DSE Closeout...

[Steve1968LS2]

No, they are not having a sale.. lol

I got my DSE block off panel in the mail Friday.. Thought you guys might like to see :)

I would like to note how well packaged it was in its own little "mini crate".. I almost want to mail it back to them since it was so nice.. lol

The part is a lot more intricate that I thought it would be, it's certainly more than a flat piece of aluminum. It's also very light.

I am going to install it like this but later, when I ditch my factory hood latch, I am gonna weld up the center area and just use my hood pins.

Note: I also updated my "car update" with pics of my coated headers, Wilwood brakes and new shifter.

[Todds69]

Yeah that thing is sweet...I've been a little tempted to buy one but am fearful for my life, of my wife...not to mention limited funds right now.

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

Steve Thats Very Nice ....what Are Your Plans ? Polished Or Painted ?

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve Thats Very Nice ....what Are Your Plans ? Polished Or Painted ?

No polished or chromed parts on Penny (except for the back bumper)..

Painted but I am not sure what color.. satin black, charcoal grey (to match subframe) or body color..

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

Ok Yeah That Piece Would Look A Bit Funny Polished ...im Redoing My Car Too I Will Be Losing The Latch To Make More Room For An Intercooler ...are You Goin With A 402 Ls2 ?

[CAMAROBOY69]

Keep us updated on the install and the pics of this close out piece. I have been seriously considering buying one from DSE eventually. I would hate to paint such a beautiful piece but I think if I left it bare it would not look right on my Camaro since my entire top half of the car will be black. The bottom half will be silver.

[mikey]

I really like your 69 SS and I feel your pain with the body shop. I've been doing it for close to 30 years And it's really rare for me to please myself. Customers and the boss love itwhen I'm done though thats all that matters.

[Steve68]

satin black, I would have to paint mine gloss though, thats what the core support inner fenders, and firewall are already painted,

[Rick Dorion]

I've been going with a charcoal gray theme myself for the intake, valve covers and accessory brackets. I love that piece and am getting frustrated making a simpler version.

[Travis B]

steve is it aluminum or steel? Might look good brushed and cleared....

[Doug Cooper]

Steve, I think it needs to blend in and not be a focal point. What direction are you headed? Doug

[TonyHuntimer]

Hey Steve,

How about hard anodizing it? Much more durable than paint, and it will protect against elements. Make sure it's "hard" anodized. Standard anodizing is much thinner and fades in the sun faster.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve,

How about hard anodizing it? Much more durable than paint, and it will protect against elements. Make sure it's "hard" anodized. Standard anodizing is much thinner and fades in the sun faster.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

I thought of that but if I weld up the center hole I don't think it's thick enough to look right. Ive even considered doing it in the same thermal coat as my headers.. not sure.

[Steve1968LS2]

steve is it aluminum or steel? Might look good brushed and cleared....

It's aluminum.. but see my comment regarding welding up the center..

The inner fenders will be body color as will the firewall.. so body color would blend but I feel it will be "too much of a good thing".. I am leaning towards satin black.. Luckly I have time to figure it oud :)

[Travis B]

It's aluminum.. but see my comment regarding welding up the center..

The inner fenders will be body color as will the firewall.. so body color would blend but I feel it will be "too much of a good thing".. I am leaning towards satin black.. Luckly I have time to figure it oud :)


I agree on the to much body color comment....a nice satin black would probably be your best bet!

[6'9"Witha69]

Steve, I say ypu match the color of your wheels. It carries the theme while providing a nice contrast under the hood.

[Jim Nilsen]

Hey Steve, That is a real nice piece. To cover the hole up why don't you have Larry make you up a Pro-Touring logo emblem to cover it up or maybe a plate that has a design you like. I have seen guys even put the name of their car in a place like that. A large oversize penny would be cool. If you just use an adhesive or rivet it on you can change it anytime you want. Just a thought? that way you don't have to fill the hole at all.

Jim Nilsen

[rockdogz]

Hey Steve, That is a real nice piece. To cover the hole up why don't you have Larry make you up a Pro-Touring logo emblem to cover it up or maybe a plate that has a design you like. I have seen guys even put the name of their car in a place like that. A large oversize penny would be cool. If you just use an adhesive or rivet it on you can change it anytime you want. Just a thought? that way you don't have to fill the hole at all.

Jim Nilsen

Cool idea, I remember getting an oversize penny - or maybe it was a dime - in a gift shop one time, it's like 4" in diameter or so...

[Bill Howell]

Hey Steve, That is a real nice piece. To cover the hole up why don't you have Larry make you up a Pro-Touring logo emblem to cover it up or maybe a plate that has a design you like. I have seen guys even put the name of their car in a place like that. A large oversize penny would be cool. If you just use an adhesive or rivet it on you can change it anytime you want. Just a thought? that way you don't have to fill the hole at all.

