289 and 427 street versions

[Jim Holden]

In the picture of CSX3252 and its ERA clone that I posted above, all that was done to the ERA clone fenders was to remove and straighten some of the rear fender opening flare.

The other minor modification is to eliminate the comp gas filler depression to utilize the street fill cap. Again, not a big deal when done at ERA. They've done it a number of times.

Were you to chat Peter at ERA up, they might even be willing to (get out your checkbook) do it for you. It was not major surgery.

Jim

PS: Finding a set of Sunburst Wheels is a bigger challenge...

[*13*]

And another, just cuz...

[Jim Holden]

..and for those of you nit pickers; CSX3252 did not have a hood scoop, but did have an oil cooler/scoop. ...and CSX3252 was an umoslested as it came off the Boat original car.

Jim

[KevinW]

Just an observation, purely based on pics, but it looks to my humble eyes that the ERA 427 looks like a closer clone of a 427 original than the 289 version does to a 289 car. I may well be wrong, and please, this is not meant to detract from anyone's pride and joy or cause offence.

As an aside, I attended an ac owners club meet a couple of years ago, and only then realised how hard it is to properly replicate the beautiful shape of the original Ace/289- its an absolute peach of italian-inspired curvature. I cant put my finger on why, but I've not seen a replica that looks as elegant and that carries such poise.

[*13*]

I think they look pretty accurate. I've seen more originals than 289 ERA Slabs. Maybe I need more study??? It is pretty tough to get the look of those old hand built body's, with some road stress on them.

[KevinW]

- that does look liked a good 'un. Happy to accept im wrong, like i said, comment from pics only.

[*13*]

We'll, it should. It's the real deal. Maybe someone has a pic of an era at the same angle?

[KevinW]

Originally Posted by *13*

We'll, it should. It's the real deal. Maybe someone has a pic of an era at the same angle?

... nice one

[DanEC]

I think one of the important features to try to mimic on either the 427 Street or 289 Street is the belly in the rocker panels that bottoms out around the front of the door. I think the ERAs are so good otherwise, that if you can get that area right (as well as the wheel flares on the 427 cars) you will have captured the character of the originals. If anything, it seems to be even slightly more pronounced on the 289 cars - but most of my observation comes from studying pictures.

[*13*]

Dan, not arguing or trying to stick up for anyone but, I don't see it? I compare the pictures I have to what are at the ERA site & they look pretty damn close. Am I missing something?

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by *13*

Dan, not arguing or trying to stick up for anyone but, I don't see it? I compare the pictures I have to what are at the ERA site & they look pretty damn close. Am I missing something?

I don't think so . They are more than pretty close IMO.

[LMH]

I think what Dan is talking about is the bottom of the body between the fenders. On the original car, it's closer to the ground under the door than it is near the fenders. It's difficult to see on the ERA due to the black car used for the photo's but it looks pretty close, at least what I can see from the photos. I haven't seen one in person yet.
Did I get that right Dan?
Larry

ERA:


Original:

[xb-60]

Umm....and the panels on the ERA 289 look straighter than those on the CSX....

[DanEC]

Yes, you have it right. Based on my 427 car the current ERA has some bow but is generally straighter than the originals. When I built my car I shimmed the rocker panels down to enhance this feature to look a little more like the originals. I could only go so far as a practical matter but it got me closer. I don't know for sure, but as shown in the pictures above the ERA 289 cars are probably about the same.

My point was (is) that while the ERA 289 body shape may be 98% right on - this is one area that can be massaged a little to get even closer to original. I think it's an area that a lot of knowledgeable guys will look at first to distinguish an original from a replica at first glance. But, ERA is probably closer to begin with then most of the other replica manufacturers.

ERAs are great replicas - you can't go wrong with one of them.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Umm....and the panels on the ERA 289 look straighter than those on the CSX....

They likely are.

[DanEC]

This attached Shelby American picture is a good example of an original from a side profile.

Here is the site for the entire series of photos if anyone hasn't seen it before.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/thehen...57629078946882

[strictlypersonl]

Yes, there is a difference in the rocker shape. the original car's rocker had a definite up-curve to the back edge of the front fender. The ERA cars (427 and Small-block) do not have as much up-curve. Originally, on the 427, that was mostly hidden by the side pipes so we weren't concerned. It does show up on the under-car versions of all the models, but only if you're looking for it.

[LMH]

Is that because of the chassis or molding process of the body or??
It doesn't look bad, I'm just curious.
Larry

[DanEC]

But you can compensate for it somewhat in the body work stage and get at least part of the way there. It also seems the curve wasn't quite as pronounced on some of the 427 cars, maybe because of the wheel flares. I sure wish I had worked on the rear wheel lips a little to reduce some of the flare along the front to better match the wide hip 427 originals.

[LMH]

Wow Dan, that is absolutely beautiful!
Larry