pics from one of the most recent car shows in my area. Cheers [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 04-15-2015).]
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10:32 PM
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Nov 2nd, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Here are some pics from the 2008 Last Chance Car Show in Welland, Ontario. Many of the pictures didn't come out too well as there were a lot of ppl crowded around. It was also raining first thing in the morning so we didn't get to the show untill about 11:30...493rd out of 525 cars.  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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09:02 AM
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maryjane Member Posts: 70037 From: Copperas Cove Texas Registered: Apr 2001
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Engine type?
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11:49 AM
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PFF
System Bot
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by maryjane:
Engine type? |
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I used a 'hotrodded' SBC350 Chevy V8 mounted in a reverse rotation (pulleys facing the back of the car) manner. It puts out about 375HP...enough for some fun. Cheers. [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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10:23 PM
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Nov 4th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Here's a picture of the custom moulded and hand painted horn button. I'm sure you can recognize the surround.  ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 11-04-2008).]
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09:26 AM
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Nov 5th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Such enthusiasm was expressed in the flipper rear ends thread that I couldn't resist to post this. There's a lot of work involved to get the rear to flip 'weightlessly"...not sure if that's a word... Here's the link to Flipper Rear Ends of some more detail on how this was executed. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/073248.html ------------------
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12:08 AM
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Nov 6th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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As requested here are some pictures of how the rear integrates with the car when it's flipped up. The tolerances are 3/16" around all the gaps and nothing has rubbed or chipped.   Here's the fuel filler. Ensures that no one messes with the fuel. You can also see the trim piece for the turbo intakes.  Latching mechanisms can be seen from this perspective. Also, if work needs to be done on the engine, the stops can be disconnected and the rear will flip up the full 90deg. ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-30-2011).]
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09:07 AM
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Nov 7th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Well it didn't rain tonite so we took Rhythm down to Niagara Falls. Under the motel and casino lights she looked incredible. People would come up to the car while we were stopped at red lights asking questions, snapping pictures, and chatting... utter amazment. Even the girls out there!
The most asked question was "what is it". It's an experience to drive her.
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11:37 PM
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Nov 8th, 2008
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Erik Member Posts: 5625 From: Des Moines, Iowa Registered: Jul 2002
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Can you post a picture of the front end?
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12:22 AM
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R Runner Member Posts: 3698 From: Scottsville, KY Registered: Feb 2003
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AMAZING! Very nice work and craftsmanship. I gotta' hand it to you... that is a work of art. Making it out of sheet metal is truly mind boggleing. You may have it all figured out, but if you are interested in the information, I have an SBC / Porsche 930 set up in my tube chassis race car that I built. I would love to help you get some horsey in that masterpiece! Again, fantastic job. (chant while bowing.... we're not worthy... we're not worthy..  ) ------------------ Paul
 For a full history of my IMSA Build: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/789315 HHP Adjustable Sway bars for ALL MODELS: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/036556.html
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06:22 AM
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johnyrottin Member Posts: 5496 From: Northwest Florida Registered: Oct 2007
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WOW!!!! I love the interior even though I am not so keen on the exterior. I can still appreciate the effort that has gone into the body and the talent behind all teh modifications!!!!!!
I also have to ask about all these claims people make about the "fighter jet" experience. I have heard this claim from a few builders/tweakers. I actually fly jets and I have to tell you not one of the cars that have claimed that come anywhere even close...not even slightly if you squint with one eye and completely close the other one, to any of the instrumentation of layouts of a jet. Not meaning to be arguementattive or downplay the effort you obviously put into this because it is brilliant. Just wondered which fighter you were in that it was modeled after?
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08:07 AM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by johnyrottin:
WOW!!!! I love the interior even though I am not so keen on the exterior. I can still appreciate the effort that has gone into the body and the talent behind all teh modifications!!!!!!
