Will a Hi Tech fiberglass body fit on a Contemporary frame

mrmustang · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 06:40 PM

Saw the following on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...714577&r=0&t=0

Wondering just how much work has to go into this type of mix and match...........Then again, I'm wondering what the seller (or his agent) means be the term "Its a special project that needs finishing, including some welding".....

Sincerely,

Bill S.

mr bruce · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 06:57 PM

Hecks yea MrMustang,parts is parts.$12.5k don't sound too bad to me. Granted ,this project probably ain't for everybody. ( I build cars from scratch,donchaknow)

mrmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 07:03 PM

Still waiting for the drop top version of your latest creation.....Then again, still waiting to see the finished hardtop version

. Now, still wondering what needs to be welded, or how close the hi tech parts will fit the Contemporary frame and such................

Bill S.

Quote:

Originally posted by mr bruce
( I build cars from scratch,donchaknow)

Specialk · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 07:12 PM

Do you have any Contemporary frame pictures? I think it would be a piece of cake. Sit the body on the frame were it needs to be, then build out to it. Make the superstructure follow the hood and trunk opening, then it will have to fit.

mr bruce · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 07:14 PM

Billy, the grand unveiling is set for April of next year. Top and topless,Merlin and 5.0. In the mean time ,any of you Jersey boys want to make a road trip around the hollidays for a sneak-peek, your more than welcome

Sonny · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 11:25 PM

a quick answer is yes it will fit, but i would advise to go the factory five approach and use aluminum broke sheeting with the rubber sealing, along with the welding if 1x1x.065 ms tubing/1/8x1 ms flats as support frame for the body and drop trying to go the method the body mfg uses. just cut out the excess fiberglass.

Bud Man · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2001, 11:48 PM

To be sure, lots and lots of welding will be necessary here.

The Hi Tech car was a near clone to the original, and while the Contemporary frame shared some similarities to the original cars ladder setup, the frames are very different.

Like the originals, an upper structure was welded up onto the outriggers and various attachment points (Superleggera style)and then the bodies bonded to that tubular structure. As I recall, the Contemporary bodies were bonded to a framework and then bolted to the main chassis rails.

With enough time and money, anything is possible, but I would be concerned about the stresses placed on the body. Several Hi Tech 'glass cars I have seen suffered cracking around the rear door latches (and these were factory bonded bodies).

Bud

scratch · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2001, 09:46 PM

Mr. Mustang,
I have a HiTech Fiberglass body and built my own sq. tube frame and can warn you that the body is very accurate, including the little known "wrap around" under the frame below the sidepipes.

The original 427 curved in AND had a slight drop in the middle (between wheels) when viewed from the side.

In other words you might have interference dropping the shell down over frames which are too wide.

I paid $ 2,500 for the shell...happy with the unit overall (very accurate markings and shape... but I've seen better quality layups and will have to do some minor fiberglass repairs...no bid deal considering.

Good luck.

scratch