WOW...thats great!! I wonder who will detail it when it gets to knotts?
Brooks, let's just hope Jim does not need to refurbish that thing before he gets to Knott's.
I stopped in at Intermeccanica on the 18th to meet Jim. I saw his car, saw Dean's car, and a few others. Talked to Henry about his new top-secret project, that way too many people know about so it won't be a secret for long. Had a great time.
I'll be at Mission if we get to race. Here is a clip from last year. www.members.shaw.ca/stymer/
I'll be at Mission if we get to race. Here is a clip from last year. www.members.shaw.ca/stymer/
Ron,
You gotta work on your hole shot! It was good news you had him on the top end!
You gotta work on your hole shot! It was good news you had him on the top end!
Hey guys,Henry sent me a few shots of Jim's beautiful new speedster.
Attachments
Images (3)
Brooks, she is really sweet!
What speakers did you settle on?
What speakers did you settle on?
Hi Bill, speakers are MB Quart,grills painted to match body.It must be tough getting up every day.Let me see,do I drive the black one or the white one?You and Henry have a safe trip to Knotts.Brooks
Brooks, I will have to check out MB Quart...I know you are a man of discriminating taste.
I got through the Labyrinth of the CA DMV unscathed yesterday! She is all legally licensed and ready to go. The box in the passenger seat is the case of wine destined for Dale's pre-Knott's BBQ extravaganza, wish you were going to be there. See you next time.
I got through the Labyrinth of the CA DMV unscathed yesterday! She is all legally licensed and ready to go. The box in the passenger seat is the case of wine destined for Dale's pre-Knott's BBQ extravaganza, wish you were going to be there. See you next time.
Attachments
Images (1)
Hey guys.Here are a few pictures of my car.Next week Henry will do final pre delivery testing, install brushed Biven's, ceramic coated exhaust,Marchal fog lights, Carrera script and Nardi wheel.I plan to take delivery on May 3rd.Brooks
Attachments
Images (2)
Another brand to check out if you find you like MB Quart - Boston Acoustics. I definitely like the MB Quarts, but I've found that they're generally a little too bright for my tastes. I have a set of Boston Acoustics coaxials, and I've been extremely happy with how well balanced a sound they give me.
Neither speaker will be a bad choice!
Chris
Neither speaker will be a bad choice!
Chris
Chris,
I will check tham out as well. Thanks for the tip.
Bill
I will check tham out as well. Thanks for the tip.
Bill
Boston Acoustics are a good speaker.. i got a set myself (their older 6.5" Rally componets) and still like the sound of them.. :)
MBquart is a awesome speaker.. but you do need a decent amp to power them.. Specially like the ones in Brooks car.. the lower model ones you MAY be able to get away with deck power.. but ahh still ain't the same :)
Also Brook.. a small teaser.. :)
MBquart is a awesome speaker.. but you do need a decent amp to power them.. Specially like the ones in Brooks car.. the lower model ones you MAY be able to get away with deck power.. but ahh still ain't the same :)
Also Brook.. a small teaser.. :)
Attachments
Images (1)
Kevin, So I guess I should stay with what I got?
Personally i think the sound system in your car is pretty good as-is.
Would i personally change it? Hmm nah..
Would i personally change it? Hmm nah..
Kevin,you don't have time to be chatting it up on the internet.You need to finish my car!By the way don't foget the fog lights and the alloy lug nuts.Henry takes a few days off and look what happens.Hey Bill, the only two pictures I have seen of Henry at Knotts he is on his knees working on one of his cars,I hope he at least gets a cold beer out of the deal!Regards to everyone.Brooks
heh My time is being shared with 3 other cars.. so a little at a time as i make my rounds :) also you're Fog lights are all ready to be mounted.. so no worries :)
Also the alloy nuts are one of the last items to be installed :) With all the RE&RE of the wheels/tires for alignment, checking the under carriage, ect.. it's just easier to use the Normal Lugnuts :) (you can use a impact on them, unlike the alloy ones)
Also the alloy nuts are one of the last items to be installed :) With all the RE&RE of the wheels/tires for alignment, checking the under carriage, ect.. it's just easier to use the Normal Lugnuts :) (you can use a impact on them, unlike the alloy ones)
Hey Kevin,once again, you guys are doing an awesome job.Looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the crew when I take delivery the first week in May.Keep up the good work.Brooks
I am glad that everything went smooth with no problems.I really enjoyed your pictures.