Jim Nilsen

Great idea Jim.
Steve don't forget about my emblem guy. Kevin does killer work and very creative. He can probably come up with a one off design for "Penny".
(disclaimer:This is not an advertisement in any way.)

[Y-TRY]

I was looking at that thing, too. I actually made one just like it out of cardboard before I saw them for sale. I'm trying to design it as part of some heat shielding going under there, and boxing-in my airfilters with the areas behind the lights.

Ok, HONEST opinion- Is there anything on that piece to justify paying the $400 for it over just cutting one yourself on a brake? Are the edges beveled and whole thing countoured or anything? No offense intended to DSE. But with it in hand, is it $400 of magic or just a piece of metal cut to fit? Did you get it in hand and go "oh, I coulda made this myself for $50"

[Damn True]

Great idea Jim.
Steve don't forget about my emblem guy. Kevin does killer work and very creative. He can probably come up with a one off design for "Penny".
(disclaimer:This is not an advertisement in any way.)



Yeah, have it copper plated and BAM!

[BMF Machine]

Or better yet, cut it out of copper? Badda, Bing, Bam?:twothumbs Polishes up real pretty?


Kevin:smoke:

[zbugger]

Ummm.... Steve, sir, can I make a comment? This body color on the firewall and fenderwells is leading only in one direction on an older car. Show car. You did want to stay away from this, right? And you said your '69 was too show for you? Well, what I'm saying is that for a cleaner look, the engine compartment should be black. With that closeout being black as well, it will blend right in. The engine will stand out more for that show look, but without being too showy. Get my drift? Have you lost focus on your original plan for this car? I say go black. It's more basic that way, and still a clean look. Go simple.

[Damn True]

Ummm.... Steve, sir, can I make a comment? This body color on the firewall and fenderwells is leading only in one direction on an older car. Show car. You did want to stay away from this, right? And you said your '69 was too show for you? Well, what I'm saying is that for a cleaner look, the engine compartment should be black. With that closeout being black as well, it will blend right in. The engine will stand out more for that show look, but without being too showy. Get my drift? Have you lost focus on your original plan for this car? I say go black. It's more basic that way, and still a clean look. Go simple.



I'm with stu......er.....I agree.

[Steve1968LS2]

Ummm.... Steve, sir, can I make a comment? This body color on the firewall and fenderwells is leading only in one direction on an older car. Show car. You did want to stay away from this, right? And you said your '69 was too show for you? Well, what I'm saying is that for a cleaner look, the engine compartment should be black. With that closeout being black as well, it will blend right in. The engine will stand out more for that show look, but without being too showy. Get my drift? Have you lost focus on your original plan for this car? I say go black. It's more basic that way, and still a clean look. Go simple.

A go car that look nice enough to take to an event is not a "show car".. I am not trying to build a rat rod.. lol..

I just like body colored engine bays, they look more updated. The engine is going to be done in blacks, greys and a little brush alum.. very low key so as to contrast to the body colored bad. If you have seen my coated headers.. well that's the tone for the engine .. industrial

Trust me :)

[Damn True]

Well I'm looking fwd to seeing it.

Speaking of "go-cars". You oughta contact that dude with the Torino and invite him to the PT.com/Lat-G party. Seems like a pretty regular guy, with a very cool car.

[zbugger]

Trust me :)
I don't trust anybody..... :wedgie:

[Steve1968LS2]

Well I'm looking fwd to seeing it.

Speaking of "go-cars". You oughta contact that dude with the Torino and invite him to the PT.com/Lat-G party. Seems like a pretty regular guy, with a very cool car.


Yea, Martin Pond is a cool "regular guy".. he owns a tire/auto shop up in your area called Tidewater Tire. The guy likes to hit the track up there quite a bit.

The Torino was a cool ride.. :cool:

[Bob Johnson]

Ummm.... Steve, sir, can I make a comment? This body color on the firewall and fenderwells is leading only in one direction on an older car. Show car. You did want to stay away from this, right? And you said your '69 was too show for you? Well, what I'm saying is that for a cleaner look, the engine compartment should be black. With that closeout being black as well, it will blend right in. The engine will stand out more for that show look, but without being too showy. Get my drift? Have you lost focus on your original plan for this car? I say go black. It's more basic that way, and still a clean look. Go simple.
and satin black at that..none of that glossy sh*t

[Todds69]

Satin black on the DSE panel would look nice, or just leave it alone.

