Projects BENNETTS ‘Midnight Special’ speedster

I'd vote for paint too. Maybe single 36 Desoto Airstream/Airflow vents (or similar) in the foward/upper hood sides? Just a thought....but like you said, something there might be to busy with the pipes. Whatever you decide on is not going to detract from the badassness of this killer speedster.

 

machine turned

 

Those are damn cool! Even one would look good above the heads.

 

This was my first idea!

 

I’ve decided to give the polish a crack, if it doesn’t cut it I can paint, maybe half half?
Anyway I had a go today and got one hood side polished, it’s still foggy but the steps taken were wet/dry 1200, 1500 on the orbital followed by 3000 and then buffed. I can’t seem to get it to really shine more foggy,
Anyone have any tips for polishing aluminum?
I will end up laying out the pattern for louvers on top and most likely leave the sides simple to keep your eye on the pipes! I found some latches. Not sold but could work

 

Often friction shocks can look a bit clunky and spoil the looks, but yours really enhance the front end and look great. It's all in the detailing!
I would leave the hood plain and paint it as I think that will make the whole car look longer, and all one piece.
Leaving the sides polished ally may enhance that effect, not too sure though.

 

Looks are important but so is function. Flatheads put out a lot of heat and with no windshield and louvers in the top then that heat is going straight into your face. As will any coolant if you are unlucky enough to blow a hose.

Louvers in the sides will still look good and makes more sense to me.

 

Jorda, sent you a PM.

 

Wouldn't be difficult for a guy with your skills to build those little vents with stainless rod or tubing. Most likely faster and easier than finding and shipping.

 

Decisions, decisions, all of you have great opinions, hence the likes...Jorda you have the pick of the suggestions in the hat...and as was mentioned you won't disappoint...it's obvious...I say it all the time...The Hamb delivers...Thank you...

 

Getting a bit better polishing, still a bit to go before a punch some louvers

 

Liking the reflections of the pipes a lot, hope you don't mind I had a quick paint of the hood to see how it might look, your painting may be better!

 

Can yeah do the whole thing hahah? Sides and all

 

...I love Aluminum...I used Mothers mag wheel polish...it was only hand rubbed...but it did shine...I suspect like paint the finer the finish ie 1000 grit and up the shinier it gets...I'm not a buffer but that's the experts who truly can answer that question...Aircraft, Airstream...or @Bandit Billy polishes everything quite expertly...He may have some good info...I agree with 282...your polished look 2nd round with the reflected pipes is quite the money shot....dayuuum...

That said the painted top and sides may win out...I feel you already have shiny details setting it off, grill, shocks, pipes...etc...perhaps some polished riveted doublers around the pipe holes with hood and sides painted...

 

Excuse the over brushing on the pipes...someone who knows how might do it with matching paint for you if you're lucky.

 

I think you answered the query even with overspray...that looks really convincing...to me...yes to paint...yes to matching paint yes to pinstripes...

 

Ah man, you got paint on the tires!

 

Looks like it crept along the exhausts when I wasn't looking, , tricky stuff that paint!

 

You done good...no vintage parts were damaged by the process...I am big digital art fanatic AND an Artist...I'm sure you fellas can appreciate how complex this process is...Regardless I felt the positive vibe right away...and remember practise makes perfect...

 

Did you use hockey tape on the spring here?

 

No it’s a water proof binding tape, it’s almost impossible to tear and should help keep the moisture out

 

Managed to get another weekend in before the baby is due, we had 2 great days of racing ‘test and tune’ with good dry track conditions and we’re creating by an unexpected storm that nearly left us high and dry on the side of the lake, large marble size hail and lots of rain made it slippery. Had to do a few circles prior to loading up.

 

Get er dirty & have a hell of a good time

 

Looks like another big day of cleaning and polishing is on your future

 

It most certainly was!

 

Man just read the whole thread! Great build,congrats!

 

Thank Bill!

 

Man I read the whole thread, U knocked it out of the Park!! dont know where u got those shocks, but they look KILLER!! just noticed how they match the front axel drill pattern, your car is UNREAL!!

 

Thanks a ton Gary! It was a blast to drive, still lots to do

 

You shouldn't treat a good hat like that.