The ECOCAT is the project car KIT CAR debuted with in its September '04 issue--a multi-part how-to illustrating how the car, a 'glass Cheetah kit sold exclusively through Shell Valley Companies, is transformed into a one-off, slinky street cat. Born from the sketchpad of automotive illustrator Thom Taylor, the ECOCAT gets its name from the marriage of the Cheetah body and a Ford Ecotec 2.2L engine.
In the last two issues of KIT CAR, we saw the project go from drawing board to reality, springing forth at the hands of Tracy Tichenor, proprietor of T&R Auto Body. The Taylor drawing outlined what was needed, and it is Tichenor's job to make it happen. Much of the ECOCAT's concept is in how Taylor perceived the car--with its rounded, sculpted lines.
To get those shapes right, Tichenor has had to cut into the Cheetah body and realign, reshape, adjust, and 'glass all the pieces back together again for the desired effect. In this month's update, Tichenor continues with the body reshaping by molding the headrests into the body.
We intend to drive this car when it's done--it ain't no trailer queen! We think it provides another way to look at replicar building, in both powerplant options and body modifications, which personalizes the project (something we all strive for in building cars, right?). So let us know if you think we're on the right track with it.
 Another unique design element...  Another unique design element of the ECOCAT are the molded headrests. In order to achieve the proper look for the car, Tracy fashions a cardboard template, trimming it until it looks just right. |
 Wood is then cut, following...  Wood is then cut, following the shape of the template and attached with screws to the body. The strength in the panel will come from the fiberglass matting. The seat is then positioned in the cockpit area to double-check for proper fit. |
 Feathering the edges of the...  Feathering the edges of the rear body section with a sander, Tracy grinds the area smooth in preparation for the fiberglass bonding. |
 Fleece cloth is stretched...  Fleece cloth is stretched and rolled under, attached to the body using an air-powered staple gun. |
 The USC Fiberglass Resin is...  The USC Fiberglass Resin is then mixed and poured onto the fleece. |
 Fiberglass matting soaked...  Fiberglass matting soaked with resin is applied to the seams to smooth the line between the body and reshaped trunk area. |
 Duraglass is then applied...  Duraglass is then applied to the entire surface and ground smooth. |
 USC Kromate Lightweight Filler...  USC Kromate Lightweight Filler is then applied on top of the Duraglass, and again smoothed and block sanded. |
 After a good coat of primer,...  After a good coat of primer, the ECOCAT is already stunning. These skinny roller tires provide only a murky preview of what the car is going to look like with serious rubber and the 18" ET-III wheels. With the body mods nearing completion, the ECOCAT is shaping up to be one fearsome, feline flyer. Stay tuned! |