HM-2030 Build Log - The Storm Ahead

[Greg K]

Took the car out for it's first night drive after waiting for some storm cells to pass and figuring out the where the dry roads were. Not having done any headlight alignment, it wasn't too bad. Being seated much lower, you definitely get much more glare and light in the eyes from oncoming traffic on a 2 lane road and also from behind in the rear view mirror. Divided 4 lane and multilane roads were ok. Knowing there was another storm cell brewing in the area, got it back to the garage in time, three minutes later it was pouring heavy, got lucky I didn't get caught out.

[Greg K]

Finally got around to popping a couple riv-nuts for the drink holder after getting a bracket made for it. Bracket will be hidden under carpet and with enough clearance for carpet at the back edge of the holder. Good for 12 oz cans with an insulator to plastic water bottles. Also found a skinny insulated tumbler that will fit for those mornings for cars and coffee events.
Didn't do any driving this weekend, having my lap belts modified and should have them back this week. They custom made them originally to my measurements and ended up being a little snug  . So we're having them made longer now to also accommodate larger passengers and still adjust down for the wife.

[Greg K]

400 Mile Update 

[Greg K]

Besides driving and posting the update above, I decided to make a framed radiator screen today from 3/4 x 1/8 aluminum flat bar and #6 SS mesh. Will mount it about 3/4' from the core with some spacers at the bottom and SS angle brackets up top to the inner fender panels later this week. Size is 26"x19"

[Redstang69]

Will that slide in from the bottom/underneath?

[Greg K]

Yes it will slide up from below, just need to raise the front of the car up to do it. Could also do it from above as well.

[dawger]

Nice, I did something similar using a screen door screen that I modified by shortening it up since it fit width wise, but a couple inches too long. Added some bulb weatherstripping around the perimeter for spacing off the radiator as well as fabricating a mounting brackets using the center bolt of the radiator bracket to secure the top and two lower birdcage bolts to attach the bottom. Now that I reflect yours is probably a lot easier to install and remove without having to take half the front apart.

Michael-

[s_reynolds]

A couple of us on our older builds used the screen door solution as well.

[Greg K]

Mounted the screen I put together yesterday...my son and grandson here for a visit.

[Redstang69]

Was it very difficult getting the car seat to work with the racing harness setup? 🤣
Looks like you finally got a break in the weather.

[Greg K]

We tried but was a no go, so just a few times up and down the street we went at low speed. The little guy did not want to stop. Will need to grow a bit more till I hand it over to him...😜

[Greg K]

I've decided to put my body and paint work on hold till some time next year due to working with a new painter who has a line of cars in front of me now.
Guess I'll be focusing on more driving, refining a few things and planning for it later.

[s_reynolds]

Looks good without paint. Of course the Hurricane bodies when the Iowa boys took over were very good out of the box so to speak.

[Kamal]

The car looks great!  Forgive me if I missed it, but did you polish that gelcoat?

Curious to hear your impressions of driving it?  If you hadn't seen, I'm finding brakes, ride, and steering to leave a lot to be desired as supplied by Hurricane.  Slowly working through those issues though with good progress.

[Greg K]

No polishing, maybe it's just the angle, lighting, a little distance and or time of day it was taken, but have heard some people taking a clay bar to them.

See my 400 mile update video above, it's got scratches, overspray and bonding drips on it. All trimming and gapping by me hanging the panels and doors.

Love driving it and is basically what I have expected building it myself. Brakes have gotten much better over time and comfortable in how they operate. Ride is a little stiff but not uncomfortable to me, I have made some shock adjustments and manual steering is what it is. At speed it's much easier and not really concerned about hanging out there and reacts immediately with small inputs. After doing two alignments myself, the car hooks up and launches well and when the secondaries open up fully, hang on. I think to appreciate it, one needs seat time and miles under their butt. Just remember, it will try to kill you!