[Bob Johnson]

Steve pull up some pix from Johnny Hunkins of the Battle Axe engine compt. I haven't ever seen an engine compt. on a non show car look more appealing for the competition minded guy. Alan made everything in the area go away ie radiator, hoses,master cylinder, nitrous solenoids, etc. The engine was the whole focus. Everything was business looking. The air cleaner was built into the cowl since we didn't have room for an air cleaner due to us raising the engine for ground clearance. I personally don't care for big engine covers and panels covering up everything. but different taste is what makes the world go round. It would be boring if we all did things alike

[Steve1968LS2]

Satin black on the DSE panel would look nice, or just leave it alone.

You really can't just "leave it alone".. it's just bare sheet aluminum and has tooling and grinding marks near the corners (the points).

I am thinking of the same color as the wheels, a satin/flat charcoal to sorta tie it all together :)

Second choice would be a satin silver (so it LOOKS aluminum).. third is satin black. I would go flat but I don't think it would hold up well.

[JayBird]

Steve, I just ordered mine. Kyle told me to sand it with 150 ,300, 600 and then 1200 with a DA, it will remove the tool marks. The you could hand brush it with scotch brite and then use flat clear. This is what I plan to do.

Second choice would be to use satin silver.

[Rick Dorion]

What gauge aluminum is it?

[J2speedandcustom]

Steve that looks cool.

I saw the one on Alumi8r at Barretts, it was silver painted and looked really nice. The Charcoal idea you have would be SWEET!

Another awesome part from the crew at DSE. :twothumbs

[zbugger]

and satin black at that..none of that glossy sh*t
See, that's what I'm talking about. Damnit Steve!! Look who's agreeing with me!! Trust me on this one. It's one of my pet peeves to see a car done wrong, and after seeing your blue car, and hearing what you're aiming for with Penny, I think you're gonna miss again. Don't get me wrong, I've liked every car I've seen you have had, but you're doing the same thing again. Get some other opinions. Damnit, if I could only get my car going again to show you, you'd understand..... Or not. :nopity:

[zbugger]

Oh yeah. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, shows off simplicity and basic like a black engine compartment. Everything can disappear in there, yet the engine just stands out.

[Steve1968LS2]

See, that's what I'm talking about. Damnit Steve!! Look who's agreeing with me!! Trust me on this one. It's one of my pet peeves to see a car done wrong, and after seeing your blue car, and hearing what you're aiming for with Penny, I think you're gonna miss again. Don't get me wrong, I've liked every car I've seen you have had, but you're doing the same thing again. Get some other opinions. Damnit, if I could only get my car going again to show you, you'd understand..... Or not. :nopity:

You think I'm going to listen to a guy that spent $750k on a car?? lol.. If had that coin to spend my engine bay would not be painted either.. it would brushed titanium .. lol

I won't miss.. the idea is the for the car to look updated and low bling. To me a color matched engine bay unifies it with the car and if done right the engine still "pops".

If anything the color matched bay is LESS distracting since it blends with the fenders, hood and valances. This causes the motor to stand out more.

The closeout will NOT be body color.. just not positive what it will be.. satin black or satin charcoal grey.. was toying with doing the same thermal coat as the headers to tie it in..

Penny will not be the same, every part will be purposeful and the the only substancial piece of chrome will be the back bumper. The LS2 will not have FR covers and will instead rely on better engineering and planning.

Either way.. we shall see, I have a vision in my head and time will tell if I can execute it the right way.

Oh, and as for my blue car.. what didn't come out the way I wanted on the car had more to do with engineering. I wish I had done mini-tubs, I wish I had done a cage, I wish I had a more capable suspension, I wish it had a more "track" feel to it. I really had less to do with looks.

As I said, not building a Rat-Touring car, but I am tired of chrome and flash .. :)

[Bob Johnson]

You think I'm going to listen to a guy that spent $750k on a car?? lol.. If had that coin to spend my engine bay would not be painted either.. it would brushed titanium .. lol

I won't miss.. the idea is the for the car to look updated and low bling. To me a color matched engine bay unifies it with the car and if done right the engine still "pops".

If anything the color matched bay is LESS distracting since it blends with the fenders, hood and valances. This causes the motor to stand out more.

The closeout will NOT be body color.. just not positive what it will be.. satin black or satin charcoal grey.. was toying with doing the same thermal coat as the headers to tie it in..

Penny will not be the same, every part will be purposeful and the the only substancial piece of chrome will be the back bumper. The LS2 will not have FR covers and will instead rely on better engineering and planning.

Either way.. we shall see, I have a vision in my head and time will tell if I can execute it the right way.

Oh, and as for my blue car.. what didn't come out the way I wanted on the car had more to do with engineering. I wish I had done mini-tubs, I wish I had done a cage, I wish I had a more capable suspension, I wish it had a more "track" feel to it. I really had less to do with looks.

