Pete05
Premium
- 7,093
- Melbourne, Australia
This is why it’s a good idea to proofread before hitting Reply/Send.There's a fairly reasonable explanation for that, though.
Damn predictive text.
Fantasy Time: What Restomod Would You Do?
- Thread starter Pete05
- 240 comments
- 27,488 views
Damn predictive text.
- 10,824
- Plymouth, UK
- motorforum
A Rover SD1 with the 340i engine and running gear. An 80s style body kit but designed with more chamfered edges and the rolling stock pushed to meet the edge of the arches for that squat look. 17" wheels in an appropriately retro design and as much sidewall as possible. Painted in a rich dark red with copper coloured pinstripe. A gentleman's express.
- 521
- Russian Federation
- S15Fox
Nissan Silvia S15 with Autech Version's powertrain, Varietta's convertible roof and Style A's interior. The best of three Autech worlds.
And an LHD conversion, as I don't live in a country with RHD road network and don't plan to move into one (unless it's gonna be UK).
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
Stargazer.
Auwärter Carlux.
You'll have to forgive the poor image quality, as these vehicles are exceedingly rare and I wanted to provide images that show a vehicle in original condition.
Given the rarity, a reasonable project would utilize a standard first generation Volkswagen Type 2 as a basis, likely a less desirable utility model as the upper half simply isn't needed and would be replaced by the Carlux's glass canopy. The hinged third door is replaced by a sliding door for ease of use and is mirrored on the other side.
A completely new chassis is utilized, featuring double wishbone architecture but still sprung by torsion bars front and rear, and disc brakes all the way around.
Motivation comes by way of a 4.2L VAG V8 facing the rear and transmitted through a ZF 8HP55 automatic in the AWD configuration but with a driveshaft delete so that it only spins the internal differential to power the rear wheels. Reduction boxes are still used, but are inverted so that the output is above the input, effectively lowering the rear of the vehicle without affecting axle angle and allowing the drivetrain to be turned around without giving the vehicle one very low forward gear and eight reverse. Two radiators flank the engine and fans draw through the existing air inlets on the sides of the vehicle with an AC condenser one side and a transmission cooler on the other.
Inside, three bench seats are replaced with buckets to seat six on either side of a center console running the length of the occupant compartment, since those occupying center seats would be unable to make use of the glass canopy due to a solid central roof panel. The new configuration necessitated the second sliding door. A 21-window Microbus dash is modified to match the new windscreen shape.
As for paint and trim colors? Outside, the Auwärter "lightning bolt" is eliminated and a more traditional Microbus two-tone is used, with a near-black espresso lower and tan upper [inspiration]. Inside, seats are wrapped in tan leather with chrome braces and blond wood backs, matching tan door cards again with chrome knobs and pulls, and the dash and console are painted to match the lower exterior panels with brushed brass hardware. The floor is wood with bird's eye maple planks and brushed nickel strips.
fifteen52 Outlaw 001 wheels in 16x8 are fully polished and shod with 255/50 rubber.
Auwärter Carlux.
You'll have to forgive the poor image quality, as these vehicles are exceedingly rare and I wanted to provide images that show a vehicle in original condition.
Given the rarity, a reasonable project would utilize a standard first generation Volkswagen Type 2 as a basis, likely a less desirable utility model as the upper half simply isn't needed and would be replaced by the Carlux's glass canopy. The hinged third door is replaced by a sliding door for ease of use and is mirrored on the other side.
A completely new chassis is utilized, featuring double wishbone architecture but still sprung by torsion bars front and rear, and disc brakes all the way around.
Motivation comes by way of a 4.2L VAG V8 facing the rear and transmitted through a ZF 8HP55 automatic in the AWD configuration but with a driveshaft delete so that it only spins the internal differential to power the rear wheels. Reduction boxes are still used, but are inverted so that the output is above the input, effectively lowering the rear of the vehicle without affecting axle angle and allowing the drivetrain to be turned around without giving the vehicle one very low forward gear and eight reverse. Two radiators flank the engine and fans draw through the existing air inlets on the sides of the vehicle with an AC condenser one side and a transmission cooler on the other.
