New artwork!

[SRD art]

As you guys are getting to know me you've noticed I do a little magic with drawing cars in Adobe Illustrator. I've been drawing cars since I was 12 when I got my first CarToons mag, remember those? Eventually I found my way into transportation design in college where I soon realized I didn't much like designing new cars. After working as a graphic designer for several years I decided to get back to my passion and have gotten more serious about drawing cars and building hot rods.

I get these crazy ideas all the time and since I can only afford one real project at a time I have built many in the computer. Just wanted to share a few fun Ideas I've played around with. I'll try to keep my posts to mostly PT cars and will update with new ideas here and there. Thanks for lookin!

[SRD art]

Here's the first. Back when I started going to watch drag racing around '86 I remember this primered old Opel Kadett that was tubbed with like 14x32 slicks in the back. Seems he ran 9s or 10s with it. That car was so small and so cool it's never left my memory. One day I got a crazy idea and wondered how a PT Opal might look. I figured a V8 would be too heavy and throw off the weight bias I started looking at other options. A 4 banger seemed too small so what's better in an 1800 lb car that Buick imported for us than a Buick 3.8T? 400+ hp and 600+ ft lbs and a whole lotta woohoo! Make it dual purpose- have it tubbed for 335-30-18s for PT duty and 325-50-15's for drag duty. De-tune the boost for autocross and crank it up for 9 second 1/4 mile passes. A couple years back after I drew this I looked around for a Kadett but had zero luck finding one. Now I'm too involved with my wagon and Novas, but maybe one day...

Carbon fiber hood, bug splat yellow-green, and fat 18" meats.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/forum72-1.jpg

[elcamino80]

those are quite easy to find over here :) it would be a cool car for sure and nice rendering

[SRD art]

Here's another one I wish I had built. Once upon a time I had bought a 74 Buick Apollo for parts for my Nova. One of those I wish I hadn't gotten rid of. I've always thought the Buick GSX was a bad doggie but being a light weight X body fan I put the two together. I understand the 350 and 455 Buick blocks are the same size and I've heard they're about the same weight as an SBC so doing a warmed over torque monster 455+ in a 3200 lb Apollo would rock. Throw on some suspension goodies and 17" billet Buick wheels and we're good to go- an Apollo GSX street fighter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/AGSXfinal8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

One more for today. I did a vendor booth at the World of Wheels/ Autorama in Salt Lake City this past March. For my display I wanted to do a late model car but didn't want to do a more common Mustang or F body. I also wanted another Mopar and something that would stand out in a crowd, so I did a crazy 300C. I used to know a guy that had a 300 and although it wasn't an SRT it still moved and handled well. I wondered what it might look like with a blender mix of old school Mopar, pro-touring, imsa, and homie tuner styling. What I ended up with had mixed reviews, some loved it and some hated it, but all in all it drew a lot of attention at the booth so it served it's purpose well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/300C8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

those are quite easy to find over here :) it would be a cool car for sure and nice rendering

Thanks, and tell your buddies that are looking for a project to build one!

PS, where are you? Wonder how much of a pain it is to import one...

[SRD art]

Here's a "PT" truck illustration I did for school. It was a class project so I got to design the visuals...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/66pu1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/65chevypuweb-1.jpg

[SRD art]

A couple Novas. First one is my 73 hatchback that my son and I will start on next year. The 67 was for a client.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/73Sideshot72-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/73RSflat8-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/67NovaPTweb8-1.jpg

[astroracer]

Hi Ben,
You do some really kool stuff.
I've sent you an email through your Website. I want to talk to you about Bad Ast.
Mark

[WS6]

Good looking art Ben. As for your Apollo, that would be a great build. DSE makes parts for those cars too!

