chrome bumper clones?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
chrome bumper clones?
It seems the more classic car gatherings i go to these days i see a lot more cloned muscle cars than usual. mostly cudas, BB chevellles, SS camaros but never a chrome bumper vette. You would think with companies like Zip products and Ecklers, Mid America you could build a vette from the ground up and throw a crate motor in it. say 454 or 350 and eliminate the hassle of the continuous maintanance and breakdown of the 30 plus year original car. I personally would not do it but am surprised i haven't seen it done yet. Has anyone else?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 11
From: Merrick NY
My project is a modern LT-1 clone, a 97 "LT1" engine in a 70. With so many non numbers matching or non-ncrs restorable cars out there Why not build a car that keeps the appearance mostly original but updates the suspension, drivetrain and brakes?
With the exception of TT-II's, removed stingray emblems and LT - 1 hood stencil without the " - ", this car will look like an LT-1 car, but drive like a newer car. Also, I can pile on the miles without worry.
The car will also hold it's value, Barrett Jackson, as crazy as it it there, does set the collectors market standard. The "clone" and "resto-mod" cars are bringing big dollars. Nothing beats an original, but if your car is that nice I'm sure it's rarely driven.
There is no wrong or right here, it's preference and desire. For me the desire to drive the car outweighs the desire for a collectable.
With the exception of TT-II's, removed stingray emblems and LT - 1 hood stencil without the " - ", this car will look like an LT-1 car, but drive like a newer car. Also, I can pile on the miles without worry.
The car will also hold it's value, Barrett Jackson, as crazy as it it there, does set the collectors market standard. The "clone" and "resto-mod" cars are bringing big dollars. Nothing beats an original, but if your car is that nice I'm sure it's rarely driven.
There is no wrong or right here, it's preference and desire. For me the desire to drive the car outweighs the desire for a collectable.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Clones use a base model car and tart it up to look like the big dog in that particular vehicles lineup. From 68-73 from base model to the top of the line, they all had the same body with chrome bumpers. With the exception of the hood, the rest of the differences where all under the hood or in the suspension.
I think what you are referring to is more of a kit car. But there is no need for a kit car when there are still so many originals floating around.
I think what you are referring to is more of a kit car. But there is no need for a kit car when there are still so many originals floating around.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 1
From: central America
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I think a lot of people bolt on the bigger hood, just to get some hood clearance! I know that is one thing I'm considering. I'm tired of not having enough room for the high rise intakes and high flow filters. I like the looks of the LT-1 hoods (a little more subtle then the L88 hoods) and I might pick one up just so I can get a little more breathing room.
trw
trw