As I said, not building a Rat-Touring car, but I am tired of chrome and flash .. :)
Steverino..I want you to pull up some photos Hunkins took of the Battle Axe engine bay..now I didn't spend $750K on it. In fact, it was very minimal..but I have yet to see one that I liked better for a street fighter. Please look at it and critique it..tell me what you see that is wrong..or what would improve it..please don't say you would have put that enclosure on it..if you make the radiator, fan,hoses, clamps, etc. go away, you just don't pay any attention to them. Hiding stuff with a panel just doesn't cut it in my book. but my book is pretty simple and short..just my humble opinion..it's your car and it should be done to please you..you have looked around and know what you like. I just don't want my stuff to look like anybody elses..

[Damn True]

I'd like to see some photos of the Axe's engine bay as well.

Just an aside, Bob. The closeout, if installed with some forethought has a functional element as well in that it can be used to more effectively seal off the area forward of the core support. This prevents reversion of air from the engine compartment and increases the efficiency of the cooling system.

It could be just for looks, but it dosen't have to be.

[Bob Johnson]

I'd like to see some photos of the Axe's engine bay as well.

Just an aside, Bob. The closeout, if installed with some forethought has a functional element as well in that it can be used to more effectively seal off the area forward of the core support. This prevents reversion of air from the engine compartment and increases the efficiency of the cooling system.

It could be just for looks, but it dosen't have to be.
I didn't even remotely have that problem..the Axe was as cool as a cucumber..if I had that problem, I might do something like that, but I would prefer something that everyone else didn't have. I had a big ol Walker black radiator in it and it cooled that puppy way down..I would like to get True's opinion as well as anyone else's..I'm a big boy..hope I don't get lashed like the Mustang in Alabama..leave my 20's out..I know you guys don't like them.. :bananna2:

[Steve1968LS2]

I'd like to see some photos of the Axe's engine bay as well.

Just an aside, Bob. The closeout, if installed with some forethought has a functional element as well in that it can be used to more effectively seal off the area forward of the core support. This prevents reversion of air from the engine compartment and increases the efficiency of the cooling system.

It could be just for looks, but it dosen't have to be.

Ask and you shall recieve :)

http://popularhotrodding.com/features/phr_0401_johnson/

The closeout is 80% asthetic and 20% functional.. mainly it lets me hide the area where my hood latch once resided. There is no shame in trying to look good and the closeout blocks off a lot of visual clutter.

[protour_chevelle]

Ummm.... Steve, sir, can I make a comment? This body color on the firewall and fenderwells is leading only in one direction on an older car. Show car. You did want to stay away from this, right? And you said your '69 was too show for you? Well, what I'm saying is that for a cleaner look, the engine compartment should be black. With that closeout being black as well, it will blend right in. The engine will stand out more for that show look, but without being too showy. Get my drift? Have you lost focus on your original plan for this car? I say go black. It's more basic that way, and still a clean look. Go simple.
Couldn't agree anymore. A nice satin black paint job with a clean firewall, clean wheel tubs, etc looks 100% nicer then a body color matched engine bay. Just my opinion.

-Matt

[Bob Johnson]

Ask and you shall recieve :)

http://popularhotrodding.com/features/phr_0401_johnson/

The closeout is 80% asthetic and 20% functional.. mainly it lets me hide the area where my hood latch once resided. There is no shame in trying to look good and the closeout blocks off a lot of visual clutter.
I'm waiting for the critique..what's wrong with it? Don't point out the alternator wire that isn't inside the tube..alt. went bad..changed it and I wasn't as slick as Alan..but we all knew that already..but I write a mean check..clean as hell..look at the hose CLAMPS.....I first saw that on a 57 Olds that Hardy Race Cars had done @ SEMA..I called Alan immediately..He loved the idea..soon after Alloway and everyone saw our first one and was doing it..they were from diesel trucks..what should we have done to improve it? Doesn't Johnny have more pix of the engine compartment. Doug Cooper owns it now..he could get us some pix on here if we can't see enuff to critique it properly.

[Bob Johnson]

I don't believe no one one this site can't see anything they don't like in that engine compartment. What could we have changed that would have made it better? Do you need better pictures..Someone must have an opinion..it's not high buck..Don 't worry about pissing me off..you won't..I want some opinions..It's done very different from what everyone was doing 3 years ago when we did it...