[cobragt]

Very cool! I had an Idea of using an Olds Omega done as a 442. Here is a link to a guy that built a model of a PT Ventura GTO Judge

http://homepage.mac.com/ssven5/Sites/Svensworldofwheels/images/76ventura_page.html


Here's another one I wish I had built. Once upon a time I had bought a 74 Buick Apollo for parts for my Nova. One of those I wish I hadn't gotten rid of. I've always thought the Buick GSX was a bad doggie but being a light weight X body fan I put the two together. I understand the 350 and 455 Buick blocks are the same size and I've heard they're about the same weight as an SBC so doing a warmed over torque monster 455+ in a 3200 lb Apollo would rock. Throw on some suspension goodies and 17" billet Buick wheels and we're good to go- an Apollo GSX street fighter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/AGSXfinal8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Thanks guys. That is one great looking model!


Here's another I did for the vendor booth. There's a couple Cobra clubs here as well as Kirkham's Motorsports http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/ where they hand build aluminum Cobras. I did this one to appeal to those guys. I think this one was amongst the top attention grabbers, glad I did it.

48347

[SRD art]

Here's another dream car of mine. When I left Florida for design school in the mid 90's all I had to drive was my street/strip 73 Nova. Was a fun car to drive but with 560hp, 4.56 gears, and 4500 stall converter it wasn't exactly something I wanted to drive across country to be my college commuter. A friend of the family had a broken down 84 Chevette that had 83,000 miles on the clock and needed about $300 worth of work to get it driveable. I decided to buy it, got it running, and managed to keep it running for another almost 90,000 miles until it finally gave up the ghost. It was SLOW but got 33 mpg and was still a fun car to drive, especially after I lowered it 3". Here it is pictured lowered with 17" wheels and 205-40-17s.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/17sweb-1.jpg

So as I was getting close to the end of design school I started making plans for the "cheVETTE". These cars are actually a great project as they're already rear drive and weigh only around 1900-2000 lbs. They also share the same front suspension as Fieros so there's a lot of aftermarket parts available, including drop spindles, tubular control arms, coil over conversions, and 13" brakes. Plans for mine included a boosted aluminum LS motor, full suspension upgrade, and tubbed to fit 335-30-18's out back. Here's a photo of the car when 1968CamaroSS Sam from the forum stopped by with his 335's to see what I was up against.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Vetfattires-1.jpg

Besides the monstrous rear tires and 204-40-17s on 17x7 Boyds, for styling changes I wanted to smooth the body just a little. I wanted to get rid of the ugly front bumper (See below) and put on something smoother that integrated the front air dam. That meant moving the parking lights so I placed them in the grille. I removed the outdated side marker lights and added a modern import style units closer to the door as well as more modern mirrors. Door handles were changed to vertical units and an aluminum wing was added on the back for a little more aerodynamics at higher speeds. Colors are 'Vette Sunset Orange Metallic and black, guess I got a thing for orange and black cars. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/3807120001_large-1.jpg

I suppose I wanted something that I could tease all the fast and fart pipe tuner boys that at a quick glance seemed to fit in with them, but also something that could play with the Euros in the canyon and American big boys on the autocross and drag strip. Unfortunately it got to the point that I had too many "to-be-done" projects and not enough room to store them so the Vette had to go. Another "someday I wanna..." project. Enjoy the art!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Vette8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Not exactly a PT car here but I'm always looking for the ultimate vendor booth hauler. Ever see one of these? Its a 37 Chevy Army bus.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/3709407210_fb628bce17-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/39armybus-1.jpg

Hmmm, a little body work, and updated chassis, low pros on big 10 lugs, bags, and a late model Chevy Duramax diesel drivetrain. Yeah....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/39ChevyBus8del-1.jpg

[Tony_SS]

Ben I love that VETTE project you had going on there! Those would be a lot of fun with a supercharged or boosted ecotec 2.4.

[SRD art]

There was a guy that I found online that was doing the Ecotec in a 'Vette, but last I saw progress had stopped. Guess we're all in the same boat, every so often the shop closes for a year or two. ;)

[SRD art]

Here's one I recently finished for a client. It's a 56 Belair that'll have some subtle mods to the body to smooth it over, 18" wide rear wheels on new style pro street tires, a REALLY cool interior, and under the flip nose a 900 hp on pump gas 3" Hilborn injected 632" BBC.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWhiygQQVO4

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/6326-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/lowpro6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/56chevypair8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/56chevy210side8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Couple client's Elkys..

