Hurricane HMS2002 build thread

dlampe · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 02:53 PM

And so it begins, again!

No really, this is my last one, seriously.

Anyway, when I built my last GT40 I really enjoyed building a replica of an original car. I wanted to do that again with a this cobra. I chose CSX3155 as the model for my replica.

I really like the look of the solid black. I can add some color later with vinyl if I get board with the solid or want to go for the racing look. The drive line is centered around an aluminum Pond 427 block topped with a set of weber's, bolted to a Richmond 5 speed.

I chose the Hurricane because I have always admired their attention to original design where ever practical. Since this car is going to be built with attention to original design, there was really only 2 choices for me. Of the 2, I chose Hurricane because I was familiar with their earlier cars and it was at least 5 grand less.

I want to document all the steps of the build, the good and the bad! I have tons of pictures already but I will start at the beginning with the bare frame. I want to do this here to get feed back from the forum members and to show those that have an interest in the new Hurricane exactly what to expect. I just want to keep the "off topic" to a minimum.

Here we go......

This is new Hurricane frame fresh out of the jig before it was sent of for gloss black paint.

froggyman · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 03:53 PM

Dean,

Your Hurricane 427 is going to look awesome. If the attention to details and taste you have put on your previous builds is also present on this car it will surely be a success. I have had the pleasure of seeing your Kirkham FIA as well as the RCR GT40 and both were exquisite. I can't wait to see what you do with the Hurricane.

I love the Hurricane's stance and proportions, truly beautiful

Good luck and keep the photos coming.

froggyman

1985 CCX · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 04:58 PM

Dean

Looking forward to following this build......

Wbulk · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 05:26 PM

I am looking forward to your build. I am really interested to see how things go.

Wayne

PJ4myboo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 05:38 PM

This kit is on my short list. I am really looking forward to seeing your build.
Thanks,
Pete

dlampe · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 06:01 PM

Here is a better look at the drivers foot box and the mounting position for the floor mounted pedal assembly. The top plate will be removable for access and it will be slotted for the pedal arms. If you have the drop foot box option your cover will be different. There is enough room that I didn't think the drop box was necessary so I went with a more original approach and left the floor flat.

Here are a few more frame shots too.

gsharapa · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 07:05 PM

Dean,

You picked a good one (CSX3155) to replicate. Of course I'm partial to black anyway! I love the black pipes against the black car. Can't wait to see more pics as the build moves along.....

dlampe · #8 (**permalink**) 03-14-2010, 06:45 AM

Here is the painted frame.

Now its time for the suspension components to get bolted on. The IRS was being put together in the other room. I should have those shots tomorrow.

Clois Harlan · #9 (**permalink**) 03-14-2010, 02:57 PM

This is what you would expect from a quality builder (such as Hurricane) that has the means, engineering, and desire to produce a quality product for their customer. I wish they had been available when I set out on my coupe project!

Clois

RedBarchetta · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 10:49 AM

Looking forward to watching this one come together.

-Dean (the other one).

dlampe · #11 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 04:44 PM

The front suspension is next. The upper A-arm swedge tubes were shortened to give more adjustment for caster and camber. They took off about 1/4 inch on each end. The lowerer arm has also been shortened a little to get the tires tucked up under the fender well nice and tight.

You can see on the last picture when you look at the front radiator/body support tubes have been changed from 2 inch tube to 1x2 inch tube. This is a great change. It allows them to lower the rack an inch to correct the bump steer issue that some have commented on in the past. I plan to check and report these numbers after the alignment is set. I will probably add the Steeda bump steer kit to provide any fine tuning it might need. I think this change to the frame will fix 99% of the problem.

dlampe · #12 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 06:58 PM

Some of the rear suspension parts were lying around the shop.

That is the 9 inch rear end that comes standard with the kit in the picture with the IRS parts

This has a limited slip with a 2.75 to 1 rear end inside. I needed to go to a real tall gear because 5th in the Richmond is 1 to 1.

Something that makes this rear assembly really cool it that it can be dropped out of the car relitively quickly. You can also buy the car with the live axle and switch to the IRS after the fact at any time. It is all Ford parts.

gsharapa · #13 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 07:01 PM

Some nice changes to the front suspension to help you dial that new Hurricane in....

HMS_Steve · #14 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 03:33 PM

The first two frames have been painted with Imron 5000 gloss black paint and look great. Hurricane is also offering powercoating for the frame and the POR 15 is still available. You can choose any of these three options to finish your frame.

dlampe · #15 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 04:02 PM

As steve mentioned, the suspension is pretty well designed with the end user in mind. I did go with the Hyperco spring package and the adjustable QA1 shocks. Here are a few shots of the springs and shocks installed.

gsharapa · #16 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 05:50 PM

Dean,

Any pics of the sway bar on yet?

Bill Bess · #17 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 06:13 AM

Very nice,
I appreciate the fact that the new Hurricane is working on suspension and handling improvements, these will only make an already great handling car more competitive.
In addition, the fact that you can change the rear end to an IRS after the fact, gives owners more options.
Waiting for more......... Bill

bwcobra15 · #18 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 08:11 AM

Dean, this build thread is so exciting. Its great to see the improvements Hurricane is making, please keep the detailed pictures coming! I've been talking to Jason at HMS and will be ordering January 2011. They should have all the new changes sorted out by then. Looking forward to meeting HMS folks in San Marcos, Texas this month!

combat72 · #19 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 09:17 AM

Dean,
Really looking forward to your build! Hoping to be able to order by 01/2011. Are the axles provided with the IRS standard ford units? If so, do you think there will be any issues with a high HP big block? I know the cars are light but just curious what your thoughts are.

Frank

LMH · #20 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 10:25 AM

Hey Dean
I'm working on my parking brake handle right now and am going to install the longer Lokar handle. I felt like it was closer to original than the standard Lokar handle. I'm making a change-over bracket for mine.
I don't know if it's a big deal to you but if you decide you'd like the longer handle or Paul's mod to the standard Lokar, make the change before installing the cockpit pan! It's a PITA on mine and I wish I had made a bracket change before proceeding with pan.
Larry