[rocketrod]

I don't believe no one one this site can't see anything they don't like in that engine compartment. What could we have changed that would have made it better? Do you need better pictures..Someone must have an opinion..it's not high buck..Don 't worry about pissing me off..you won't..I want some opinions..It's done very different from what everyone was doing 3 years ago when we did it...
VERY NICE!!! If I was going to nit pick here are a few things I would look it. The mix of black rubber hoses and braided lines (power steering lines and fuel line to carb). Braided lines with endura finished fittings would have looked nice. Replace the black intake manifold bolts with stainless steel bolts and make sure carb holddown bolts & distributor holddown match. Also as you mentioned the wiring to the alternator, but its kind of hard to hide given its size, color and location.

[Travis B]

VERY NICE!!! If I was going to nit pick here are a few things I would look it. The mix of black rubber hoses and braided lines (power steering lines and fuel line to carb). Braided lines with endura finished fittings would have looked nice. Replace the black intake manifold bolts with stainless steel bolts and make sure carb holddown bolts & distributor holddown match. Also as you mentioned the wiring to the alternator, but its kind of hard to hide given its size, color and location.


Actually you cant really count the hoses because what would you do different? the PS lines have to be braided or that ugly black factory stuff....were not going there! You can't run a braided lower rad hose with the stewart water pump that comes with the front runner so theres no point in running a braided upper! I actually like the black fasteners if they all match....which I'm sure they do! I like the eingine bay in the car think it looks purposeful and not overdone....just wish I had seen the car in person!

[Bob Johnson]

VERY NICE!!! If I was going to nit pick here are a few things I would look it. The mix of black rubber hoses and braided lines (power steering lines and fuel line to carb). Braided lines with endura finished fittings would have looked nice. Replace the black intake manifold bolts with stainless steel bolts and make sure carb holddown bolts & distributor holddown match. Also as you mentioned the wiring to the alternator, but its kind of hard to hide given its size, color and location.
thanks for the critique..Alan had the Alt. wires in the tube all neat and all..then the Alternator went out..I changed it and Viola..couldn't get it back looking right.. I can't stand stainless braided radiator hoses and air conditioning hoses..when we started this project over 3.5 years ago, the black braided hose was just coming around..I still like the matt silver look all around the engine..I'm not so sure the black fuel and P.S. hose would look better to me..

[Steve Chryssos]

Keep waitin. There ain't nothing wrong with the Axe's engine bay. The only problem is that Doug uses his great aunt Gertrude's shower cap to cover the carburetor when parked at Captree on Sunday mornings. He needs to make him up a little billet cover with an O ring and he HAS the technology.

[rocketrod]

thanks for the critique..Alan had the Alt. wires in the tube all neat and all..then the Alternator went out..I changed it and Viola..couldn't get it back looking right.. I can't stand stainless braided radiator hoses and air conditioning hoses..when we started this project over 3.5 years ago, the black braided hose was just coming around..I still like the matt silver look all around the engine..I'm not so sure the black fuel and P.S. hose would look better to me..
I actually meant go braided with all the remaining lines except the radiator hoses, but I left that out of the original post. As for the radiator hoses you can't really see the bottom one anyway and personally I haven't seen anything I like for the top hose so I just use a black flex hose. Also where did you get the black clamps (heat shrink?) for the radiator hoses as they really make for a clean looking connection.


Actually you cant really count the hoses because what would you do different? the PS lines have to be braided or that ugly black factory stuff....were not going there! You can't run a braided lower rad hose with the stewart water pump that comes with the front runner so theres no point in running a braided upper!
Read reply above.

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm waiting for the critique..what's wrong with it?


Why would I critique that car??? In fact I gave it a PHR top-ten award at the Hershey Goodguys show. Just because I would do something a bit different does not mean that what was done was in any way "wrong".. So if you are waiting for a negative comment then I hope you have a comphy chair. :)

Oh, and that car is really not good for you to use in regards to a color matched engine bay since the car is black and the bay is black.. lol.. If Penny was black then the engine bay would be so as well. Also, since the engine bay on the Battle Axe is high gloss black then that even shows more that the bay was painted to match the car and not done in the more factory satin black. Thanks for helping me make my point! :doh:

lol

[Travis B]

I actually meant go braided with all the remaining lines except the radiator hoses, but I left that out of the original post.


Oh ok....thats a little more clear, I was thinking hard on what else could be done with that upper...thats what had me confused about your post.... :smoke:

I agree I really like the shrink wrap clamps. I plan on usins those on my car!

[rocketrod]

Oh ok....thats a little more clear, I was thinking hard on what else could be done with that upper...thats what had me confused about your post.... :smoke:

I agree I really like the shrink wrap clamps. I plan on usins those on my car!
I need to make sure I am awake :sleeping: before I post.