The first is a '66 for a small shop that does minor builds and restorations. Basic crate 350 in this one with some mild suspension upgrades, big brakes and shaved handles and emblems. Meant to be a nice weekend cruiser.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/66Elky8-1.jpg

This second '59 is in progress for a guy who owns a paint & body shop. Although it won't get raced much it'll have some suspension goodies under the fuel injected 409 backed by a 5 speed. The goal is Black and silver "smooth as glass" paint in a nice cruiser that will see some nice weather street duty.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Tracy8-1.jpg

[go-fish]

I would love for this to come to life. Ever done a fish/torpedo? 48552

[Chadly B]

Ben, really enjoying your art and vision, I'm saving my money for a rendering right now....hopefully ready to give you money and details next month....

[SRD art]

Sounds good and thanks for the compliment!

Only fish I've drawn so far was a 70 Cuda! I think I drew Nemo for my kid once too. ;)

But man, that Cu-pedo would look great as a small cartoon on the side of a car or a sticker in a 1/4 window. Foose did something like that with the Terra Cuda. Sort of like this little guy I'll be putting in the rear lower corner of my wagon's side windows...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/PumkinatorGuy-1.jpg

[Kenova]

:hah:




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/PumkinatorGuy-1.jpg
Reminds me of a girl I knew a lifetime ago. :screwy:

Ken

[SRD art]

Sounds like that was an ideal relationship! :box: :rotfl:

[Kenova]

Sounds like that was an ideal relationship! :box: :rotfl:
She had Jeckle and Hyde mood swings that made PMS look like a joyfull walk on a sunny afternoon.
There isn't a month goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that I didn't get any closer.
:dunno: Live an' learn, eh!?

Ken

[SRD art]

Because I'm a fan of long backs as are lots of folks on here are, here are a few...

Did this one as a Street Rod Designs business delivery vehicle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/58sdelfinaltan-1.jpg

Took the same car and added a little Polynesian flair with ghosted tribal tattoos.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/58sdelTiki-1.jpg

Ever see a woodie Nova wagon? Me neither, so I put this together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/WoodieNova8-1.jpg

And for the Ford boys, a 428 Cobra Jet Torino wagon. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/69TorinoWagonnew-1.jpg

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

nice work man!

[SRD art]

Thanks!

[SS PUNISHER]

You sure do some killer work! I'd like to what a good rendering goes for now a days. I have some ideas floating around in my head for each of my vehicles and would like to see them on paper....

[SRD art]

Thanks SS.
I'm surprised more projects don't have renderings done before they really get going. I've done renderings for every car I've owned, that's how I got started doing this- planning my friends' and my own projects and it really helped us see first before we spent all the money on the build.

About what a good rendering goes for these day- Good question. A rendering is usually a bit of an investment and some folks get a little sticker shock when they find out it costs in the neighborhood of $300-$500. A couple things to keep in mind- Most of the guys that are really good at this have attended some sort of college and have spent countless hours getting our skills to where we are. Nobody pops out of the cradle and automatically turns out a nice rendering with a set of crayolas. In rubbing shoulders with other artists it seems pretty average that a rendering usually takes upwards of 20+ hours to do. That often doesn't include the phone calls, emails, research, etc. it takes to communicate and put together something really nice. Compare that to a shop working on your car at $65 or so per hour. Really a rendering is a huge bargain for what you're getting.

