Part III, Molding In the Headrests.
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.
Fleece cloth is stretched and rolled under, attached to the body using an air-powered staple gun. | 
The USC Fiberglass Resin is then mixed and poured onto the fleece. | 
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 to the entire surface and ground smooth. | 
USC Kromate Lightweight Filler is then applied on top of the Duraglass, and again smoothed and block sanded. | 
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! |