[DLinson]

Steve, I like the body color engine bay. I don't know why so many people have such a problem with body color engine bays and polished aluminum and why they are perceived as all show and no go? Paint and polish doesn't have any affect on the performance, it's just a different style. Bob's Cuda is a different style, all of the brushed aluminum and carbon fiber is just as much if not more style rather than function. If the brushed aluminum on his engine were polished instead would it perform any less? The brushed aluminum and carbon fiber look great and the car is up there on my favorites list. I'm still partial to Chycane which has the body color engine bay. It's the look I prefer, even though my Nova took a different style. Yes mine is painted body color with custom polished aluminum parts everywhere, it's what I like. Do what you like and let others do what they want. If you care about resale value, then you may want to ask the masses.

As far as the closeout panel, I like the wheel color idea. Too many different colors may look too busy, maybe keep it to two or three different colors. That' my opinion.

DLinson

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, I like the body color engine bay. I don't know why so many people have such a problem with body color engine bays and polished aluminum and why they are perceived as all show and no go? Paint and polish doesn't have any affect on the performance, it's just a different style. Bob's Cuda is a different style, all of the brushed aluminum and carbon fiber is just as much if not more style rather than function. If the brushed aluminum on his engine were polished instead would it perform any less? The brushed aluminum and carbon fiber look great and the car is up there on my favorites list. I'm still partial to Chycane which has the body color engine bay. It's the look I prefer, even though my Nova took a different style. Yes mine is painted body color with custom polished aluminum parts everywhere, it's what I like. Do what you like and let others do what they want. If you care about resale value, then you may want to ask the masses.

As far as the closeout panel, I like the wheel color idea. Too many different colors may look too busy, maybe keep it to two or three different colors. That' my opinion.

DLinson

Because the "show car crowd" that would trailer their cars from event to event had crome coming out of every oriface.. this has almost "stigmatized" a car like that as one that doesn't hit the track. In fact a "show car" has nothing to do with the car and everything to do with the mentality of the owner. My 2000 SS had a chromed out engine bay you could eat off of. Polished HRE wheels and I won stacks of car show trophies. I also took it to Buttonwillow for Open Track days and hit the drag strip from time to time. A guy from Hot Rod saw it at a Buttonwillow race and wanted to shoot it but Friberger nixed it cause "It's too nice, nobody will buy we found it at the track".. seriously.. that's what he said.

In the end I always do what I like, but I like feedback from my peers when I get mentally "stuck" on a concept or idea. My '69 was full of flash and bling so I want this ride to go a different route. After all, it's easy to do the same thing over an over again. All my pullies are in right now being glass beaded and hard black annodized. All brackets, plates and covers are being done in Antracite. The subframe and core support are powdered in Charcoal grey and the supension parts will be raw aluminum. The valve covers, hood hinges, various caps will be brushed aluminum. I haven't deciede what color to paint the FAST intake, I am waiting to be inspired.. lol

The Closeout will be done in the same color as my wheel centers (a satin dark grey) if they can match it. If not then a satin black. I like layering shades of metalic colors over having a monotone look. More visual interest. I plan on kicking ass at show and at the track. It's a stupid rule that they are mutually exclusive.

As for doing all your stuff in polish, I say go for it.. Imagine how much worse the guy at the track will feel when he gets his ass handed to him by a "show car" :lmao:

[ss dave]

Reading this thread convienced me to pull the trigger and buy one yesterday. I gave it alot of thought and decided that it will really change the look under the lid. My car is both show 'n go. I built it to drive and drive hard and put away wet, but it still looks good. I entered the car recently in this area's largest car show and did well. (no thropies, just alot of wow's, pics and comments). I know I couldn't fab one to look as nice w/o alot of clock and $$$. I'll probably coat it satin black to match the bay and contrast the engine chrome. They must be propular due to back orders. By the way thanks to Steve you can see it in May's PHR Hometown section. Unfortunately with the hood closed and no closeout.

[MuscleRodz]

All my pullies are in right now being glass beaded and hard black annodized. All brackets, plates and covers are being done in Antracite.
:lmao:

Are you glass beading them to dull them? I am guessing you have billet pulleys. What is Antracite? Never heard of it.

Mike

[Steve1968LS2]

Are you glass beading them to dull them? I am guessing you have billet pulleys. What is Antracite? Never heard of it.

Mike

Ok, the aluminum pullies I have ara a hodge-podge of styles and finishes.. the only way to make the black hard anodizing uniform is to strip the finishes on there now and blast the surfaces to get them the same.

Anthracite is a color.. it a low gloss dark greyish color.. Sorta like my wheels.

[Bob Johnson]

Keep waitin. There ain't nothing wrong with the Axe's engine bay. The only problem is that Doug uses his great aunt Gertrude's shower cap to cover the carburetor when parked at Captree on Sunday mornings. He needs to make him up a little billet cover with an O ring and he HAS the technology.
I used to do the shower cap routine..what else was I going to use those shower caps for?