On the other side of the fence we artists actually can save you a boat load of money and the embarrassment of a poorly designed car in the end. Spending a few bucks on a nice rendering is a lot better than having to re-do a $10,000 paint job because the colors don't quite work, or those fantastic stripes the client dreamed up actually look a little doofy when seen on the car, or your builder saw something totally different in his mind than what you asked for. Notice most of the well known shops regularly use renderings? They get spared the headache of having to change things several times along the way because the customer doesn't see the vision of (know) what he wants. With a rendering the customer can visually approve the design before the builder ever touches the car. A rendering is literally a road map to successfully get your car from point A to point B. It also fits easier in the living room that the car itself. :)

I think most of the mainstream guys you see like Hermance, Hickman, Rushforth, myself and others are probably fairly close in costs. The older well known guys like my heroes Taylor and Stanford are more spendy but they have earned the right to be. If I were on your side of the fence I would look at the artist's style and skills, ability of the art to be easily reproduced for future printing, communication between artist and client, and ability of the artist to deliver in a timely manner. If you feel comfortable with all that in a particular artist then pricing is probably not so much an issue.

To be fair to other artists that post here I'm trying to keep my thread a way to share my artwork (and the cars that would be in my garage if I could afford them) without turning it into a pitch for business so I won't post my pricing info here. Feel free to contact me through pms or email at [email protected] though.

Now, how's that for a long answer to a short question? Lol!

Thanks again for the compliment!

[tonykim]

I absolutely love the Opel Kadett Rallye PT concept. I happen to have one of these cars and have contemplated what direction I want to take with it. My car is pretty heavily modified as I bought it. It did a lot of SCCA and other track racing back in the 80s and early 90s and then like lots of cars...got parked when the owner had medical issues and then eventually was sold to me 15 years later. It's not a 10 sec ride by any means but around 200 hp in an 1800 lb car isn't too bad. Still I've considered doing a powertrain swap and I think the Buick 3.8T is too long. The ticket seems to be a Ford SVO or t-bird turbo coupe engine with forged internals, heavily ported head, cam, and about 20 lbs of boost gets you over 450 hp and in a manageable package size. plus a built T-5 works easily and so forth. Here's a pic of my car (with me doing some very rough 16" wheel cut and paste).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/kadettrallyewithenkeiJseries15x7a-1.jpg
My car is lowered 3 inches in front now, has twin 2 barrel webbers, built 2L engine, etc etc...old school setup so I still have to figure out if PT or old school resto is in the cards.

[nowukno]

Very Nice !!!!!

[SRD art]

I absolutely love the Opel Kadett Rallye PT concept. I happen to have one...

Thanks tonykim and nowukno! If I could get my hands on one I'd be hard pressed to not tear into it and make it work, even if the firewall had to be set back. The Ford drive train sounds cool. I've heard that a GN motor is not terribly hard to pull 450 hp and 650+ ft lbs. and it sort of is the same manufacturer as the Opel, at least they were sold by Buick back in the day, so that's why I made that choice. Either way any sort of power in such a small car would be fun to drive. A little power and some fat tires would be just nuts. :)

[tonykim]

well I am captivated by the turbo GN idea. I just happen to have a good friend a few states away with a 20k original mile '87 GN so I think some good measurements and pictures would be a good start. the opel kadetts had an unusual front suspension setup with a transverse leaf spring and the engine actually mounts to the suspension not directly to the car. with enough cut and paste a lot of stuff will fit. LOL

[SRD art]

Wow! I had no idea about the funky suspension. If I were doing this project I'd just build a new square tube frame, for ease and "smallality" I'd use a Mustang II front with coil overs and a custom maybe 3 link for the rear. Then it'd mostly just be a matter of shaping the firewall around the motor and installing the rear tubs to make the body fit on the frame. My Mini-Vette concept would most likely be the same type of deal.

[astroracer]

Great looking stuff. I need to get some ideas for Bad Ast.

[SRD art]

Been busy with school and work so it's been a while since I posted. This time I thought I'd share some from the lighter side of what I do. Most of these have been done for local club member's cars, we usually display the cartoons when we get club space together at car shows. These are based on hand drawings that I usually color in photoshop, some are vector Illustrator art.

Lots of F-bodies in the club, so here's a few...

Monty's is a mostly stock IROC.

FunkyBird's (Screen name) is a pretty quick one.

