Custom Air Dam by Munssey Speed and Design

[garickman]

I just wanted to give a big thumbs up to Jeff from Munssey Speed and Design. I met him on this forum and he posts under Munssey, he also has a website http://www.munsseyspeedanddesign.com/

Anyway, I built a custom jig to mount the entire front end of my 1971 Firebird as if it was actually on the vehicle. I dropped the front end off with Jeff and he is making a complete one-off front air dam/spoiler. He will also be making a custom front splitter, modifying the VFN fiberglass nose and installing hood pins in the VFN fiberglass hood.

Jeff is a really cool car guy and I was pretty impressed with his organization and attention to detail. If you have any work done by him, he sets you up with an account on his website which allows you to access all of his notes and picture updates on the project he is working on. I have never seen that before and I thought it was pretty cool as you can see the status of your project and never have to wonder if any work is being done.

Here is a couple of rough sketches he did for me. Jeff is working off an original design from Manuel who owns Hydyne Motorsports. He was going to build a sema car a few years back but never got around to it because he is now doing some type of engineering on the next generation Aston Martin.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-Drawing-20131212002_zpse339c74b.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-Drawing-20131212001_zpsc9458c9f.jpg.html)

[Bryce]

Looks great. I have his rear bumper on my falcon.

[garickman]

Looks great. I have his rear bumper on my falcon.

I saw that, he makes really nice stuff.

[NOT A TA]

Cool looking air dam.

[SS PUNISHER]

That's gonna look good...

[Ripper]

nice!

Looks very much like what I'm aiming for with my project;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

[garickman]

nice!

Looks very much like what I'm aiming for with my project;

Thanks, I checked out your build thread, very impressive!

[LeighP]

Very nice! I ended up just using a Trans Am centre section spoiler on my 71 Firebird, as very little was available aftermarket.
Some of the stuff out there looks like someone molded it up while high. lol.

From the drawings, it looks like you're using Aerocatches on your project? I used them on mine, very nice lock system.

[Munssey]

I'm sure you're find out once you pop into your private customer page... found some time to start on the plug construction ahead of schedule and I'm already liking what we've got going on. Cant wait to get past stick frame and start shaping for the mold.

You know where to find the rest of the pictures.

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[65 Fastback]

nice!

Looks very much like what I'm aiming for with my project;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

Nice, are you fabricating this yourself or do you have a shop doing the fabrication? I am looking for a very similar front air dam for my '65 fastback.

Tim

[Munssey]

Nice, are you fabricating this yourself or do you have a shop doing the fabrication? I am looking for a very similar front air dam for my '65 fastback.

Tim

All custom fabricated with my own two bare, dirty, un-manicured grubby hands. Got your submission and we'll be in touch soon.

[overZealous1]

are you going fiberglass or metal?

[Buryingthesun]

looks sick, I cant wait to see the results

[Munssey]

are you going fiberglass or metal?
This one will be fiberglass.

[Bryce]

Jeff,

You will be building the front valance on my next build. You just don't know it yet. HAHA.

[garickman]

Jeff,

That's why you are building this for me. You're the man! I saw the rest of the pics and it looks awesome so far. Very cool that you were able to get this started early, there might just be time for that custom close out panel after all! They said about 7-10 day on the custom driving lights. I will send them to you as soon as I get them.

[Munssey]

Jeff,

You will be building the front valance on my next build. You just don't know it yet. HAHA.

I would be nothing less than honored to contribute to any of your rides, sir!

[Munssey]

Jeff,

That's why you are building this for me. You're the man! I saw the rest of the pics and it looks awesome so far. Very cool that you were able to get this started early, there might just be time for that custom close out panel after all! They said about 7-10 day on the custom driving lights. I will send them to you as soon as I get them.

I was way excited to get tearing into it and VERY glad you're happy with the progress.

Cant wait to see the custom lights in place. Doing the rough math, they should probably be here about the time we get back from Barrett Jackson next week.

Just to give family a little tease, i'll flip one more from the progress this last week. As always, you can see the entire collection of update photos on your customer page ;)

Have a great week, Greg.

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[saltfuture]

subcsribed!

[Ripper]

Nice, are you fabricating this yourself or do you have a shop doing the fabrication? I am looking for a very similar front air dam for my '65 fastback.

Tim

I'm not the topic starter, and I don't want to hijack the thread... But yes, I was planning to making it myself. Depends on the design of Munssey's though, but it will probably not fit my (low) budget.

Great progress though! :worship:

[aggie91]

Very nice start. I wish I knew more about fiberglass and the process of making a plug/mold.