[Bob Johnson]

Why would I critique that car??? In fact I gave it a PHR top-ten award at the Hershey Goodguys show. Just because I would do something a bit different does not mean that what was done was in any way "wrong".. So if you are waiting for a negative comment then I hope you have a comphy chair. :)

Oh, and that car is really not good for you to use in regards to a color matched engine bay since the car is black and the bay is black.. lol.. If Penny was black then the engine bay would be so as well. Also, since the engine bay on the Battle Axe is high gloss black then that even shows more that the bay was painted to match the car and not done in the more factory satin black. Thanks for helping me make my point! :doh:

lol
the engine bay on the Axe was a combination of gloss and semi gloss...firewall was gloss, but the core support/inner fenders were semi gloss..I don't care for the high gloss look everywhere..I like to mix the surfaces to have a little contrast..I wouldn't have glossed the firewall, but we had welded up the holes and had it looking good, so we decided to gloss it..

[MuscleRodz]

Ok, the aluminum pullies I have ara a hodge-podge of styles and finishes.. the only way to make the black hard anodizing uniform is to strip the finishes on there now and blast the surfaces to get them the same.

Anthracite is a color.. it a low gloss dark greyish color.. Sorta like my wheels.
Makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

Mike

[onebad2]

I like how the Motor is the focal point on AXE Thats what i would like to do with my car. like a flat black with the motor painted silver and flat cleared. But body color would look good too with to route im going with the car! I JUST CANT DECIDE!!! any opinions???

[Scott Parkhurst]

[QUOTE=Bob Johnson]I didn't even remotely have that problem..the Axe was as cool as a cucumber..


FYI Bob- I LOVE that you adopted that name for the car...I put lots of thought and love into that feature story, and you adopting the name I came up with was really cool. I don't think I ever told ya that...

~SP~

[BADVELLE]

Bob -

Any pic's of the rear suspension? What type do y'all use, I presume a 3-link?? I want to run the same rear end, but with my Chevelle's factory 4-link setup, I must go another route with the suspension, at least I believe I do. BTW - Very nice ride, when you sold that one, the check probably barely paid for the brake system on the Cuda, am I right!!! Take care.

[Y-TRY]

Okay, Steve, really...

Is the close-out worth the dough?

I have access to the tools needed to make my own. Buyng one would be easier. But is there something magical about the DSE one? They are awfully proud of it ($)

[Travis B]

Bob -

Any pic's of the rear suspension? What type do y'all use, I presume a 3-link?? I want to run the same rear end, but with my Chevelle's factory 4-link setup, I must go another route with the suspension, at least I believe I do. BTW - Very nice ride, when you sold that one, the check probably barely paid for the brake system on the Cuda, am I right!!! Take care.


bobs car has independent rear????

[Steve1968LS2]

Okay, Steve, really...

Is the close-out worth the dough?

I have access to the tools needed to make my own. Buyng one would be easier. But is there something magical about the DSE one? They are awfully proud of it ($)

Yes, unless you have a ****load of fab equipment.. if you have the tools and the skills then make your own. BUT it's far more than a flat piece of aluminum. Every edge is rolled over and formed and even the hole for the hood latch has a contour to it.

I was actually expecting a flat piece and was surprised how intricate it really is. Look at it this way.. At even $50 an hour could you make one in 7 hours? I sure as hell couldn't.. lol. I imagin it involves some pretty special machines to form the piece. I will see if I can take some more detailed pics to explain.

I will also report back on how it fits.. I can't comment on that since I haven't installed it yet. I have always hated the void in front or the core support and this filled the bill perfectly.

[BADVELLE]

bobs car has independent rear????


Battle Axe has a solid rear axle, Currie.

[Steve1968LS2]

Okay, Steve, really...

Is the close-out worth the dough?

I have access to the tools needed to make my own. Buyng one would be easier. But is there something magical about the DSE one? They are awfully proud of it ($)

Here are some pics I ran out and took.. as you can see there is not one single easy edge on this piece. Every edge is rolled one was or another and there are NO out of place seems and such.

I'm not a metal fab guy but I get the idea that this would be HARD to make without a good set of equipment, a lot of skill and a good amout of time. Not to mention the time to measure it all out and make a template.

Also, keep in mind that you would have to fab the support bars as well and that would involve welding :)

I think DSE should have some better pics on thier site. From the angle they show it looks like a mainly flat plate of aluminum and it's not.

Here are the shots.. thoughts?

[rocketrod]

Others may disagree, but after seeing more detailed pics I would say DSE's price is justified. I have a feeling I know where a portion of my tax return is going....