I also have to ask about all these claims people make about the "fighter jet" experience. I have heard this claim from a few builders/tweakers. I actually fly jets and I have to tell you not one of the cars that have claimed that come anywhere even close...not even slightly if you squint with one eye and completely close the other one, to any of the instrumentation of layouts of a jet. Not meaning to be arguementattive or downplay the effort you obviously put into this because it is brilliant. Just wondered which fighter you were in that it was modeled after? |
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Thanks very much! Yeah, with this car I don't think I'll be changing the exterior. Saying that, "the next one" will definitely have the exterior massaged. ie. overhangs shortened, rocker scoops re proportioned, and overall height lowered. Thats the fun of creating. I started building this one at 19/20years old and took 8 years...the next one won't take half as long since I know where I'm going with design and performance. It's been an exponential learning curve. Moreover, when referring to the term "fighter jet cockpit" I'm using it very loosely.  I've never flown a jet...that must be one hell of an experience. All I mean is that when the driver is sitting in the car it feels like a cockpit...everything at your fingertips...and with the driver(I'm 6' 3") sitting so low all I see over the hood is the front scoop. Thanks for looking at her and thanks again for the compliments. Nick ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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09:02 AM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by Erik:
Can you post a picture of the front end? |
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Here's the front from two perspectives.  There are no visible fasteners holding the power mirror brackets and housings. They've been handcrafted out of steel in such a way that they get proportionally smaller in diameter as they come towards the front of the vehicle. So, imagine the turbo intake scoop creating a tunnel from front to rear... now if one cut two sections out, one in front and one behind the bracket...the bracket would be all that remains.  With all the concave surfaces the reflections produced totally dazzle people. Around the windshield there is no rubber molding...it was gapped with a 3/16" gap around the perimeter and Speedy Glass in Welland installed it so well that it looks seamless with the body. Notice the tops of the doors have been contoured into the roof, again giving that seamless transition. The license plate bracket is removable for the shows...however, we end up leaving it on because people keep asking how the front plate is attached to the car without any notches or fasteners. The rims seem to be a drawback from some people, yet others love them...Guess it all depends on preference. These rims were chosen mainly to compliment the theme of the car as well as to compliment her concave curves. The centres were powdercoated in gunmetal grey, striped with Vermilion orange, and one -off centrecaps were molded providing a place for the iNVision logo in the centre. I think i mentioned earlier that I did borrow a set of 18's ...but they didn't compliment the design. ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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09:51 AM
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PFF
System Bot
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johnyrottin Member Posts: 5496 From: Northwest Florida Registered: Oct 2007
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Wow...look at those mirrors! Amazing details like that....wish i had a tenth of your talent.
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10:01 AM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by R Runner:
AMAZING! Very nice work and craftsmanship. I gotta' hand it to you... that is a work of art. Making it out of sheet metal is truly mind boggleing. You may have it all figured out, but if you are interested in the information, I have an SBC / Porsche 930 set up in my tube chassis race car that I built. I would love to help you get some horsey in that masterpiece!
Again, fantastic job. (chant while bowing.... we're not worthy... we're not worthy.. )
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Thanks very much! But, this is something a lot of people are capable of doing... You yourself have some high performance talents from what I just saw on your site... Great work! [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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10:12 AM
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R Runner Member Posts: 3698 From: Scottsville, KY Registered: Feb 2003
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| quote | Originally posted by iNVisionPROTOTYPES:
Thanks very much! But, this is something a lot of people are capable of doing...
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Maybe but I don't think you are giving yourself enough credit. Just because someone is able to do something does not mean that they will do it. You had a vision of a car you wanted to make. You figured out how to do it and then stuck with it. Starting from scratch is (I think) much more difficult than it initially appears. You, sir, stuck with it for 8 years puting in 7800 hours. I see many people start something but never finish it. That is my point when I say that it is amazing. You combinded all of your resources into one piec of art. Nothing less. Also, I agree on the exponentional learning curve. I feel the same way and still have a ton to learn. Again... great job. Do you have any construction pictures? Will you post a build thread? I am really interested in seeing how you fabricated those flowing metal pieces and hidden seams.
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03:19 PM
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opm2000 Member Posts: 1347 From: Versailles, Ky USA Heart of the Bluegrass Registered: Dec 2000
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| quote | [B]but its all about having fun in the end.
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Really nice. Having helped others form wing skins & leading edges for aircraft....out of aluminum.....I'm really very impressed with your metal forming skills. Now if you really want to get serious & produce some fiberglass molds of your creation, give me a shout. David Breeze ------------------ Pantera Rebody Kits
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06:57 PM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by R Runner:
Again... great job. Do you have any construction pictures? Will you post a build thread? I am really interested in seeing how you fabricated those flowing metal pieces and hidden seams. |
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Well, thanks again RR. Much appreciated. Finally got home after another late nite in the shop. I do have build pics but they aren't very consistent...ie. when i'm pushing to get stuff done...i often forget to take pics until that something is finished. The other thing is that I need to figure out how to do a build tread on this site(also dunno if admin will like the fact that this car really isn't a Fiero..hmmm.. thinking). By 'hidden seams' ... you mean door, hood , etc gaps? If you do, all edges were hemed with a hammer and dolly on Rhythm...just like on a factory built steel vehicle and if the gap happened to be wider than expected in an area weld was added to close it in..then ground and filed. One thing that needs to be taken into account is that it's 3/16" after primer and paint...and you need to allow for that....fun! Cheers, ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-29-2011).]
