Here we go again. This is my winter project.

[Concours.John]

Sometimes I wonder what I'm thinking.
I've taken on the responsibility of bringing back a once totaled vehicle.

It has significant history and was a one piece body. It is all fiberglass. Many panels will have to be remade.

After a day of surgery...





Anything not gray (original gel coat) will have to be redone.





Some old repairs. This car was broken into many prices in an accident.





Everything was cut at factory seams. The nose and right side suffered the brunt of it all. It was basically glued back together with fiberglass. With fewer than 25 known to still exist this will be fun.

 

[GearHead_1]

I look forward to your project John. Your work is always top notch.

 

[rurocking]

Where do you get the energy and patience?

 

[BobbyG]

There's noting like a challenging winter project John but how many winters is the real question. :lol2:

I can't wait to see progress updates!! :yourrock :bigups

 

[CH.Detailing]

Very cool project! I'm excited to see how it progresses for you.

 

[flamed03vert]

I'm dumb... what is it? Looks classic Ferrari like from the front

 

[Trouble]

If it were up to me to get that thing back together it would sit till doomsday!

Look forward to watching your progress throughout the Winter months John :rockon

 

[Concours.John]

I'm not sure how to multi-quote but first thanks Gearhead for the compliment.

As far as due date it is already planned to debut at next years Pebble Beach.

This will be little old me, body, fit, electrical, finish, and assembly. A long term aquaintance and top engine builder. Then and amazing chassis and fabricator for the frame (almost done).
We'll will be competeing against the big dogs in restoration. I've restored winners at Medowbrook and Amelia but have not done one for Pebble till now.

As far as the vehicle, its whereabouts have been unknown for a couple years. Here is a link this specific vehicle number is mentioned for those curious.

De Tomaso Vallelunga - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It will be new again.

Here is what it should look like

Here is what it is supposed to look like.

 

[Addicted2Bling]

John........

Good luck lol. I don't know how you're going to do it but good luck

 

[tropicsteve]

i hope it all works out john. what a great looking automobile in it's original form.

 

[Concours.John]

i hope it all works out john. what a great looking automobile in it's original form.

They always are ugly ducklings before they become swans.

 

[Bunky]

Good luck with the car at the show!

 

[Pats300zx]

Great project John. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[CT3]

Nice project! Hopefully we get to see some updates and a finished project!

 

[flamed03vert]

Looks neat, here I thought third gen F-bodies had huge back window glass at awkward shapes. Is this Detomaso powered by a small block Ford too?

 

[Concours.John]

Looks neat, here I thought third gen F-bodies had huge back window glass at awkward shapes. Is this Detomaso powered by a small block Ford too?

These were powered by a 1.5 liter 4cyl. Ford Kent motor @110-130hp. It may not sound like much but at 1500lbs it's 0-60 was in the 7's and top around 120mph. They are extremely loud. The interior and engine bay share the interior and are not sealed from each other. There is at least a cover over the engine. They are derived from Detomaso's F3 program.

 

[Orinda Auto Detail]

Wow John :drool: I'd love to get my hands on one of those type of projects. Instead I'm stuck destroying an SL63 with a wide body kit(btw as someone else who knows how fun fiber glass is send me some good vibes because this thing is fighting me tooth an nail:wall) Cant wait to see your progress!

 

[Concours.John]

Wow John :drool: I'd love to get my hands on one of those type of projects. Instead I'm stuck destroying an SL63 with a wide body kit(btw as someone else who knows how fun fiber glass is send me some good vibes because this thing is fighting me tooth an nail:wall) Cant wait to see your progress!

Feel free to send contact PM. I'll talk shop.

 

[Concours.John]

Went to check on the frame. This guy is a wizard. All of the factory problems have been eliminated but to an unnoticeable Concours standard.







Some of my work today. Getting rid of bad overlays on the front.





Time to officially start a thread. This is the vehicle I mentioned about as "the ultimate detail" I'll get the history together and update as work progresses.
Any thoughts on a good title? This vehicle in particular will have an audience once word is out in the De Tomaso crowd.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

frankenlunga? lol