[ACEFOOTER]

Yes, unless you have a ****load of fab equipment.. if you have the tools and the skills then make your own. BUT it's far more than a flat piece of aluminum. Every edge is rolled over and formed and even the hole for the hood latch has a contour to it.

I was actually expecting a flat piece and was surprised how intricate it really is. Look at it this way.. At even $50 an hour could you make one in 7 hours? I sure as hell couldn't.. lol. I imagin it involves some pretty special machines to form the piece. I will see if I can take some more detailed pics to explain.

I will also report back on how it fits.. I can't comment on that since I haven't installed it yet. I have always hated the void in front or the core support and this filled the bill perfectly.

I've been surprised how quick some metal guys are. Paul @ New Metal Kustomz roughed out a matching pair of these upper door panel trims in about 6 hours. They're sheet steel not alum. but the bends go three different ways. DSE piece is awsome though!

[Bob Johnson]

Bob -

Any pic's of the rear suspension? What type do y'all use, I presume a 3-link?? I want to run the same rear end, but with my Chevelle's factory 4-link setup, I must go another route with the suspension, at least I believe I do. BTW - Very nice ride, when you sold that one, the check probably barely paid for the brake system on the Cuda, am I right!!! Take care.
The axe had a 9" Currie with an aluminum center section..monoleaf spring..I forget whose traction bar that was on it...all of this was on the unfinished car when I bought it. We took the new stock width Currie out of it and put a narrowed one in after Alan mini tubbed it. I would not have gone the monoleaf route if I had done it from the get go..

[BADVELLE]

The axe had a 9" Currie with an aluminum center section..monoleaf spring..I forget whose traction bar that was on it...all of this was on the unfinished car when I bought it. We took the new stock width Currie out of it and put a narrowed one in after Alan mini tubbed it. I would not have gone the monoleaf route if I had done it from the get go..

Thanks Bob.

[Doug Cooper]

The axe had...I forget whose traction bar that was on it....



The bars are similar to cal tracs Doug

[Bob Johnson]

[QUOTE=Bob Johnson]I didn't even remotely have that problem..the Axe was as cool as a cucumber..


FYI Bob- I LOVE that you adopted that name for the car...I put lots of thought and love into that feature story, and you adopting the name I came up with was really cool. I don't think I ever told ya that...

~SP~
I appreciated the effort you put into the story on the Axe..I consider you a good friend and miss seeing you at the shows. I have a lot of respect for your abilities and I'm sure Johnny misses you a lot, as a lot of us do. Hope tpo see you soon.

[Y-TRY]

Man, I had to dig back to find this.

Thanks, Steve. I was under the impression it was just a piece of sheet aluminum cut to shape. If that were the case, it would have been nothing a pair of tin-snips, metal brake, and grinder couldn't do. But I see now that the DSE piece is much more than that. Thanks for the input.

Gotta get me one of those now.

[JayBird]

Its a nice thought out piece. I ran into some fitment problems which ended up being my cheapo read support. I bought the new GM tooling read support that costs $240 and everything lined up. I could not believe how big a difference there was between the rad supports.

DSE piece is very nice. I think it definitely helps the engine bay.

[6'9"Witha69]

Yeah, the $99 Taiwan supports are crap compared to the more expensive ones. I hate to say it, get ready, but, you get what you pay for, sometimes. And this is definitely one of those times. I bought the Classic Ind. cheapo support. All the drivers side holes were 1/2" off. All of them. Fender x brace, radiator, headlights, fender mounts, etc.
Sorry for the hijack.

[dougs68ss]

steve, isnt that a sweet piece. i got mine about a month ago and refuse to close my hood! yes the crating they send it in is awork of art also, theres gotta be another use for it. BTW your car is really nice , i nad a chance to see your 69 at donuts(HB) a while back if your penny is as nice as that ,,,im jealous!!! ...doug,,,,,,corona ca.

[Steve1968LS2]

steve, isnt that a sweet piece. i got mine about a month ago and refuse to close my hood! yes the crating they send it in is awork of art also, theres gotta be another use for it. BTW your car is really nice , i nad a chance to see your 69 at donuts(HB) a while back if your penny is as nice as that ,,,im jealous!!! ...doug,,,,,,corona ca.

Did you have the primered car with the LSx motor? If so email me at [email protected]

I want an update on that ride.. it was looking very interesting.

[dougs68ss]

steve, i haent been down there in a while do to the transformation i put my car through. went from drag theme to PT 17"s baer, corbeau, subframe conns. etc. im going this sat. since the rains stopped. blue with pearl white z stripes, hope to see you there, shes no way as nice as yours but im workin on it.......doug, corona ca.