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11:47 PM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by opm2000:
Really nice.
Having helped others form wing skins & leading edges for aircraft....out of aluminum.....I'm really very impressed with your metal forming skills.
Now if you really want to get serious & produce some fiberglass molds of your creation, give me a shout.
David Breeze
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And aluminium is tough to work with...you can't push that material as far as steel - that's awsome!. Thanks for the thumbs up. About producing moulds on a vehicular scale...I wouldn't know where to begin. I'm not even sure which direction I want to take this car in...it was a great build and supposed to be a driver. However, ppl think I'm crazy to be driving it... I'd like to learn more about it. Do you have a website I can check out or give me an overview. Shoot me a PM. [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 11-09-2008).]
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11:58 PM
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Nov 9th, 2008
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HC Member Posts: 691 From: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Feb 2006
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Great looking transformation. Very nice car. Great color choice. Interior looks very good. Awesome metal skills. A + for you!
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01:35 AM
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troyboy Member Posts: 2075 From: Registered: Sep 2005
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nicely done, welcome to the forum
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09:50 AM
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Nov 10th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by troyboy:
nicely done, welcome to the forum |
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Thanks! It's also great to see all the creative juices that flow on this site as well. Truely amazing! Cheers ------------------
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02:55 PM
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Nov 12th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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The transverse V6 was deep 6'd as soon as the SBC 350 was ready. That little change makes putting your foot into it a little more fun...at the expense of a much smaller trunk.  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 04-15-2015).]
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01:12 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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2.5 Member Posts: 43235 From: Southern MN Registered: May 2007
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Wow,
batmothunderghini !
Nice work!
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01:14 PM
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Bradley Jay Member Posts: 794 From: Redlands, CA Registered: Jun 2008
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I can still see this car debuting in a movie somewhere. Have any producers asked you about it?
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01:35 PM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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03:19 PM
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by 2.5:
Wow,
batmothunderghini !
Nice work! |
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Now, thats a mouthfull dude! Thanks. Jus not quite sure how ppl get batmobile out of it?
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10:13 PM
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Nov 13th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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08:37 AM
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pontiackid86 Member Posts: 19632 From: Kingwood Texas..... Yall Registered: Sep 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by Bradley Jay:
I can still see this car debuting in a movie somewhere. Have any producers asked you about it? |
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i dunno why but it looks like and old school bat mobile.
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08:42 AM
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pontiackid86 Member Posts: 19632 From: Kingwood Texas..... Yall Registered: Sep 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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| quote | Originally posted by pontiackid86: its like the only thing fiero left  |
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Almost. The dash vent and HVAC unit with controls were also used in the interior...although those actuator motors sound kinda strage when opening and closing.
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08:50 AM
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Nov 14th, 2008
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iNVisionPROTOTYPES Member Posts: 93 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2008
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Interior Design and Build  Starting to bend the main component of the dash in our 5 minute brake.  Simple tools...simple results.  Now for the more complex components...the driver surround. Template was created in the car.  Dad tipping the lead edge with a hammer and pedestal dollie.  Me taking over...  After tipping and creating the correct curvature the piece is located inside the car.  The cockpit is taking shape...   Too bad all this metal work was covered with upholstery.  Due to the time between going to school and coming back to the shop to work on the car on weekends I was always amazed at how fast the panels would corrode. In many places you see green, yellow,.. and yeah.. that rose colour... well they are primers/paints i would mix up and spray onto the metal to prevent rusting if I knew I would be away for an extended period of time. The only thing with that was that I would have to remove it later...very time consuming.  We didn't want any visible fasteners when mounting the panels. So they are fixed to the door in such a way that when you remove one screw, tilt the upper panel they unlock from each other. The grab bars are made from stainless steel oval tubing.  Making the ceiling mold.  This is the only fiberglass panel in the car! ------------------  [This message has been edited by iNVisionPROTOTYPES (edited 05-30-2011).]
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09:36 AM
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