My next project is a...

[billybek]

I really would like to ride in that one day!

Very nice!

[motion]

Wow, sweet project! Thanks for keeping us updated on the beautiful work.

[ckelly78z]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Hey cool, I have that same slot car in my Thunderjet racing set. It's the 4 lane Sterling Moss raceway from the mid 60s, by Aurora.

[will hung]

Wow. Gorgeous. What's the plan for wheels? If it were mine, I'd look into a set of Wilhoit's aluminum replica steelies. But they'd probably be more expensive than a set of steelies with aluminum outer rims.

[mreid]

It was a car day here in south Texas. The 904 showed up and looks significantly better in person. Love the blue!





My new DD also showed up today. I bought my wife a MB E350 two years ago and she kept driving my 2008 ML63 and decided she didn't like her car any more. A few months ago, she made me a deal. I could get a new car if I gave her my car and I could trade in her E350 on what ever I wanted. Well, this showed up today:

[tevake]

Hey Mark, love this beautifull machine and watching it come together.
The color is really sharp.
I've just got to step out of the spectator gallery to ask if you are going to have working AC in the car . I know that's a bit out in left field for this sort of car, but you do live in Tx. I understand the originals were quite hot to drive.
And AC would extend your driving season hugely.

What are your driving aspirations with the car?

Thanks for documenting the build so well for us to enjoy!

Cheers Richard

[onewhippedpuppy]

So it's done? How does it drive? And I think you left us hanging on engine porn....

BTW, nice AMG.

[mreid]

No engine, yet. Still sitting in pieces in the garage. I have a 78 3.0, 98mm P&Cs (10.5:1), DC cams, twin plug big port heads, and twin plug dizzy. Just need to put it all together. If I'm lucky, it will be ready by the hottest month of the year in Texas! Unfortunately, no a/c, at least yet. I do have a 915 with the ring gear flipped.

[mreid]

One other interesting fact. I actually fit in this car! I'm 6'4" and 220. My GT 40 was really tight even with the modified pedal and seat geometry. Climbing over the fuel tank and shifter was particularly difficult. My FF Daytona Coupe was better, but tight. The 904 has the seat lowered and pushed back with the pedals as far forward as possible. All are like puting on a cheap suit, but this one is not too bad. Just no video of me climbing out!

[scootermcrad]

Killer! Looking forward to seeing some videos! Congrats!

[Heel n Toe]

Remember this hard and fast, but brilliant rule for any build like this: the fire extinguisher goes in before the engine does.

Think about it.

[porsche4life]

Remember this hard and fast, but brilliant rule for any build like this: the fire extinguisher goes in before the engine does.



Think about it.

I'd think one of these hiding above the engine would be a good idea...

Amazon.com: BLAZECUT Automatic Fire Suppression System, Automotive Extinguisher: Automotive

[mreid]

Always! Good tip.

[Rich Lambert]

I have been seriously thinking about one of these and have some questions, if you don't mind.

Did it really take 14 months to build? How long between when you placed the order and the build started? Are you happy with the fit & finish? Would you do it again?

Love the blue!

[asphaltgambler]

My next project (after I finish my current pro-tour / rat rod) is this:



'69 Caddy with Miller-Meteor conversion - all original but somewhat a little rough 'round the edges. Plans are angled top chop with Durmax power.............

[Tobra]

Needs one of those wood, 917 shift knobs...

[mreid]

Originally Posted by Rich Lambert

I have been seriously thinking about one of these and have some questions, if you don't mind.

Did it really take 14 months to build? How long between when you placed the order and the build started? Are you happy with the fit & finish? Would you do it again?

Love the blue!

Rich,

When I was discussing the build with Carey, he said 6 months. Then Chuck Beck's son came up to implement some upgrades and it ended up taking almost 14 months. However, I waited 18 month for my Kirkham cobra. Of course it came from Poland.

The build started immediately after order. There was one vehicle ahead of mine. First they welded up the chassis, then bonded it to the body as it was laid up in the mold. That was fairly quick. Paint shop and final build is where all the time went. The fit and finish is perfect and it is what Beck is known for. I'm very happy with the body and gaps. There are two minor opportunities on the interior, but they are minor. I would definitely do it again, but this is the seventh reproduction I've owned and one of the best.

AG, I like your style!

[mreid]

Finally got a few hours to lift the engine onto the stand. It's a 3.0 from a 78. Had a rebuild several years ago, so I'm hoping the bottom end is solid.

Took about four hours of degreasing and scrubbing to get it fairly clean.

Good enough to start disassembling it. Standard 3.2ss build. I have large port twin plug heads, DC100 cams, and 3.2 cylinders bored to 98mm and plated. The P&Cs, heads, and cams from this engine will be for sale soon.

Question: who can I send the engine mounted oil cooler to for cleaning and testing?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You are a brave man rolling that around on the grass!

Pacific is generally regarded as the go-to place for cooler cleaning and repair.

Pacific Oil Cooler Service, Inc. - Home

[mreid]

Thanks, Shaun, I'll give them a call this week. I'm in Texas where at the end of the summer the grass is as hard as the asphalt. The water even runs off the ground like the driveway. No engine spills yet!