Inside, three bench seats are replaced with buckets to seat six on either side of a center console running the length of the occupant compartment, since those occupying center seats would be unable to make use of the glass canopy due to a solid central roof panel. The new configuration necessitated the second sliding door. A 21-window Microbus dash is modified to match the new windscreen shape.
As for paint and trim colors? Outside, the Auwärter "lightning bolt" is eliminated and a more traditional Microbus two-tone is used, with a near-black espresso lower and tan upper [inspiration]. Inside, seats are wrapped in tan leather with chrome braces and blond wood backs, matching tan door cards again with chrome knobs and pulls, and the dash and console are painted to match the lower exterior panels with brushed brass hardware. The floor is wood with bird's eye maple planks and brushed nickel strips.
fifteen52 Outlaw 001 wheels in 16x8 are fully polished and shod with 255/50 rubber.
Last edited:
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
Barge Engineering--1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 2-door hardtop.
I haven't exactly been secretive of fondness for fuselage Mopars, so it's about time I "build" one here. Now there are many to choose from, but as the old adage goes, "go big or go home", and coupes don't get much bigger than the aforementioned Imperial. Bonus points, famed futurist designer Syd Mead owns one.
So yeah, these things are big. How big? Well, the want for a bit more confidence in the car's handling has one looking to modern cars in the same family, and not only is the LeBaron longer than a new Charger, it's nearly five inches wider as well. Having said that, the substantial turnunder of the car's sides dictates that the Charger's front and rear clips need not be narrowed before grafting them into the 47-year-old chassis.
To go with the improved handling provided by the new footwork and further buttoning-up of the existing unibody, some power is called for to get this behemoth down the road, and still wanting to keep it in the family, the 500hp V10 and 48RE 4-speed automatic from a Ram SRT-10 ought to be up to the task.
Inside, a 1964 Chrysler 300K dash has been widened, and it and its corresponding console dressed in black leather and brushed aluminum with chrome pieces, while a 1961 Imperial steering wheel has been selected. Front bucket seats from the 1972 Chrysler line are wrapped in black leather with vertical pleating, and the optional woodgrain insert in the seat shell is replaced with brushed aluminum. Rear bench is treated to the same vertical pleated black leather and a suede headliner is stretched above.
On the outside, the body remains completely untouched and slathered in dark black paint with a black vinyl top, and custom 18-inch wheels styled after '69-70 Dodge Polara wheel covers (with the appropriate Imperial "eagle" medallion in the center) are wrapped in 275/50 redline rubber.
As a little something extra, I've included artwork from Syd Mead that really has nothing to do with the above, but I'm compelled to include it regardless.
I haven't exactly been secretive of fondness for fuselage Mopars, so it's about time I "build" one here. Now there are many to choose from, but as the old adage goes, "go big or go home", and coupes don't get much bigger than the aforementioned Imperial. Bonus points, famed futurist designer Syd Mead owns one.
So yeah, these things are big. How big? Well, the want for a bit more confidence in the car's handling has one looking to modern cars in the same family, and not only is the LeBaron longer than a new Charger, it's nearly five inches wider as well. Having said that, the substantial turnunder of the car's sides dictates that the Charger's front and rear clips need not be narrowed before grafting them into the 47-year-old chassis.
To go with the improved handling provided by the new footwork and further buttoning-up of the existing unibody, some power is called for to get this behemoth down the road, and still wanting to keep it in the family, the 500hp V10 and 48RE 4-speed automatic from a Ram SRT-10 ought to be up to the task.
Inside, a 1964 Chrysler 300K dash has been widened, and it and its corresponding console dressed in black leather and brushed aluminum with chrome pieces, while a 1961 Imperial steering wheel has been selected. Front bucket seats from the 1972 Chrysler line are wrapped in black leather with vertical pleating, and the optional woodgrain insert in the seat shell is replaced with brushed aluminum. Rear bench is treated to the same vertical pleated black leather and a suede headliner is stretched above.
