Chrysler Engineering Daytona #88 restoration at Big Iron Garage

[Aero426]

Greg,  was there ever an explanation for why the color was changed to 999 back in 1969?

[tan top]

       

[odcics2]

Greg,  was there ever an explanation for why the color was changed to 999 back in 1969?

Not that I know about.

[ae8i]

The car is looking absolutely fantastic Greg (for a Dodge ). Your dedication, patience, and attention to detail in this restoration have been second to none.

I know Larry, George, Bill and the rest of the group would be very happy with how the car is progressing. It's such a significant part of the legacy left by an exceptional group of Chrysler engineers, working during an extraordinary era in NASCAR.

[odcics2]

The car is looking absolutely fantastic Greg (for a Dodge ). Your dedication, patience, and attention to detail in this restoration have been second to none.

I know Larry, George, Bill and the rest of the group would be very happy with how the car is progressing. It's such a significant part of the legacy left by an exceptional group of Chrysler engineers, working during an extraordinary era in NASCAR.

Thanks, Ken.   One way to do it.  Right!   No corners cut, no expense spared!  (did I mention I am broke?)   

[ae8i]

(did I mention I am broke?)

No problem, just fall back on your charm, intellect and good looks.  

I possess just one of those three, and it has served me well for decades.

[maxwellwedge]

Looks great - and I'm impressed with the sleuthing and attention to all the little details. 

[odcics2]

Seldom seen pic of a race Daytona: under the nose.

The #88 is flush back to the K frame.  Straight across, tire to tire.
Rathgeb said this was VERY important to lower the aero numbers on the race cars.  

And yes, the car is "petty blue" now.  Notice it's dull under the cone, just like unbuffed lacquer
would appear.   

[aerolith]

OMG Greg, your attention to detail is staggering!

As my dad always said 'if a jobs worth doing, its worth doing WELL''...
Mostly folks don't start jobs like this, cos they know they can't finish them...

I've started plenty of tough jobs and finished very few...
My rocky 'ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTION'...

I'm still thinking about building a 500-Nascar clone and I'm selling my 'real' C500 to pay the mortgage.


Life can be so cruel to us dreamy WANNABEE'S...

Red and Gold is Coolio but blue is nicer, maybe???

[odcics2]

John - Thanks for the kind words!  Wait till you see the numbers matching engine detailed out... 

[odcics2]

The Petty Blue over the B7 makes the word DAYTONA now appear black, when in reality it's B7.

[Birdflu]

Greg...that looks amazing! You are not only bringing back an icon for the Aero car world, but will also be the envy of many! Great job!

[Mopar John]

The Petty Blue over the B7 makes the word DAYTONA now appear black, when in reality it's B7.

WOW!
Who is going to try and duplicate the 200 MPH run?
MJ

[odcics2]

The Petty Blue over the B7 makes the word DAYTONA now appear black, when in reality it's B7.

WOW!
Who is going to try and duplicate the 200 MPH run?
MJ

Have to wait and see!   

[odcics2]

Notice from this angle the bottom of the car.
Nothing hangs below the rocker panels in front, just part of the torsion bar anchors.

Look at a production B Body and see how much was changed for a Nascar stock car built in late 1968.

[odcics2]

fender views.

[odcics2]

Getting closer...

[nascarxx29]

  looks good nice work

[tan top]

Getting closer...

   wow ! Awesome   

[moparchris]

I have a pretty large vocabulary but all I can come up with is WOW!!!  That's probably because HOLYSH#$% would get me in trouble
This car is just amazing.
Thank you for taking this project on.  I can't imagine the sacrifice you have and probably are continuing to have in bringing this car back to life.

[odcics2]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.   

Here's a pic of the original lanyards.
I think they have been duplicated pretty close, if not exact.
You can see the splitter behind the grill.
Also, the frame was mounted upside down. 
Vintage pics confirm and the holes in the nose lined up with the frame inverted.

[odcics2]

Lining up the original stainless steel headers and NOS dumps.

[Aero426]

The "empty" tag is a nice touch.

[odcics2]

Yes, vintage tag, too!
Note the clearance between the left header and the 1.6" diameter, 37" long torsion bar.
1,270 pounds per inch rate.   "C" body hexes used.
Same bars on both sides.

[C500]

First time in this post for a long time....Incredible job, well done  Keep up the good work 

Dunk