Clamshell on a 82, could it be done?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
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From: Yucaipa CA
Clamshell on a 82, could it be done?
I have a 82 convertible vette project that I have been working on and since I plan a full C4 suspension swap I thought about making the whole front lift just like a c4 does since they both have wrap around bumpers.
I also want to add a 90-96 cooling capsule to my car as well as a c4 air induction filter system.
I figure if I use the front frame section of a c4 this will allow the 82's bumper to be mounted up like a c4 and allow the hood and fenders to do what a c4 hood does.
any bad sides to this that you all can think of?
I already have a c4 so don't say buy a c4 instead. I just want this 82 to be different and yet stay somewhat stock in appearance.
I also want to add a 90-96 cooling capsule to my car as well as a c4 air induction filter system.
I figure if I use the front frame section of a c4 this will allow the 82's bumper to be mounted up like a c4 and allow the hood and fenders to do what a c4 hood does.
any bad sides to this that you all can think of?
I already have a c4 so don't say buy a c4 instead. I just want this 82 to be different and yet stay somewhat stock in appearance.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Back in the day we used to call those "tilt noses" before the ''clamshell" termonology started.
Tilt-nose Corvettes were actually a popular modification back in the 70's, most notably on the Mako/Maco shark kits by Motion, Joel Rosen, Silva, etc. They were also available through Eckler's and other parts houses.
I think you should research the design used by these cars to avoid ''re-inventing the wheel" as it's been done before. Look at the old customs of the 70's, especially the Motion performance/Macos and see if there's some visual cues that will be helpful.
Tilt-nose Corvettes were actually a popular modification back in the 70's, most notably on the Mako/Maco shark kits by Motion, Joel Rosen, Silva, etc. They were also available through Eckler's and other parts houses.
I think you should research the design used by these cars to avoid ''re-inventing the wheel" as it's been done before. Look at the old customs of the 70's, especially the Motion performance/Macos and see if there's some visual cues that will be helpful.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
Back in the day we used to call those "tilt noses" before the ''clamshell" termonology started.
Tilt-nose Corvettes were actually a popular modification back in the 70's, most notably on the Mako/Maco shark kits by Motion, Joel Rosen, Silva, etc. They were also available through Eckler's and other parts houses.
I think you should research the design used by these cars to avoid ''re-inventing the wheel" as it's been done before. Look at the old customs of the 70's, especially the Motion performance/Macos and see if there's some visual cues that will be helpful.
Tilt-nose Corvettes were actually a popular modification back in the 70's, most notably on the Mako/Maco shark kits by Motion, Joel Rosen, Silva, etc. They were also available through Eckler's and other parts houses.
I think you should research the design used by these cars to avoid ''re-inventing the wheel" as it's been done before. Look at the old customs of the 70's, especially the Motion performance/Macos and see if there's some visual cues that will be helpful.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Lawson Missouri
How does a tilt nose differ from a clamshell?Just tryin to get on the same page.(Does it cut off behind the bumper?)
I have done the c-4 suspension and the tilt front,but not sure where they differ.A C-4 splits at the body line and the bumper does not tilt with it.Not much differance.I suppose it could be cut similar to exclude the bumper.
I have done the c-4 suspension and the tilt front,but not sure where they differ.A C-4 splits at the body line and the bumper does not tilt with it.Not much differance.I suppose it could be cut similar to exclude the bumper.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
How does a tilt nose differ from a clamshell?Just tryin to get on the same page.(Does it cut off behind the bumper?)
I have done the c-4 suspension and the tilt front,but not sure where they differ.A C-4 splits at the body line and the bumper does not tilt with it.Not much differance.I suppose it could be cut similar to exclude the bumper.
I have done the c-4 suspension and the tilt front,but not sure where they differ.A C-4 splits at the body line and the bumper does not tilt with it.Not much differance.I suppose it could be cut similar to exclude the bumper.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
Actually more because I like the clamshell and really hate leaning over a c3 to work on it. It will still look stock looking except when the hood is up. Besides there isnt much original to this car to keep it stock.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Lawson Missouri
It might be a little harder to hide the seam in front of the fenders and accross the hood but it will be a cool project.I'm bulding a second one piece front that will swap out with the custom one I built.It will have the steel bumper on it and let me change it up whenever I want.
It does make working on it a breeze,and it will lift off too.
Last edited by SHOWME; Jul 31, 2011 at 07:47 AM.
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I see there being an issue with the stock headlight configuration and the odd shape of the front bumper where it meets the body. The C4 headlights are electric and motor driven and do not rely on vacuum and the associated hardware. I guess if you went with the recessed fixed headlights you'd be OK. Not sure how to overcome the front bumper cap's shape.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
I see there being an issue with the stock headlight configuration and the odd shape of the front bumper where it meets the body. The C4 headlights are electric and motor driven and do not rely on vacuum and the associated hardware. I guess if you went with the recessed fixed headlights you'd be OK. Not sure how to overcome the front bumper cap's shape.
Burning Brakes
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From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I made a tilt front end on my 73. Looks stock when closed. Lots of little details, but not complicated. More time than I anticipated to make it fit well.
