drifter-x

So, I was thinkin' 'bout what I needed to do to the 'Maro to get it ready to sell for an early '60's car to build a bubble top custom out of....
And I realized I love my car too much to sell it.

Then, I was lookin for somethin to buy to start the project on...
But I can't afford to buy a new car AND do all the custom work. Well, not in a timely manner.

Theeeeen, I realized, DUH!, crazy custom bubble top Camaro!

Anyway, to the point...
Has anyone seen this? I've got it figured out, I just don't want to rip someone's idea if they did a good job.

Aviator857

ok - I will refrain from my opinion of doing this and go for just the technical issues. The difference between a 60's car and your camaro is the frame. You would need to reinforce the frame like they did for the verts. Its not easy to go cutting the top off a unibody car, can it be done yes. Except for batman prototypes or prop cars I've never seen it done to a thirdgen.

Assuming this is what you are talking about.

1Aauto

OMG, I just thought of the Monster Garage episode there Jessie James made the car for Half Drop, also known as wee man. That was hilarious.

383roller

Not to burst your bubble, but why the hell would you do this to a third gen? The amount of money, time, and fabrication involved would be insane. IMO, even if you did accomplish this, people would just laugh at it. Sorry if i sound like an a-hole, but a third gen has sharp body lines and a bubble top would throw everything off. Hell, you could probably buy an original custom bubble top car from the sixties with less money than trying it with a third gen.

Aviator857

I don't think it will look good but if you started with a vert, you could do it for 3-4k. There are several companies that custom make canopies for the home built and kit aircraft market. http://www.toddscanopies.com/ as an example that could easily build a top for you. I do agree with the fact that it will in no way match the lines of a 3ed gen. I guess you could weld up the doors on a non vert and that would provide for most of the frame reinforcement needed. Especially if you put some roll bar framing in the car below the door line.

drifter-x

Well... bein a custom, it's going to get MAJOR body work. Can anyone tell what the heck that blue car started as? And check out Daryl Starbird's Predicta (http://www.thepredictaproject.org/History/history.html). You can't tell it started out as a '57 T-bird. That car is one of my favorite bubble tops.
The nose and the tail are getting heavily worked to accomodate different headlights, taillights and a touch of chrome. The tail is getting extended a bit and is going to sit lower. I'm going to run a ridge along the top of the fenders back to short, mostly verticle fins. And rocker panels that somewhat mimmic the stock gfx are getting molded on. Also, obviously, the work to the top of the car to get the bubble to fit.
The passenger compartment is going to be shortened to a 2 seater and get tons of custom work.
I've already got the chassis pretty much planned to be stiffer than my t-topped roof right now.
Yeah, I understand that this is going to take more than just some modeling glue.

One of the big reasons I want to use my Camaro, also, is that if I keep throwing good parts on the suspension I'll have a custom that drives like a sports car. I don't want somethin that looks good if it's no fun to drive.

Aviator857

Have no idea what that blue car was I googled bubble top car because I didn't know what you were talking about and that was one of the first images to come up that clued me in on what it was.

drifter-x

Oh. Yeah, thats the bubble top i meant. Thanks for the link. I have info on a couple different places but the bubble is going to obviously be the most important part of the project.

JMR

like this?

drifter-x

heh... almost exactly like that. but i'm thinkin of an extra wing and teal flames also

1Aauto

Here's a link over to George Barris's website.He's the king of customs.I met him at the world of wheels a few years ago,real nice guy.

Might give you some ideas,this is cool stuff.

http://www.barris.com/gallery.html

JMR

like it was mentioned before if you are really going through with this project a vert will be ideal, the body has been cut meaning less work and money coming out of you and your pocket; with that in mind you might be able to get away with the purchase of the bubble and you will have mere money for that teal flames on green paint.

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say a bubble top thirdgen will be the ugliest Thirdgen yet.
I'll put it next to the guy who put a phantom grill and fake side exhausts on his IROC.
Please just keep these thoughts in your head and do not try to make this car reality.
Spare yourself the pain.