"Haggis" is a butcher that had some cool plans for this Camaro, unfortunately it got banged up in an accident shortly after the art. He was o.k. but the car was trashed.

And a limited edition T/A.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/fbody-1.jpg

[SRD art]

A couple oldies and a couple late models. A 59 Biscayne with burnt orange paint and 17" TT's. IIRC this one is 409 W powered. Nate's 56 is minitubbed and sports an 8-71 topped 540" BBC. It's low stance and primered paint with the injector scoop sticking out makes a pretty mean looking ride. Nate also drove an LS7 powered Caddy. A really nice 'Stang with a low stance and big meats wraps it up.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/various-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Did this one for my vendor booth...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/Dragsterweb-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Back to some more serious art, a couple A bodies-

Did this one for a client at Hill Air Force Base here in Utah, a 72 non SS Chevelle. He wanted something that was near stock looking yet different. We decided to play with the stripe design and came up with this. With the different stripes, shaved emblems, blue and silver high metallic paint colors and the Coy's wheels surrounding some mild suspension upgrades, it should be a nice clean ride when done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/72Chevellephotobucket-1.jpg

Next is a rendering I just wrapped up for SShep71, here's his thread on the forum- New-project-VOODOO-CHILD (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?83512-New-project-VOODOO-CHILD) It's a 69 GTO with a serious attitude. Notice the spear tipped stripes, dark grey with "blood red" accents, matte black wheels with red accents, and low stance. This will be a really mean looking ride backed by blown Poncho power when done. I'm really looking forward to it all coming together and was really excited to be a part of the design of this one. Go Shep!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/69GTOphotobucket-1.jpg

[chevyhector]

Hey Ben,

What can you do with this pic? And my Camaro's name is Medusa.

Thanks brother

[SRD art]

Put some snakes on the roof, lol! J/K. I read your article, cool write up and congrats on getting your son involved. My son will be 14 yrs old next year and we'll be starting on his Nova then. I bought my first car, a 69 Malibu, when I was 16 and unfortunately my dad never got involved, I was pretty much on my own. It'll be cool to see what your son will be doing to cars in 10 years with having you as a mentor.

Although I have done several "photo-chops" in the past I'd rather start from scratch with a drawing, I can get a much more professional look that way. Photos tend to be limiting to what I can do with them and they often look a little quirky or fakie in the end. Below is a couple samples I did for clients a few years ago. If you're thinking of changing the look for your car I have a couple ideas, pm me here or email me at srdart@streetroddesigns and I'll give you some pricing on a rendering.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/white97GTsm-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/97GT-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/draggtophoto-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/dragto1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/67impalaphoto-1.jpg

[65_stang]

wow Ben... You got some serious illustrator skills!

I enjoy seeing your work!

[SRD art]

Thanks 65, a lot of practice as a logo designer in the past is what got me familiar with it. As I've mentioned I started out "drawing" on photoshop but I felt like it had some disadvantages, such as print issues when spot color T-shirt printing or enlarging artwork for banners and such. Illustrator works great for all printing venues but has a tendency to look "graphic-y", something I've worked hard at overcoming. I feel I can get pretty close to a photoshop look with it now.

Thanks again!

[SRD art]

Hey everyone, I'm offering a rendering for the Christmas charity auction fundraiser. Check it out if you've been wanting to get one done-- https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?85337-It-s-never-too-late

[ZVT]

Uhhhhhhmmmmm WOW Ben I have not been around in a loooong time to see your badass work...you just made me a huge fan bruddah!!!:hail:

[SRD art]

Thanks Z, I take that as a huge compliment coming from you. :) I remember when your Torino hit the magazine stand, very cool. I just went through your portfolio again, your photoshop work is amazing. Your son is a real cutie too, congrats.

[SRD art]

I'm currently working on artwork for several p-t.com members and will post them as I wrap them up.