On the outside, the body remains completely untouched and slathered in dark black paint with a black vinyl top, and custom 18-inch wheels styled after '69-70 Dodge Polara wheel covers (with the appropriate Imperial "eagle" medallion in the center) are wrapped in 275/50 redline rubber.
As a little something extra, I've included artwork from Syd Mead that really has nothing to do with the above, but I'm compelled to include it regardless.
Last edited:
Not changing much.
Maybe a bigger engine, a six-speed gearbox, modern headlights. Definitely lower the car a little bit and remove all that awful chroom. Ow, and better brakes and suspension.
Modernise the dashboard without a doubt. This looks terrible.
- 4,948
- United States
- Stawookie
I like what this guy did.Stargazer.
Auwärter Carlux.
You'll have to forgive the poor image quality, as these vehicles are exceedingly rare and I wanted to provide images that show a vehicle in original condition.
Given the rarity, a reasonable project would utilize a standard first generation Volkswagen Type 2 as a basis, likely a less desirable utility model as the upper half simply isn't needed and would be replaced by the Carlux's glass canopy. The hinged third door is replaced by a sliding door for ease of use and is mirrored on the other side.
A completely new chassis is utilized, featuring double wishbone architecture but still sprung by torsion bars front and rear, and disc brakes all the way around.
Motivation comes by way of a 4.2L VAG V8 facing the rear and transmitted through a ZF 8HP55 automatic in the AWD configuration but with a driveshaft delete so that it only spins the internal differential to power the rear wheels. Reduction boxes are still used, but are inverted so that the output is above the input, effectively lowering the rear of the vehicle without affecting axle angle and allowing the drivetrain to be turned around without giving the vehicle one very low forward gear and eight reverse. Two radiators flank the engine and fans draw through the existing air inlets on the sides of the vehicle with an AC condenser one side and a transmission cooler on the other.
Inside, three bench seats are replaced with buckets to seat six on either side of a center console running the length of the occupant compartment, since those occupying center seats would be unable to make use of the glass canopy due to a solid central roof panel. The new configuration necessitated the second sliding door. A 21-window Microbus dash is modified to match the new windscreen shape.
As for paint and trim colors? Outside, the Auwärter "lightning bolt" is eliminated and a more traditional Microbus two-tone is used, with a near-black espresso lower and tan upper [inspiration]. Inside, seats are wrapped in tan leather with chrome braces and blond wood backs, matching tan door cards again with chrome knobs and pulls, and the dash and console are painted to match the lower exterior panels with brushed brass hardware. The floor is wood with bird's eye maple planks and brushed nickel strips.
fifteen52 Outlaw 001 wheels in 16x8 are fully polished and shod with 255/50 rubber.
Love coachbuilt VWs.
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
The French Connection.
1969 Simca 1200 Coupé by Bertone.
Starting with the chassis, the transverse leaf independent front suspension is replaced with a MacPherson strut assembly with beefier anti-roll bars in a tubular cradle, while the rear is treated to improved trailing arms and coilover springs, as well as a new anti-roll assembly consisting of a bell crank and pushrods to rocker arms and links at the ends. Disc brakes remain but receive improved 4-pot front and 2-pot rear calipers.
For motivation, a Mazda 12a rotary with a street port gets stuffed into the rear to replace the 1204cc four, and for added zip, a Camden supercharger and Weber 45 DCOE side-draft carb are fitted. A Renault UN1-07 5-speed with long legs (0.76:1 5th and a 3.44 final drive) courtesy of the Alpine V6 Turbo sits between the rear wheels.
The interior remains largely unchanged, with low-back buckets, rear bench, dash pad and door cards wrapped in black leather. The dash is treated to Thuya burl veneer and chrome bezels and knobs with matte black gauge faces. A Nardi wheel with polished center, "Bertone blue" shifter knob and pedals fashioned to match the hood emblem finish the cabin
The exterior also remains largely unchanged, sprayed off-white with a black vinyl top. 13x5.5 Cosmic Mk2 alloys are wrapped in 175/70R13 tires.
