Con Brio

That's the one that I used, the 275. The shape and size compliment the Honda CVCC door handles. Easy to install, just some filing, and I got to keep the original key/lock from the Datsun.

Emblems...I'm looking for another set of the crossed flags, the small ones that go on the ashtray. If anyone has an extra set or knows of a supplier please let me know. Zerrari, you're right. Spring is here and looks like we all have the "itch". Some of us more literally than others. Kind Regards

Hey Chelle, That looks like the one. Did it break off ?? I wish I had ordered 2 or 3 of them. I was thinking about it last night and if I recall they're re-makes not OEM. I'll go through my receipts and look back through this thread to see if I can't find where they're from.

I will post more pics of the car, I promise. The front clip is still not fininshed yet and I'd like to get it done before posting. It's such a big part of the car. I did put up a few new pics in my album. Zerrari, the rear taillights are original 250 GTO. I searched them out on the internet and found an OEM set of brake lights still in the original box. The guy was in Netherlands and didn't let them go cheap, $600 *ouch*. I was able to make a good set of turn signals out of the remaining parts that came with the car. The only thing I had to do was re-chrome the trim rings.

Thanks Chelle. To be honest it was such a long time ago I'd have to go through my receipts. I do know that I found the supplier through this forum on Hybrid. Someone had posted a link. Again...can't remember who but thanks to everyone who contributes. The interior is now 100% complete!! A little more work to the bonnet before paint and it should be on the road. You once quoted "Get it on the road and start enjoying it. Finish the little stuff as you go" (or something to that effect). Good advice.

Hey guys... There was some talk of an original 250 GTO tabbed lock pull. I finally had a chance to get it installed on my rear hatch. After about 2-3 hours of filing (quicker if you have a power tool ie. Dremel) it looks well... you decide.

Oz Boy... I've been told my car started life as an Alpha One. Can you, or anyone, confirm or deny this ?? Seperate note Oz...I was in Melbourne for the F1 race last month. Then took in the KISS concert. Beautiful country you have.

Htc...Welcome back. Looking forward to seeing the progress you've been making.

Hey Zerrari... It's a '72 LT1. Thanks for noticing. But with only 285 HP (stock) it's no match for the 250 GTO (400 HP+)

Mine was bad too guys. I purchased the car already complete and the bonnet alone has without a doubt received the most attention during the rebuild (My car is a cross between an old Alpha kit and a newer VR front end). It's the only part of the car that is not finished. Still need to do final fit and then paint. I've had to modify the hood bracket. The "H" design was too weak and had too much flex for my liking. I re-designed it to be an "X". Offering much more strength. The back edge along the winsheild varied in thickness and needed to be trimmed then contoured to better fit the shape of the car. The underside just in front of the wheels also required trimming to avoid contact between the tires and just match up the two sides (a cardboard template worked great). And then I filled and block sanded, again and again and again... Other modifications, but not neccesary, include "D" holes for airscoops, raised centre to accommidate a higher intake madifold (Edelbrock Pro Flo EFI), mounting brackets for the hood latches (KingAir engine cowl latches). I also cleaned up the underside with two coats of undercoating and an aluminum heat shield for the engine compartment (too prevent the heat from warping the fiber glass and damaging the paint).

Hey Zaddict (a.k.a. Chris), Welcome to the forum!! And congrats on the purchase. Keep us posted of your progress and get some pics up. Can't wait to see it.

Mudjr & Zerrari GTO, Thank you for the positive feedback. My apologies for not attaching more pics to my replies (there are a few more in my album). Once the hood is painted it will be complete. Then I'll work on getting more posted. On the topic of the hood (Vela Rossa style)...I sent an e-mail to John Washington re: "The hood hinge that seperated". An inspection of mine does not show any signs of seperation or fatigue and John has re-assured me it appears to be an isolated incident.

mudjr12, The seats came with my car but were literally welded in. Once I had them ripped out I decided to save them. Looking back I should have gone with a whole new seat. But I am really happy with the way they turned out. And it's nice knowing that they are semi-unique. I had to cut out all of the factory seat brackets and then custom fabricate a set of set rails. Making them track properly and getting the two seat heights identical was the trick. All trial and error. Must have had those things in and out over 20 times. I get frustrated just thinking about it. The rear of the drivers side had to be widened, I used an air hammer, to get it to slide all the way back. Passenger side had no problems. They are an older Recaro so in keeping with the vintage of the car. I wanted comfort, support and safety of a modern seat without compromising to much styling.

Hey SidWell...Nice car. Looks like you've got a lot of work into it. Welcome to the thread. Did you buy the car already complete? Are you the original owner? Do you know who the kit maker is? I ask because I bought mine used (3rd owner). Have heard some horror stories about bad builders. But who ever built my car was GOOD. The second owner however should never be allowed to pick up a wrench (or any tool) again. On the seat topic. I squeezed a set of Recaros into mine. They are very comfortable, offer tremendous support and look great. Downside...weight (very heavy), expense and size (almost too big). Recaro does make lighter and smaller seats although the cost remains high. Depends on your requirements. If you're building a weekend cruiser less support and lower comfort will work.

mudjr12, I looked into the Triumph Spitfire latches, along with others. I couldn't make them work. I'd be very curious if you figure something out. Please keep me informed. Although the end result with the Kig Air latches was positive. Price and availability is a drawback. Zerrari GTO, I don't have anyway of locking my hood either. I like the look of those locks. Thanks for the link. The only thing I could think of is to leave the factory hood release in place.

I am too the point where I am ready to put the latches in the hood, I have Chrome pin latches, but they don't pull the sides of the hood close to car. I see that the old GTO's used straps, anyone got any ideas?? TIA. DJ mudjr12, I had a set of hood pins on my car before the rebuild. The same problem bothered me about the sides flexing out. I used a set of engine cowls latches from a King Air 100. I fabricated a set of brackets and cut the required holes. They work great and are fully adjustable. They both hold the hood down and have eliminated hood shaking. The bolts I used are too big for my liking, I'll change them out for some smaller button head bolts.

Agent ONE, welcome to HybridZ. I purchased an already completed Alpha One. Tore it down and did a complete rebuild. It's been 2 1/2 years since I began. Final stages now, should be completed in a couple of months. So let's just round it up and say 3 years.

My car is running. 2 1/2 yrs, almost finished. Painting the hood now then final clear.

2 1/2 yrs later and it's running !!!!!! Still have a few things left to do til it's on the road but I'm one step closer. Thanks for all the help/support over the years guys. I'll post some pics when the hood gets painted. Cheers !!!