Here's one I just finished up for a local client. This is the second year I've had the opportunity to do the T-shirt for an annual car show my college puts on. It's the second largest show in Utah, usually bringing in about 650 entrants. Cool thing is that all proceeds go directly to the automotive program students in the form of scholarships. It's the show's 25th anniversary so I drew an 80's style pro-street coupe and a more modern street rod to span the time frame. Also this year we're doing a special feature on the salt flats racers and featuring the "City of Salt Lake". This car went 344 mph in 1959. Unfortunately in 1960 while attempting to break 400 they guesstimate a wheel disintegrated and a bad accident resulted in the death of the driver/ builder Athol Graham. Recently his son re-built the car as a dedication to his dad. Here's a link to a local motorhead who's followed the restoration... http://www.chevyasylum.com/lsr/bsf2010/20100422/Welcome.html

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/2012finalshirt-1.jpg

[AmKenpo1]

Amazing work thanks for sharing. I've been following your build of the PUMKN8R on here and LS1tech, love the long roofs.

Wil.

[SRD art]

Thanks Wil!

[SRD art]

Another T-shirt I just wrapped up. This one's for the Mustang Club of America's show in Utah this year. Pretty basic design featuring a 69 and 2012 Boss 302 and a landmark pony statue in southern Utah. It'll be printed on "vegas gold" shirts (the color of the background).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Stangroundupfinal-1.jpg

[Tig]

Wow Ben, you do some amazing work.
That Vette project is or was awesome. Do you have any more pictures of it. Back in the day I was looking at one with the same intentions, well, this was before LS motors were introduced.
Great job

[454bug]

VERY cool Ben!! You have a REAL talent!! :1st:

[SRD art]

Thanks guys!

Sorry, I don't have any more 'Vette pics. I'd sure like to build it someday, but until I'm rich and famous...

[SRD art]

Someone on the forum asked about my t-shirt designs. Here are a few more...

These are shirts that I sell at car shows. It's tough to hit up every car guy with something they like so I had to come up with a few designs that appealed to larger groups of folks. I wish I had the $ to invest in shirts with all different types of specific cars but for now these have been successful. I'm retiring the Mustang and Camaro after this year for something a little different for the p-t crowd. The 32 old school was last year's design and this year I'm adding the hot rod truck.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/67mustshirt-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Camaroshirt-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/325shirt-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/29HRTruck72-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Here's Last year's shirt for the UVU car show...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/UVUshirtprint8-1.jpg

[SRD art]

And finally for tonight here's one I did for a friend, Craig Watson of Kentucky. His car literally does this on 8.5" DOT tires, and he's run as fast as 8.90's in the 1/4 with it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/craigwheelie-1.jpg

[71duster]

hey ben. are you going to throw the AMC out there?

[ProTourGSX]

Here's another one I wish I had built. Once upon a time I had bought a 74 Buick Apollo for parts for my Nova. One of those I wish I hadn't gotten rid of. I've always thought the Buick GSX was a bad doggie but being a light weight X body fan I put the two together. I understand the 350 and 455 Buick blocks are the same size and I've heard they're about the same weight as an SBC so doing a warmed over torque monster 455+ in a 3200 lb Apollo would rock. Throw on some suspension goodies and 17" billet Buick wheels and we're good to go- an Apollo GSX street fighter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/AGSXfinal8-1.jpg

I LOVE THIS concept!
Ben, not to get technical on you, but the Buick 350 & 455 are NOT the same size! 455 is much bigger/more noticeable differences (longer, sits closer to radiator in vehicle/etc.) compared to 350, however, you are correct that Buick 455 is (150 lbs) lighter than comparable engines, specifically the Chevy 454!