1969 Simca 1200 Coupé by Bertone.
Starting with the chassis, the transverse leaf independent front suspension is replaced with a MacPherson strut assembly with beefier anti-roll bars in a tubular cradle, while the rear is treated to improved trailing arms and coilover springs, as well as a new anti-roll assembly consisting of a bell crank and pushrods to rocker arms and links at the ends. Disc brakes remain but receive improved 4-pot front and 2-pot rear calipers.
For motivation, a Mazda 12a rotary with a street port gets stuffed into the rear to replace the 1204cc four, and for added zip, a Camden supercharger and Weber 45 DCOE side-draft carb are fitted. A Renault UN1-07 5-speed with long legs (0.76:1 5th and a 3.44 final drive) courtesy of the Alpine V6 Turbo sits between the rear wheels.
The interior remains largely unchanged, with low-back buckets, rear bench, dash pad and door cards wrapped in black leather. The dash is treated to Thuya burl veneer and chrome bezels and knobs with matte black gauge faces. A Nardi wheel with polished center, "Bertone blue" shifter knob and pedals fashioned to match the hood emblem finish the cabin
The exterior also remains largely unchanged, sprayed off-white with a black vinyl top. 13x5.5 Cosmic Mk2 alloys are wrapped in 175/70R13 tires.
- 2,107
- Massachusetts
- CreamyNute11a
This car
with all the internals from this:
with all the internals from this:
Pete05
Premium
- 7,093
- Melbourne, Australia
I love the idea but, you’ll be bloody quick in reverse
Some well thought out engineering will solve that problem & you'd end up with a monster of a bambino.
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
All?This car
with all the internals from this:
I was thinking the exact same thing.I love the idea but, you’ll be bloody quick in reverse
Pete05
Premium
- 7,093
- Melbourne, Australia
There's also the issue of stuffing all the modern gear where a horizontally opposed twin cylinder once lived. I just don't see the car being wide enough even if you delete the rear seat & make it a 2-seaterAll?
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Now, motorbike engines on the other hand...💡 Keep it an Italiano twin & go shopping at Ducati
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
They had inline twins.There's also the issue of stuffing all the modern gear where a horizontally opposed twin cylinder once lived. I just don't see the car being wide enough even if you delete the rear seat & make it a 2-seater
Now, motorbike engines on the other hand...💡 Keep it an Italiano twin & go shopping at Ducati
I'm given to understand the "standard" bike engine swap is a tough fit because the motors lean forward and you've got the gearbox between the motor and the differential. Having that Duc twin would only make it worse.
The standard new 500 motor might actually fit up front with the radiator relocated, or one could pull the whole power unit back between the rear wheels without turning it around, and it would occupy less space behind the seats...the issue would be of width.
Here's a thought:
Still keeping it Italian, howsabout an MV Agusta triple occupying the same space as the original twin, behind the axle centerline, with the transmission output shaft facing the front of the car and connected to a bevel pinion...something like a Miata third member flipped around (and over if necessary for the proper axle rotation).
An alternative to the Miata unit might be a light duty quick change.
Then, in place of the "quick change" gears, you can run a simple gearbox allowing selection of forward or reverse rotation so that you don't have to resort to a starter motor for reverse like most bike engine swaps. You'd want a reduction on the reverse gear, something like a 1.2:1, and a simple lockout that prevents reverse engagement in any gear but first (build that into the bike box's shifter) with the clutch disengaged.
MV currently offers triples in a 675 with as much as 128hp and an 800 as high as 148, so it wouldn't be a slouch.
Just some spitballing.
Pete05
Premium
- 7,093
- Melbourne, Australia
My brain hurtsThey had inline twins.
I'm given to understand the "standard" bike engine swap is a tough fit because the motors lean forward and you've got the gearbox between the motor and the differential. Having that Duc twin would only make it worse.
The standard new 500 motor might actually fit up front with the radiator relocated, or one could pull the whole power unit back between the rear wheels without turning it around, and it would occupy less space behind the seats...the issue would be of width.
