ZZR: SSR inspired build

ZZR · 09-25-2008, 02:08 AM

El Camino was based on a full size Chevy platform.
I started taking some measurements in Aug2008
Then - this(1st Thumbnail).

Then the scary part - the Caprice A posts are about 4" wider on each side than those of the SSR... We had to take A post out for this trial. ( 2d Tnl)

The second scary part was if we can move the A post in and still able to use the caprice HVAC. next pic - RIGHT "A" post moved in( LHS still outside the hood), door hinged and locked. also, the hood is hinged on the right side. HVAC is tight in there, but it works!(3d Tnl)
Now it begins to look doable..

Now we can try the quarter panel on. The rear glass is too wide to allow for proper alignment here. We'll take it out in a couple of days. (4 th Tnl)

The ZZR's roof is about 10" lower than that of an SSR. it is going to be about 4" longer, estimated 600# lighter, it won't have the retractable roof, a "lift off" instead, it'll have 14" longer space inside the bed. (5th Tnl).
I would like to know Fanatics opinions if after this project is complete it would be worth developing a fiberglass body kit for such conversion.
A 91-96 Caprice in good shape can be had for $2K. The Body kit may cost $5-$6. One could build a ZZR for about $10K + wheels and paint.
To get ahead a bit -based on such structure we could build a delivery wagon, a 4 seater extended cab, and more.. OK back on the ground

George
ZZR

REBEL · 09-25-2008, 03:58 AM

I like to see that you like to play with this stuff (out side of the box / norm)

A panel conversion for my SSR would catch my interest. But I would not put any money up front …

This project you have going I will hold judgment till I see more. It might be a little out of proportion for my taste.

That is honest feedback.

Maui Mike · 09-25-2008, 04:10 AM

Hey, where'd ya get them quarter/bedside panels???

Greg Ducato · 09-25-2008, 05:07 AM

That shows a lot of imagination and hard work. I am interested to see this as it comes together.

eric-mpd · 09-25-2008, 06:20 AM

I think this would be a very cool panel truck. I like the drawings I have seen of SSR panel trucks. I dont know about the kit idea. I am sure you would sell a few but would it be worth it? Sounds like a ton of work even to a person with the talents to put something like that together. Obviously you are rockin on with it so good luck.

ZZR · 09-25-2008, 03:43 PM

Thanks guys! We'll see where it takes us, few custom parts for SSR should come out of this..
Maui Mike, the side panels we would have to build from scratch. Right now I'm thinking to just build a basic lift off cab car and use it for experimenting with other stuff later. Right now all body panels are SSR metal, and cut them up would not be wise. if we had molds to pop fireglass panels, then there would be freedom to play with some ideas

Thanks again for the feedback, very insightful and ecouraging.

George
ZZR

LTs SSR · 09-25-2008, 06:24 PM

Creative!

Jgrden · 09-25-2008, 09:46 PM

E'gads, get with it man. I can't wait to see this thing.

xoxoxoBruce · 09-26-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZR

El Camino was based on a full size Chevy platform. What if...

Cool project, keep us posted.

btw, only the first 2 years, El Caminos were full sized, the next 4 generations were chevelle based... I've owned 'em all.

ZZR · 10-05-2008, 02:26 PM

next step, we stretch the quarter panel to make sure the rear wheel is centered in the well. that will make ZZR a little longer than an SSR.

With the rear glass gone we now can fit the quarter right.
The gate and rear bumper follow.

The gas filler neck shortened, and will work fine residing under the license plate.

Jgrden · 10-05-2008, 07:12 PM

Get on with it man. Let's see more.

ZZR · 10-09-2008, 01:11 AM

The Caprice license plate bracked is reused, it flips open to allow access to the filler neck.

Next we go back to the front and remove the LHS "A" pillar.

The A pillar removal allows us to hang the LHS fender.

Greg Ducato · 10-09-2008, 05:12 AM

keeps getting better, thanks for posting your progress.

ZZR · 10-17-2008, 03:18 AM

Next too pics we see that the hood is hinged on the left side also, the LHS A pillar is in place,and the windshield is cut to fit.

See you soon!
george
ZZR

Jgrden · 10-17-2008, 08:33 PM

Keep going man. I can't wait.

ZZR · 10-22-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgrden

Keep going man. I can't wait.

Thanks for the support!
here we hung and hinged the LHS door,

xoxoxoBruce · 10-23-2008, 06:59 AM

ZZR, you're definitely stone crazy.
We like that 'round here.

Focks · 10-23-2008, 07:38 AM

This is pretty cool to watch the progress.... how about hanging a web cam, so we can watch the action.

Purple Penelope · 10-23-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Focks

This is pretty cool to watch the progress.... how about hanging a web cam, so we can watch the action.

...and hear the swearing.....

ZZR · 10-24-2008, 02:25 AM

XOXOXO Bruce,Eric MPD, LT's SSR, Maui Mike, Gred Ducato, REBEL, Jgrden, PP , very funny!
i think you'r all crazy too for watching this, but hey, as long as it's fun:-)
Today we hung the LHS quarter panel and every seam is perfect.
it's looking ******promicing

George
ZZR

Greg Ducato · 10-24-2008, 04:52 AM

Like watching a train wreck, you want to turn away but you are compelled to witness the outcome.

Just kidding, I am impressed with the creativity and look forward to seeing the finished product.

ZZR · 10-28-2008, 03:31 AM

The fitting is finished, the tonneau cover is hinged and fits great,
no swearing in the shop

Greg Ducato · 10-28-2008, 04:32 AM

Wow, that is quite a transformation, keep us posted as you progress, it is really taking shape.

ZZR · 11-16-2008, 12:35 AM

Now the fitting is complete we go to work on individual panels.
The hood is being extended 8.5 inches back, there is more room between it's rear edge and the windshield.

grimmye · 11-16-2008, 03:31 AM

Looking GREAT! Really enjoy watching the progress. Brings back some memories from when I was a clinic model manger for GM Design.

ibjeff · 11-16-2008, 09:48 AM

Looking good! Keep posting the progress...I can't wait to see the finished vehicle!

Pilot · 11-17-2008, 03:05 AM

Wow.. impressive. Keep on updating.

ZZR · 11-23-2008, 03:54 AM

Will do of course, it is nice to know I'm not alone, right now we finished extending the hood back 8,5 ", it is all dent free and smooth, it is waxed and sprayed with PVA film.
On Mon the boys in the shop will spray some tooling gelcoat on it and I'll take it back and start making the mold. In about two weeks I should have the mold.
Then we'll make a fiberglass hood. We then ll'be free to put cowl scoop on it, try heat extractors and vents. I guess building the car will be on hold untill the custom hood is done.
It should play out well, since now weather is nice and perfect for working with fiberglass.
As it gets cooler I'll go back to the body and weld permanent frameworks for new panels, box the frame, ect.
We'll post pics when progress is made,
Later!
George
ZZR

Greg Ducato · 11-23-2008, 07:22 AM

you are an inspiration George, keep us posted on the modifications.

BluDragon · 11-23-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZR

Then we'll make a fiberglass hood. We then ll'be free to put cowl scoop on it, try heat extractors and vents. I guess building the car will be on hold untill the custom hood is done.

Wow... impressive work... I wish I had the knowledge (and space) to do this type of work. It would be fun!

Just in case you have not thought of it, maybe a Shaker Hood scoop would look cool?

I've always loved the old TransAm hood scoops.

Can't wait to see more! Are you planning on taking it to any events next summer?