Detroit Hot Rod Build

Owner Benjamin Clayton at Detroit Hot Rod is taking his customer’s Catfish build to a new level.  This car is getting the custom treatment with bodywork that stays true to the original design, yet offers a windshield, hydraulically-hinged hood, trunk space, and an interior that is sure to amaze.  With employees who like to restore World War II fighter planes on the side, the interior will become an aluminum treat with solid rivets, polished panels and custom aluminum bomber seats complete with ox blood red leather inserts.

These are just a few of the first pictures from the build, as the first job for Ben and his crew was to map out all of the changes to the car, and in what order they would tackle them.  As mentioned in other posts, this car will also have Flyin’ Miata turbo power.  Even with all the custom touches, this will be a quick build as the car is scheduled to debut at the Concours de Elegance of American at St. John’s in Detroit on July 27th.  Look for more pictures and updates soon.

Check it out:

 

Preparing to ship
Preparing to ship
another blue burrito
another blue burrito
dimple die radiator bracket
dimple die radiator bracket
hood showing structural ribs with M6 inserts
hood showing structural ribs with M6 inserts
rounding corners at the dash…interesting
rounding corners at the dash…interesting
adding trunk and roll hoop covers…
adding trunk and roll hoop covers…
shortening the hood in anticipation of the screen installation, hinge
shortening the hood in anticipation of the screen installation, hinge
progress
progress
new structure for hood hinge
new structure for hood hinge
Sometimes “old school” works best
Sometimes “old school” works best
the dash is separated from the hood and a nice curve has been added
the dash is separated from the hood and a nice curve has been added
the two sides are now joined
the two sides are now joined
more fitment fun with radiator mount and hood hinges.
more fitment fun with radiator mount and hood hinges.
Now it’s getting interesting!
Now it’s getting interesting!
The end of the hood is now a completely ‘glassed in part of the nose. Very nice!
The end of the hood is now a completely ‘glassed in part of the nose.  Very nice!
Driver’s side
Driver’s side
The hood is now over one foot shorter, but the overall design remains.
The hood is now over one foot shorter, but the overall design remains.
Slide 18
Slide 18
The hinge is in place
The hinge is in place
Internal hinge view
Internal hinge view
another view
another view

2 Comments

  • Derrick Wansom says:

    I was hoping to see this at Concours this past weekend – did he not complete it in time?

    • Cord says:

      Mid-way through the process, they decided that buring the midnight oil just to make the concours was not in the budget. Smart move, although quite a few people are waiting to see this car finished. It will be a beauty.

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