89 replies to this topic

[A9X]

Been a lot of talk over the last 6 months on this and other forums regarding new body shells.

Does anyone have any real knowledge of these.

I have been fortunate enough to see the Camaro and Mustang versions from Dynacorp in Perth, and have seen a Mini Cooper Heritage body in Germany.

There are enough bodies being made overseas on everything from chevy trucks to e type jags, so i'd be keen to hear if anyone had progressed past the beer and bbq stage on an aussie anything.

[dattoman]

Seen 57 Chev and a number of other things over here

But the Aussie stuff I haven't laid a true eye on yet... in steel anyway

[GML-31]

have seen the xy bumpers and guards and all seem good, around 700 a guard by memory

[TerrA LX]

Better start counting up what's left soon...

[Bart]

I spoke to this guy a month ago http://www.xu-1.com.au/
He said he's got a bloke making all the panels for the LJ and Monaro's ets. He didnt actually say making the whole shell but he seems to be going that way

[enderwigginau]

In NSW (not sure other states, but assume there is similar) it is legal to transfer all parts to a Spare Part shell to ressurect a destroyed vehicle. Obviously, the authorities require an inspection of the shell and documentation where appropriate.

This has always been the case and a NASCO spare shell can still be used to replace a destroyed Torana shell (there is a NASCO LH shell hidden well in NSW ). There may be a way to classify these shells when available in a similar manner.

Otherwise we're looking at the ICV or "Kit Car" route. For kit car or small volume construction, they would all need to be pretty similar in build, and someone would need to crash three or more to prove compliance - if they could comply at all.

I need to find a copy of the LH10 Street Rod requirements as this also may be a possibility, but possibly not.

I believe that Phil's Rotaries, as mentioned by Dave, may be the first with Torana shells, but it may be Aussie Muscle Car Parts.




Grant..

[Statler]

lets see.......if i can buy a brand new replacement shell for my LH/X SL/R for around 17k,....yet my panel beater wants 15K to try to return mine to 'as new' condition.....but i can buy a set of tag rivets for around $45 on evilbay.....does anyone else see the problem?

We shoulda bought XY GT's! Atleast we wouldn't have a problem buying parts!

[Heath]

Things like emissions requirements would make things fairly complex but definitely not impossible.

I would be more concerned about safety requirements as far as collisions etc are concerned

[xu2308]

With these Shells,is the Steal they used to pour into the Molds would it be the same as back in the day or what type of steal is used in new cars now etc.
Some one is making new 1968 Mustang Shells,and i think New old Carmaro Shells,you would think there would have to meet some type of Steal Requirement to pour into the molds to make these Shells.
I think just making all the Parts for you car is a better option than a new shell,Like a new Roof,new rear guards etc,then u are still using your shell.

[A9X]

umm.

steel isn't poured into moulds.

It starts as a flat sheet and is pressed into shape.

can't comment on these aussie ones, but the yank ones are made from the original tooling, and the modern steel has better rust resistant properties reading dynacorps website.
The pommy ones also use original tooling and i can't comment on the steel.

crush zones and such would not be any different to the originals from where i sit.
I can see the rebirthing concerns but i also see the argument that these are no different to the shells noted above. They are made in 2 countries that have far greater issues with rebirthing than we do and its a growing business.
I can imagine the cost in tooling up for these things is huge, so i would imagine they have done their homework

Rebirthing is only an issue when you are presenting something that its not.
The rest is a shell swap.

It wasn't that long ago that Amcap in Welshpool had 3 monaro sheels on pallets stacked outside.

Edited by A9X, 30 December 2009 - 11:42 PM.

[Bart]

I said this before and i will say it again.

I cant see it possible.

Things like crumple zones etc.....Just think about it.

No you cant just switch the tags, although realistically who the f*ck would know, no, its not morally right....

Cheers.

Yeah its bad to switch tags, but what choice is there?

[A9X]

I gotta tell you in complete honesty.

If i was datto sitting on a complete ss with a cancer riddled shell, and i could buy a fresh shell from the factory tooling for 15 k, i wouldn't think twice.

BUT...

if the time came to sell, i wouldn't be palming it off as an original, i'd be letting the buyer know it was a rebody.

On the other side of the coin, i'd be much happier paying for a modern rebody than a repair on a cancer riddled shell. There is an area for crumple zone discussion.

But in both cases, we are not talking buying/selling concourse original cars and the price would reflect that.

only my 2c