[Munssey]

And finally.. in waiting until the custom lights show up to fill in the holes on either side.
(how'd that shop light for dramatic effect get there?!)

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[Bryce]

bad@$$, nice lighting effects.

[garickman]

Looks amazing Jeff!!

[jp455]

nice!

Looks very much like what I'm aiming for with my project;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

Not that I have a patent on it or anything...but Zolland design REALLY shouldnt have made my render public!

[jp455]

In either case...looks like great work, coming along nicely.

[liquidh8]

Looks BA!

[Munssey]

Keeping the progress alive in hopes it inspires others to get out in the garage this weekend and wrench on something.

Got the custom driving lights in from Greg. These look awesome and will have the integrated amber halo for turn signals.

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[Bryce]

Looking good.

[LUV2XLR8]

front chin spoiler starting to really come together.... are you going to glass it?

[67speedfreak]

Looks real good !

[Munssey]

front chin spoiler starting to really come together.... are you going to glass it?

This is step 1 of 3 (Plug Design)

From here, we'll make a mold (step 2) and then use the mold to make the fiberglass or carbon fiber piece (step 3)

[FLYNAVY53]

Where did you order the driving lights from? Im curious as Im starting a 1969 Corvette build and would like to use something similar.


Keeping the progress alive in hopes it inspires others to get out in the garage this weekend and wrench on something.

Got the custom driving lights in from Greg. These look awesome and will have the integrated amber halo for turn signals.

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[garickman]

Where did you order the driving lights from? Im curious as Im starting a 1969 Corvette build and would like to use something similar.

Here is a link to the lights. They are 5th gen camaro hella projector fog lights with an amber led halo that will act as the driving light as well as the turn signals.

http://www.automotivelightstore.com/CamaroFogKit.aspx

[FLYNAVY53]

thanks!!!!

[Hydyne Motorsport]

Looks great...certainly coming along nicely! If I can make a suggestion...a nylon sheet bolted to the bottom will save that low splitter a lot. We've used it in GT cars and it helps tremendously.

[Munssey]

Most definitely. Thanks for the suggestion.

This one may go honeycomb\ Tegris or a CF.
Either way, a curb-hunter for sure!

A very honorable tip of the hat! I understand you had a lot to do with this being around to recreate. My deepest appreciation for the chance to bring this to life for a very noble cause Greg is a part of.

I hope to do you proud with our interpretation of the piece for this build.

[Munssey]

A few more layers of high build and sanding and it'll be ready for casting the mold.

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Btw Greg,

Have I mentioned enough times that I REALLY like these RingBros Hinges? It's a shame they'll be hidden under the hood.
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[garickman]

Jeff, from Munssey Speed and Design just started working on the plug for the splitter. I wanted to post some pictures of just how much work goes into making the plug for the mold. He has several hours of finish sanding just to get ready for the mold.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0004_zpsc166f3ea.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0006_zps00c93ce2.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0005_zpsaac29fbd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0002_zpsb4049faf.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0001-3_zps46288417.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0001-4_zpsd351939a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0003_zpsca20c029.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-0001-6_zps991b9428.jpg.html)

[Ketzer]

VERY cool to see the process unfold!!!

[garickman]

VERY cool to see the process unfold!!!

That's one of the coolest things about Munssey Speed and Design. Jeff takes his custom service to the next level. This is only a sample of the pictures. He has sent me about 75 pictures of the entire process so far and he hasn't even made the mold yet. It is pretty interesting, especially when I had no idea how the process worked.

Anyone wanting any kind of fiberglass or carbon fiber work should really consider Munssey Speed and Design. The other thing he will do is face time if you have an i-phone.

[LeighP]

Really nice....looks great!

[garickman]

Really nice....looks great!

Thank you!

[garickman]

Jeff is the man! Some more of his amazing work. I know I have said this before, but anyone wanting some custom one-off light weight composites for their ride should really contact him at Munssey Speed & Design.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001_zpsf9c7ae63.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-5_zps91516932.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-4_zpseb4aa315.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-3_zps02299021.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-2_zps77638bf4.jpg.html)

[Munssey]

Much too kind, Greg. Thank you very much. I see you found yesterday's updates =)

Got the fender pieces up higher like you requested and I agree, much better look. Still working on blending the plug to the fender sides (they look a little rough in yesterday's updates).

I gotta say, this one has been fun.

I could see a tweaked and reworked version of this going on an early 70's GTO (anyone got a spare one laying around??) ;)

We're right on schedule sir.

