Bigger Tires = Bigger Flares

Cracker · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2018, 09:56 AM

So I became the owner of my late friend (and CC member) Doc Owen's monstrosity early last year - it was quite the honor, really. It was built to do one thing and one thing only - drive in a straight line - really fast.

At the Maxton-Mile in NC, Doc was achieving licensing stages and noticed that the tires were hitting the rear flares. Now, one issue was the rubber installed as they were too wide, tall and a track (off-set) that did not agree with the body. He and his son Patrick, in the paddock, literally cut the interference off crudely. Not an uncommon event "trackside" but not the prettiest nonetheless (albeit functional)!

I recall Doc telling me the tires were spinning at 160 on-throttle and he was never able to even apply more than 1/2 throttle at that! It is a beast and sadly his battle with "C" prevented him from continuing his pursuit of "well past 200" in a standing mile event.

I have taken liberty in "smoothing" the rough edges and de-tuning the (ugly) cage while still maintaining full plated door bars and SCCA GT1 spec cage. It is still "track-worthy" but just not certified for >200 mph sanctioning.

To extend the flares over the 325 MT's...we splashed the front fender flares, created molds and made some flares. They were then grafted and fitted onto the rear fenders and shaped to look Cobra-ish. Authenticity is obviously not a high priority. Wham-o...a super wide track with an appropriate bad-ass looking rear - custom like to go with 1100 hp this engine generates.

I have attached a few pictures of the entire process; at the track, at speed, molds splashed, etc. I am reinstalling the body this weekend if all goes well and will post "competed" pics in the near future.

Enjoy.

Cracker

vntgspd · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2018, 10:06 AM

Nice! Looks great and very purposeful. Love the license plate too...perfect.

Morris · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2018, 10:43 AM

Tony

That will be a fun & knowledgeable project......keep us up to date on your progress.....good luck....all the best

Cracker · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2018, 05:12 PM

Hung the body today...getting there!

Cracker

powerbyford · #5 (**permalink**) 02-16-2018, 09:28 AM

Very helpful post, as I hope to make a replica-ish Dragonsnake one day. Those rear fenders will have to be flared, and you gave me an idea on how to do it.

Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your friend. Godspeed to him.

jk

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-2018, 01:25 PM

Cracker,

I was sorry to hear about your friend but you sure have an awesome car there. Any you are doing a great job on the flares. I love that motor. Just the thing for a quick trip to the store.

Ron

Cracker · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2018, 03:26 PM

Fella's,

Thank you...I am glad it could help in someway! Seeing that the car is so far from anything "stock or original" I have great freedom to make it what I envision. Ron, the motor is crazy, pictures simply do not do it justice - it makes me giggle when I see it!

Cheers!

Tony

Gaz64 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2018, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

Fella's,

Thank you...I am glad it could help in someway! Seeing that the car is so far from anything "stock or original" I have great freedom to make it what I envision. Ron, the motor is crazy, pictures simply do not do it justice - it makes me giggle when I see it!

Cheers!

Tony

With 1100hp aspirated, I'd be giggling too,

.

t walgamuth · #9 (**permalink**) 02-16-2018, 07:02 PM

I like the color scheme! I had a Formula Ford race car that was yellow with orange wheels. I loved it.