350
Buick adopted the popular 350 cu in (5.7 L) size with their final family of V8s. Although sharing the displacement of the Chevrolet Small-Block engine (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Small-Block_engine) family, the Buicks were substantially different.
The Buick 350 V8 had a 3.80 in (97 mm) bore (like the 231 (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Buick_V6_engine#231)) and retained the 3.85 in (98 mm) stroke of the 340. It was introduced in 1968 and produced through 1980.
The major differences of the Buick 350 when compared to other GM V8's are deep skirt block construction, higher nickel-content cast iron, external oil pump, under square bore sizing, 3 in (76 mm) crank main journals, and 6.385 in (162.2 mm) connecting rods. It is an extremely rugged and durable engine[citation needed (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)], and some of the design characteristics of the Buick 350 are found in other Buick-designed GM engines such as the 231 V6, and Series I, II, and III 3800 V6's.
Of all the GM 350-cubic-inch (5.7 L) engines, the Buick 350 has the longest stroke. It made the Buick 350 significantly wider than the other GM 350's — essentially the same width as the Buick big-blocks, which have the shortest stroke of the GM big-blocks. In fact, at a glance the Buick 350 is commonly mistaken for the 455 engine due to the oversized intake manifold atop the engine and conventional angled valve covers like a 400/430/455. The Buick 350 also shares an integrated aluminum timing cover as do most of the Buick small and big blocks which incorporates the oil pump mechanisms as well, leaving the oil filter exposed to oncoming air for added cooling.
The Buick 350 was used in the Jeep Gladiator (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Jeep_Gladiator) and Wagoneer (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Jeep_Wagoneer) from 1968–71, where it was known as the "Dauntless V8".

455
The 455.72-cubic-inch (7,467.9 cc) 455 Buick V8 used a 4.3125 in (109.54 mm) bore and a 3.90 in (99 mm) stroke. It was produced from 1970–1976 and was based on the 400/430 V8. The regular Buick 455 was rated at 350 hp (260 kW), while the 455 Stage 1 was rated at 360 hp (270 kW). The regular 455 produced a rated 510 lb·ft (690 N·m) of torque at 2800 rpm, more than any other muscle car (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Muscle_car) engine. The horsepower was somewhat reduced in 1971 mainly due to the reduction in cylinder compression ratio, a change which was mandated by GM in order to cope with the introduction of new federal laws which would require new cars to use unleaded gasoline (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Gasoline) in an effort to reduce exhaust emissions. Then, starting in 1972, the horsepower rating on paper would be reduced again, down to approximately 250 hp (190 kW), this time due to the new measurement of horsepower as SAE (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Society_of_Automotive_Engineers) net horsepower, rather than a gross horsepower rating. Tightening emissions controls would cause the engine to drop in power still further, a little at a time, through 1976. Most parts (except the pistons) interchange between the 400 and the 430. The 455 was one of the first "thin-wall casting" engine blocks (at GM), and because of this advance in production technology it weighs significantly less than other engines of comparable size (for example, 150 lb (68 kg) less than a Chevrolet 454 (https://www.pro-touring.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Big-Block_engine)).

[aidanfancystang]

dude you do some sick work, I have a buddy that does stuff like that and he is always busy. That's a talent I wish I had.

[CruizinKev]

x2 I love your stuff! good work! :twothumbs

[SRD art]

ProtourGSX- Thanks for the clarification and great info!!

Here are a couple new ones. First is 71Duster's Badador that he picked up recently and is considering doing a mellow cruiser for his up and coming son. We discussed a late model Hemi although in the end it will probably be a bit milder of a build. Painted Bullitt Mustang style green with 18x10 and 18x12 wheels. Even with a 6 banger, with the right stance and this look this car would be a killer high school ride. See? Even the "ugly" cars can be cool. ;)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/EricBadadorb-1.jpg


I also finished up a quick T-shirt design for our UVU show swap meet. I get free reign on these designs and I love COEs so it fit well. Since this is a swap meet I went with the weathered rather than polished look. Wish I had a little more time to work the details out but my deadline only gave me 2 days to create it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/swapmeet2012bb-1.jpg

[Samckitt]

Totally cool! You're a very talented artist.

[csouth]

Nice work Ben! There is a reason why I don't mind being patient...LOL

[SRD art]

Thanks guys! Got a killer 72 Cutlass, 65 Cutlass, 83 "GNX", 69 Mach 1 and a 69 Camaro coming soon...

