Construction of an Altered Wheelbase Funny Car 

The '65 is going through its transformation well.  My good friend Bill Milburn is doing the metal work

           Well, here's how it started, picking a '65 Tempest from my yard.  Original 6 cyl, auto car from Detroit.  It had some rust before moving to Arizona.

Next was the stripping process-front end, interior, bumpers and then the frame was removed.  Now with the body on stands, she's ready for the '65 era A/FX altered wheel base, Funny Car  treatment.

After being stripped down, the decision had to be made how much to move up the rear wheels.  I decided on 7" but, the forward portion of the rear fender lip will be moved up 10" and the rear portion will be extended an additional 3" also.  This allows for larger diameter tires.  

Above left photo shows where panel is to be cut.  Above right shows first section to be cut out of car, 10" out of the rear passenger foot well area.      The photos below show the Tempest with both inner wheel houses carefully cut out.  An additional 5" of metal was removed from the inside of the area between the wheel houses.  This will ease the reassembly process and make for a better built car.  

****************************************************************************************

Below shots shows my friend Bill tack welding the cross brace and under rear seat area forward 10".  Center pic shows front 1/4 section cut and fitted forward with tire in place to check fit and look.  Right pic shows most of 1/4 cut out.

This next  pic shows  Bill fitting a 1/4 section from another donor car.

Above photo shows the panel now fully welded and ready for filler. Below pics show comparison before and after, the wheel well was not only moved forward but, also lengthened to fit bigger tires and give a more subtle look.

With the left side and inner area basically together structurally, we are now working on the frame. The rear rails are moved in 5" on each side as was the wheel houses, behind the rear axle the frame expands out the the stock wider width.  This was done to allow for a possible radiator that may be mounted in the trunk floor.  Then, wheelbase was first shortened 7" to match the body and then the frame was stretched again behind the front control arms 4" for a final wheelbase of 112".

Here are more frame pics

Remember, the theme of this car is to re-create a '65 vintage altered wheel base funny car!

With the metal portion of the body coming together, it is time to start on the 'glass fenders.

Here is what they looked like with just a portion cut on the first trial fitting.

Now, they are cut up further and the glass work is started.

*****************************************

Here are some of the latest mock up pics with fenders primered and taking shape

This shot shows the changes to the funny car Tempest wheelbase compared to the GTO in the back ground

**************************************************************************************

After all this is together, what will I do for an encore?  Can you say "Bonneville"? 

PONTIACS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Real Pontiacs only......NO corporate nonsense!!!

E mail me   steve@pontiacheaven.org