Thanks guys,
Most people build model car replicas, I build the full size version. I've been close up to most of the real ones over the years and have taken lots of photos.
These cars are mine (I put the kids to work building them) I'm just there for guidance. They do the welding and all the work. While these look pretty cool we've made mistakes too, so undoing the mistakes is part of the learning process. I love the Trans Am cars so that is my focus. I'm introducing a whole new generation to these cars and their history, the folks behind the history, the great rules interpretations and deviations, etc. Auto shop is more than just working on cars, you know. About the only thing I can't do here is paint them.
We have some autocross cars and my wife and I take kids with us and teach them to drive. We have open track cars too. Kids don't get to drive those but we've taken a bunch around Sears Point, Laguna Seca, and Thunderhill Raceway.
Jon, I haven't got any low resolution photos of the Bud Moore Cougar project, but the
www.GunnAutotech.com web page has my advanced class posed around it so you can get an idea of what's coming. We just finished mounting the oil cooler up front just like the real deal.
I'm hoping to retire with all of my toys in a few years if I can keep this program running. Computer classes are all the rage these days and most shop classes have been dropped. Hands on classes are rare. These kids can't even operate a broom when I start with them. Now I've got former students who work on top secret aircraft, have gone on to compete at the SCCA runoffs, and have been featured in Road and Track magazine! This sure beats working at the Dealership!
I have another 68' Mustang project to complete that we've just started working on. I may add the side vents and convert it to a 67' to make a yellow Titus tribute,
I don't have a Camaro or a Dodge Challenger. The prices are just insane for even the most rusted out body shells for these. I probably have enough parts laying around to tackle them both should a decent donor car find a home here. By the way, my wife and I fund these projects ourselves. There is no money for shop classes in California.
Mike Camicia
