PoFoMoCo's 1971 Shelby Europa build October 2022 (ETA Summer 2023)

[rackerm]

Thank you for the information on Everbrite, I will check it out.

From what I just read, both Sharkhide and Everbrite's ProtectaClear product appear to be and do essentially the same thing. They both protect aluminum wheels, as well as, other metals from oxidation. Both are self-leveling coatings and are applied and can be reapplied the same way. I used a soaked folded piece of clean cheesecloth with the wheel off the car, laying down flat and level, so gravity would help with the self-leveling properties to evenly coat the face of the wheel. Keep dust particles from landing on the surface while the stuff is wet. The only difference I see is the price... 1 Quart (32oz) of Sharkhide is $75 on Amazon vs $90 for ProtectaClear on their website.

 

[tpj71mach]

I can't wait to see that bad boy done!

 

[PoFoMoCo]

I can't wait to see that bad boy done!

Yes…. Shopping paint options as we know the light pewter metallic can be challenging to match. Luckily our cars have a great cut and blend line.

I want to get in the waiting que with a good shop asap as the clock is ticking!

 

[PoFoMoCo]

Last week I finished the full ram air setup and got it ready to install. It definitely shows some wear and tear, but it looks really good for refurbished parts. Thanks @GARYCOBRAJET for a great deal on these ram air parts.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

Yesterday I measured and cut out the mounting holes for my OEM hood locks, installed the NACA hood scoop trim and mocked up the ram air components to the hood before the hood gets installed on the car. Everything will be disassembled, labeled and bagged before going to the painter.

 

[tpj71mach]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it in color on the car.

 

[GARYCOBRAJET]

Yesterday I measured and cut out the mounting holes for my OEM hood locks, installed the NACA hood scoop trim and mocked up the ram air components to the hood before the hood gets installed on the car. Everything will be disassembled, labeled and bagged before going to the painter.

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[GARYCOBRAJET]

Wow PoFoMoCo you have done a fantastic job on re furbishing the parts I sold you-especially the flappers-I cant believe they are the same ones I supplied-well done! Gary

 

[bkdunha]

The Europa at Carlisle a couple years back was parked 2 up from me in Bldg T. I can vouch that it is a clone. The owner has worked to keep it as close to an original as possible, but it is a clone. He was a nice guy and built a car to share with folks here in the states that may not have otherwise known such a model existed. I cannot fault him a bit.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

Hey Brian, yes I recognized your amazing car in the video. It would have been great to see both cars in person!

 

[rackerm]

Hey Brian, yes I recognized your amazing car in the video. It would have been great to see both cars in person!

A few of us had our cars on display in building T at the Carlise in 2021 50th Anniversary of the 71-72 model years,

 

[PoFoMoCo]

A few of us had our cars on display in building T at the Carlise in 2021 50th Anniversary of the 71-72 model years,

Yes definitely a strong group in 2021. Carlisle is definitely on my bucket list!

 

[PoFoMoCo]

With a couple of breaks in between soccer games and honey-do's, I managed to get in a couple of easy projects today so I can get started correctly detailing the engine compartment and mocking up the NACA hood before it goes to paint. My son and I removed the flat hood and old hood springs. I made a simple, nylon pull tool with a swivel snap hook to help remove the original round wound hood springs.... easy 1-2-3. I have several little details with the engine compartment to work thru, it'll go smoother without the hood in the way.

I also went to DT with my Shelby wheels to check out their mount & balance setup. My buddy is the shop manager and we spun the bare wheels on one of their balancing machines just to check out how true they are. The tires will be mounted and balanced on Monday. After allot of online research, looking at photos, and asking for input from several forum members I went with the @Cleveland Crush inspired setup of BFG Radial TAs sized 245/60/15 for the fronts and slightly taller 275/60/15 for the rears. Based on the realistic use of this car as a pleasure cruiser, I went with a staggered setup and I'll live with the limited rotation side-to-side.

Slowly getting things checked off the list.

 

[tpj71mach]

Looking great! I love the pewter with black trim!

 

[rio1856]

Hey man great idea making that tool to install the hood springs!

 

[PoFoMoCo]

I did a little fit-n-finish work this morning before dropping of the slotted mags at DT for my tire install. Thanks to @71mach351 for an outstanding set of '73 bumper guards and @OMS for the bumper guard rubber pads. The rear end of my car is really coming together. IMO, the gold standard for any true replica build is in the details. Doing things exactly the right way, the same way as the original, makes all the difference. For me, the things you "replicate" in the build have to be the correct parts by manufacture, date, and finish. Otherwise it's just paint and stickers. LOL

Here's a pic of Dr. Harvima's original convertible from @ponysite.de for reference. I have a OEM set of SHELBY trunk letters and NOS Shelby fender emblems for the rear quarters. I also have the wheel molding and rocker trim. I am waiting to install the lettering, wheel molding. trim and fender badges until I'm certain we won't be spraying those panels.

 

[Sheriff41]

I did a little fit-n-finish work this morning before dropping of the slotted mags at DT for my tire install. Thanks to @71mach351 for an outstanding set of '73 bumper guards and @OMS for the bumper guard rubber pads. The rear end of my car is really coming together. IMO, the gold standard for any true replica build is in the details. Doing things exactly the right way, the same way as the original, makes all the difference. For me, the things you "replicate" in the build have to be the correct parts by manufacture, date, and finish. Otherwise it's just paint and stickers. LOL

Here's a pic of Dr. Harvima's original convertible from @ponysite.de for reference. I have a OEM set of SHELBY trunk letters and NOS Shelby fender emblems for the rear quarters. I also have the wheel molding and rocker trim. I am waiting to install the lettering, wheel molding. trim and fender badges until I'm certain we won't be spraying those panels.

Looks good! I like the '71 Texas plate, too. Did you have the plate restored or were you able to find ones in good condition? Most of the '72 plates I've found need restoring.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

Looks good! I like the '71 Texas plate, too. Did you have the plate restored or were you able to find ones in good condition? Most of the '72 plates I've found need restoring.

On eBay.... I was lucky to find a set in great condition. Honestly I was shocked, I was the only bidder and got the them for $25.

 

[tpj71mach]

I did a little fit-n-finish work this morning before dropping of the slotted mags at DT for my tire install. Thanks to @71mach351 for an outstanding set of '73 bumper guards and @OMS for the bumper guard rubber pads. The rear end of my car is really coming together. IMO, the gold standard for any true replica build is in the details. Doing things exactly the right way, the same way as the original, makes all the difference. For me, the things you "replicate" in the build have to be the correct parts by manufacture, date, and finish. Otherwise it's just paint and stickers. LOL

Here's a pic of Dr. Harvima's original convertible from @ponysite.de for reference. I have a OEM set of SHELBY trunk letters and NOS Shelby fender emblems for the rear quarters. I also have the wheel molding and rocker trim. I am waiting to install the lettering, wheel molding. trim and fender badges until I'm certain we won't be spraying those panels.

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Looking great!

 

[PoFoMoCo]

Unfortunately, I’ve had to rethink my tire selection. The 275/60/15 rear tires were not right for my build. Once the tires were mounted and put on the car it was not the look for my build, too radical. I will save these for my future Mach1/Sportsroof build where the aggressive nature of that tire size really looks good.

I have ordered a second pair of 245/60/15 BFGs so now I have a full set of matching tires for all 4 corners. So, the tires are a push until tomorrow. More to follow…