Here's a thought:
Still keeping it Italian, howsabout an MV Agusta triple occupying the same space as the original twin, behind the axle centerline, with the transmission output shaft facing the front of the car and connected to a bevel pinion...something like a Miata third member flipped around (and over if necessary for the proper axle rotation).
An alternative to the Miata unit might be a light duty quick change.
Then, in place of the "quick change" gears, you can run a simple gearbox allowing selection of forward or reverse rotation so that you don't have to resort to a starter motor for reverse like most bike engine swaps. You'd want a reduction on the reverse gear, something like a 1.2:1, and a simple lockout that prevents reverse engagement in any gear but first (build that into the bike box's shifter) with the clutch disengaged.
MV currently offers triples in a 675 with as much as 128hp and an 800 as high as 148, so it wouldn't be a slouch.
Just some spitballing.
Always thought the original motor was a flat/boxer 2 so thanks for the lesson on that 👍
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
I'm given to understand the Citroën VISA is a popular enough swap, and that's a flat twin. Plus, the air-cooled Volkswagen is indeed popular.My brain hurts
Always thought the original motor was a flat/boxer 2 so thanks for the lesson on that 👍
It seems something similar to my proposal has been attempted:
The beauty of that configuration is the fact that bike motors tend to be wider than their transmissions, and the front of the crank sticks out farther than the chain sprocket, so once you've adapted a traditional third member, the engine is actually closer to the axle centerline than the original engine and transaxle.
- 51,157
- Australia
- SpacedustDaddy
Watching Blue Thunder and Scheider's ex has one of these:
I'll have a '71 model.
Other than carbon panel everything, I'd run an NA I4, 5 forward gears. Keep it street with coilovers, Minilites 15x7 front/back. It'd be like a hachiroku, handling wise.
Always wanted a set of classic "beach towel" insert Recaros.
I'll have a '71 model.
Other than carbon panel everything, I'd run an NA I4, 5 forward gears. Keep it street with coilovers, Minilites 15x7 front/back. It'd be like a hachiroku, handling wise.
Always wanted a set of classic "beach towel" insert Recaros.
- 7,224
- beyond down under
- Skython11
This, but instead of the base car being an old 695, a 1000 TCR. Because bigger tires for a mini monster makes a giant slayer.
However, I'd love to make a modern GPZ900 based on a Z900RS, essentially just a rebody. It would be along the same lines of the new Suzuki Katana, where it's a modern bike with styling taking inspiration from an older bike.
A Muira!
Leave the shell as retro as possible, change the undercarriage and suspension to a modern one. The interior should be more modern as well. Give the original engine a modern overhaul without increasing the hp and torque. Also >> Xenon or LED headlights.
Leave the shell as retro as possible, change the undercarriage and suspension to a modern one. The interior should be more modern as well. Give the original engine a modern overhaul without increasing the hp and torque. Also >> Xenon or LED headlights.
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
The perfect cocktail.
1976 Mazda Cosmo.
Body shell seam-welded and chassis improved with sturdier mounting points and components that allow for a compliant ride expected of a grand tourer, but that which inspires confidence should the opportunity for canyon carving present itself.
The rotary engine garnered much of the attention, but the CD generation Cosmo (also called RX-5 or 121 depending on market) was also available in "1800" guise in some markets with a 1.8 liter SOHC inline four. The new engine choice honors this variant with a K-series 1.8 liter DOHC V6 from the FWD MX-3 slotted into the engine compartment longitudinally.
These are fantastic little motors, however this one has been reworked internally somewhat and fitted with a pair of small turbochargers feeding a custom symmetrical plenum with individual throttle bodies stuffed in the V. Externally, the asymmetrical valve timing drive is camouflaged from above with new aluminum cam covers (which are shot-peened and coated black, with the intake plenum matching) while a polished milled aluminum front cover completes the effect. An '09+ RX-8 6-speed manual sends approximately 300 horsepower to an RX-8 third member with 4.444:1 gears and a limited-slip differential.