[garickman]

As usual, Jeff is going above and beyond to make sure I have very little work, if any to do once I get the front end back. Here you can see how he is a perfectionist when it comes to making sure everything fits properly with perfect gaps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403120004_zps02491afd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403120003_zps32c7d8a3.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403120002_zpsfaa66127.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403120001-3_zps17059bf3.jpg.html)

[Bryce]

Looking good.

[Munssey]

Okay Rick, I know you said to surprise you with the reveal tomorrow so I wont give you pictures of the whole thing... but I will leave you with a teaser pic ;)

Drive save, sir! See you soon.

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[Munssey]

And to close the loop on this one and give ya some finished project photos (and to share with everyone else) here are the final project pics.

This Firebird is going to be one awesome looking ride when it's all done. Glad I could be part of the project. This one was fun.

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[Bryce]

Looks great jeff.

[liquidh8]

That is awesome!

[garickman]

Well, as everyone can see the front end is pretty much done and it is awesome. The pictures don't do it justice. What you don't see in the pics is a very trick core support close out panel as well as trick panel for the underside of the hood to conceal the hood pin latches. Jeff is making some final tweaks on those panels but once I get back I will post some photos. Jeff has been amazing to work with and the customer service is second to none.

One of the greatest things about these forums is the ability to meet new people. I met Jeff through this forum and it couldn't have worked out better for me.

Thanks again Jeff for the amazing work and support on my project.

[95riosnake]

I love this project! Gives me ideas for possibly making a splitter/lip for my car (nobody makes one other than cheesy 2000 Cobra R reproduction front bumper covers).

I'm curious about the fogs you used, I checked the link you provided and found some dimensions on them, they'd work perfectly for me. What bulb type do they take? Are they a D2S bulb?

[kbscobravert]

I love seeing how this stuff is fabricated and would love to try my hand but I am not a good enough craftsman.


I love this project! Gives me ideas for possibly making a splitter/lip for my car (nobody makes one other than cheesy 2000 Cobra R reproduction front bumper covers).

I'm curious about the fogs you used, I checked the link you provided and found some dimensions on them, they'd work perfectly for me. What bulb type do they take? Are they a D2S bulb?

Make TWO! :)

[95riosnake]

I love seeing how this stuff is fabricated and would love to try my hand but I am not a good enough craftsman.



Make TWO! :)

Haha I didn't know you were on here! Small world lol

[Munssey]

Looks great jeff.

Thank ya, sir! Second half of the Solo schedule is out so I look forward to getting down to an event w ya soon enough. Sill wanna visit Agent47 and peek in on their Falcon build too. You know... with ALL that free time both of us have!

[Munssey]

Well, as everyone can see the front end is pretty much done and it is awesome. The pictures don't do it justice. What you don't see in the pics is a very trick core support close out panel as well as trick panel for the underside of the hood to conceal the hood pin latches. Jeff is making some final tweaks on those panels but once I get back I will post some photos. Jeff has been amazing to work with and the customer service is second to none.

One of the greatest things about these forums is the ability to meet new people. I met Jeff through this forum and it couldn't have worked out better for me.

Thanks again Jeff for the amazing work and support on my project.

Awe shucks, thanks =) Not only do we meet cool peeps on here, but cool dogs too. Love, love, love your pups and glad we got to see them again on the pickup trip.

I have a feeling this wont be our last project together.

[Munssey]

I love seeing how this stuff is fabricated and would love to try my hand but I am not a good enough craftsman.



Make TWO! :)

It's easy! You just start doing it wrong A LOT and eventually, you don't do it wrong as much =)

In all honesty, you can do anything with guidance from the amount of amazing skill in this community. I think I speak for any of the crafty folks here when I say I'm just a PM away for even the silliest of questions if anyone cares to give it a try.

You never know.. you might be better than you give yourself credit for ;)

[sccacuda]

Looks awesome. Love the way you incorporated the the bulge to mimic the body. True art!

[MrQuick]

Nice work Jeff,

Can't wait to get this one done. I just hope we can get the rest of the car close to Greg's vision.

I know one thing, its going to be low.

the cars that inspired the build

[Munssey]

Thank you, sir!

I think this will be a very unique ride when it's done. Glad to be part of it and I am on board with the color scheme. It's going to look amazing and I hope that everything works out.

[R32Jordie]

I love reading these well documented DIY threads. thanks for posting, it came out really nice.

[jp455]

Bringing the thread back a bit...I must have missed it but what became of this project? The whole car I mean...I know the valance part was done.