[csouth]

Your praise is well deserved. Can't wait to see the rest of the artwork...

[SRD art]

Here's Chris' (above) Delilah plans...

Originally we tried several silver and grey ideas, here's one of them...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/ChrisCutlass2a-1.jpg

When Chris bought those killer Bronze flavored rims things turned to a warmer color that fit a little better and this is what we came up with... Low key, aggressive, and definetely stands out in a crowd. He's looking into having all the trim and chrome parts powdered "Bronze" to match the rims.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/ChrisCutlass5-1.jpg

[csouth]

Thanks for putting this together Ben. It will be a while before it sees paint so don't be surprised if we commission another...lol Great finally meeting you in person. Good luck in GA!

[SRD art]

I did this one a while back for Joe's son Jim at BullDawg. Plans are for some sweet suspension parts and an LS for power. Jim has decided he wants to keep the bumpers chrome, I just haven't had a chance to update the art yet. Will be a cool ride.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/greedygremlin2_zps0960f7db-1.jpg

[GNon18s]

Good stuff!

[SRD art]

Thanks!

[SRD art]

Been a while since I posted something new so I thought I should put up some more eye candy, this time a couple Novas.

This one was for Kevin up in Canada. I used to own a 65 Nova wagon project that I had to sell about half way through to move across the country, so this was a fun project for me. Atomic Orange and white on a dropped stance. I like body color wheels and would have used orange, but he really liked the white and it gives the car a really neat look. Project intention for the car is to just be a real nice cruiser.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/KevinNovaWag672_zpsde34dd95-1.jpg

This one some of you have prolly already seen, read more here... 4 door auto cross Nova (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?98886-Non-Cookkie-Cutter-Alternative-Nova-project&highlight=4+door+nova) It all started with someone asking about pro-touring a 4 door Nova. I had a killer sleeper 4 door Nova back in the day so I couldn't help voicing my opinion about 4 door potential. If I had one this is how I'd do it. Since not many folks take 4 doors seriously I decided to design it with a very non-serious appeal. This would be a handful of fun to build and race at the big events. I bet it would get more attention than many pony and two door muscle cars, and better to see something like this done than a good 4 door headed to the crusher.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/TijTaxi1072_zps9a6157f2-1.jpg

[car_designer]

I really like the Tijuana Taxi! I am a fan of four doors though.

[SRD art]

Update-

I Finished these up recently, a pair of GTOs.

This first one is for a shop back east in GA. It's a build for the Wounded Warrior foundation which gives donations to injured veterans. Most of the parts on the car will be donated and it will be auctioned off as a fund raiser. It was a fun project to work on and a great cause to be involved in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/WW66gtoweb_zps298a5887-1.jpg


Next up is Russ' 69 Goat. He wanted a major change in looks so we explored some two tone paint schemes and several stripe ideas. Overall the carbon fiber hockey stripe on GM Atomic Orange came out the winner. Here's a link to his thread... Russ' 69 GTO Build (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?98507-Project-Rabid-Goat&highlight=69*goat)Enjoy!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Russ69GTOfinalWeb_zps6c3c1da7-1.jpg

[Ron Sutton]

Very nice work!

I love how you have my rendering coming along. :)

.

[cutlassmann]

montecarlo1972

[driveit]

Absolutely love the 37 chevy hauler, and the last two GTOs you posted.

[SRD art]

Absolutely love the 37 chevy hauler, and the last two GTOs you posted.

Thanks Chris! The orange GTO ended up getting a few page feature in PHR mag, both Russ, the car's owner, and I were pretty stoked.

[BigGeorge]

Have you ever done a g body Cutlass Supreme?

[SRD art]

Have you ever done a g body Cutlass Supreme?

I have not yet. My Cutlass wagon is about as close as I have gotten to that.

[BigGeorge]

Your work is bad ass. The truth! I would love to have a rendering done but that's not exactly in the budget right now, need tires, tune-up. Being a broke student sucks but I would love to see a g body done. Something black and menacing...