On the outside of the car, the body is reworked a bit with the front wheel arches raised half an inch to clear new rolling stock, with the rear arches raised to match. The longitudinal crease in the hood is flattened and a subtle power bulge provides clearance for the intake plenum beneath. Every removable body panel (including complete door shells) is constructed of carbon fiber and painted to match the body. All original brightwork is retained, but the bumpers are smoothed and fitted tighter to the body and Mazda Montego Blue Mica covers all painted surfaces, while the headlight surrounds are left in natural carbon fiber with a clearcoat applied.
Inside, the bones of the original interior remain unchanged, though the dash, console, seats and door cards are wrapped in black leather and carbon fiber inserts adorn the gauge panel and center dash with new gauge and ancillary arrangements. The headliner is treated to black suede and an all-black 350mm Nardi Deep Corn wheel finishes the interior.
Polished 17" Fikse FM 5 wheels are wrapped in 245/45 rubber.
1976 Mazda Cosmo.
Body shell seam-welded and chassis improved with sturdier mounting points and components that allow for a compliant ride expected of a grand tourer, but that which inspires confidence should the opportunity for canyon carving present itself.
The rotary engine garnered much of the attention, but the CD generation Cosmo (also called RX-5 or 121 depending on market) was also available in "1800" guise in some markets with a 1.8 liter SOHC inline four. The new engine choice honors this variant with a K-series 1.8 liter DOHC V6 from the FWD MX-3 slotted into the engine compartment longitudinally.
These are fantastic little motors, however this one has been reworked internally somewhat and fitted with a pair of small turbochargers feeding a custom symmetrical plenum with individual throttle bodies stuffed in the V. Externally, the asymmetrical valve timing drive is camouflaged from above with new aluminum cam covers (which are shot-peened and coated black, with the intake plenum matching) while a polished milled aluminum front cover completes the effect. An '09+ RX-8 6-speed manual sends approximately 300 horsepower to an RX-8 third member with 4.444:1 gears and a limited-slip differential.
On the outside of the car, the body is reworked a bit with the front wheel arches raised half an inch to clear new rolling stock, with the rear arches raised to match. The longitudinal crease in the hood is flattened and a subtle power bulge provides clearance for the intake plenum beneath. Every removable body panel (including complete door shells) is constructed of carbon fiber and painted to match the body. All original brightwork is retained, but the bumpers are smoothed and fitted tighter to the body and Mazda Montego Blue Mica covers all painted surfaces, while the headlight surrounds are left in natural carbon fiber with a clearcoat applied.
Inside, the bones of the original interior remain unchanged, though the dash, console, seats and door cards are wrapped in black leather and carbon fiber inserts adorn the gauge panel and center dash with new gauge and ancillary arrangements. The headliner is treated to black suede and an all-black 350mm Nardi Deep Corn wheel finishes the interior.
Polished 17" Fikse FM 5 wheels are wrapped in 245/45 rubber.
- 29,845
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
Almost.Fit the whole thing under the bonnet?
Still, the C130 is a fair bit larger than a Bambina, and while the VK45 is probably a tad wider than a Chevy small block due to the DOHC heads, I'd wager it's a bit shorter in length (not that that's a major concern, with the C130 having been fitted with an L26 at one point) and can probably sit pretty tidy in the engine bay.
You do you, obviously, but if it was me, I think I'd want to pay homage to a special Laurel sedan, the C130-EV, and fit an electric powerpack between the rear wheels. It's a unique opportunity given that EVs are pretty rare in that period. It'd obviously be based on a gas car.
Pete05
Premium
- 7,093
- Melbourne, Australia
There was a guy that raced a Bellet as a Sports Sedan in the late 80's/early 90's. He put a peripheral port 13B under the bonnet.
Isuzu Bellett GT-R
Lotus Type 912 engine
BBS RS 539
Add them all together, stir in a Toyota 6-speed manual, modern disc brakes on all four wheels and a vastly stiffened chassis, and you've got the Nostalgic Hero of my dreams.
See, the Sports Sedan rulebook is so liberal that if the engine remains in the original front half of the car, the roofline follows the original profile & a few other minor rules like a maximum engine capacity of 6000cc, you're all good to go.
As a road car though, I like your idea but I'd have to run something like Watanabe rims.
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