In case you didn't know we have a 356 club here in Kansas city.(Just formed).There is a meeting Saturday morning followed by a cruise.I am planning to go.If people are nice and have no problem with replicas it will be a good idea to bring your IM.Of course the same goes for all the SOC in the midwest.I will keep you posted.
In case you didn't know we have a 356 club here in Kansas city.(Just formed).There is a meeting Saturday morning followed by a cruise.I am planning to go.If people are nice and have no problem with replicas it will be a good idea to bring your IM.Of course the same goes for all the SOC in the midwest.I will keep you posted.
Lambros.. I would love a trip up to KC and a day enjoying the community. May?
It's like Friday the 13th... this thread will never die. OK< this is the last, then we can drive a stake through it, close the lid and make sure it never sees the light of day again.
This is my post build report with 4700 miles on the car, a trip from Vancouver to OKC via LA under my belt, and enough distance from IM-Mecca to gain perspective.
Overall: The speedster exceeded my highest expectations the moment Henry and his crew gave me the keys. The detail, quality, and performance were expected.... but still, there was a moment that it sunk in; I had bought a real car, not a kit car. No knocks on JPS/VS/TR boys and girls.... I enjoyed a great VS for 3 yaers, It's just the reality of buying a custom built car in the 40s. The beauty is, that IM did exceed my wildest dreams.
The frame: It is solid without feeling weighty in the drive. There's no flex, you know it's there because of the handling, but it's not like driving a normal framed car. Solid, but light. Maybe that was the unsprung weight coming through. The CB AL discs and Bivens really made it feel like the car was tracking on any line I chose... an incredible sensation. At the lower speeds and hard turns I did not seek or find the limits... but I did have fun on some twisties and I pressed it pretty hard. On the highway I hit a long turn at 110 mph and it flattened into the line I took... the 2110 3:44 still had legs too, boocoo legs. This is a legitimatate 130+ platform though I will never put it there. The rack and pinion and IMs new Steering unit are at the true sports level... tight, light, and a short turn radius. At speed there is no jitteriness, you point it and the car follows. simple and beautiful. The CBs stop on a dime...stay buckled! I mean it, test the brakes at speed and you had better be cinched in. I experienced no noticable fade on a 400k road trip that was full of curves, hills, sweepers, hairpins, you name it. Exceptional car on the highway or on the backroads.
CB's 2110 in the new AL case..... get it. You've seen the numbers, I felt them. This car hauls ash without being harsh in traffic. I had a minor crank seal weep after 1400 miles that cleared at 2800 miles when it appeared to re-seat. Pat Downs and Henry were ready to take it apart last Monday (standing by their word, an important thing to note)... but it was never necessary. I left LA and took it easy until Needles... after Needles I can say that the MPH never hit below 75, mostly 80, and for long runs at 85-90. Pic below shows RPMs vs speed on a flat stretch. The torque thunders from mid range on, and in town it is a true driver. Those of you that enjoy torquing axles off might want lower gearing, but if you like that 2-3-4 gear rush of punching through traffic, I'd go with the 2110(or above)-3:44. Oh, the engine ran cool in every condition, including 90 mph across the Mojave, and 80 uphill to 8,000'
The Car? Solid, beautiful, finished, detailed.. an Intermeccanica. It is true, Henry's company builds coaches. The difference is quantum. Look at the IM Coach Badge... Henry and his crew take great pride in that coach badge and it shows. After watching all the detail and prep.. well, I had Henry hang that Intermeccanica Badge.. and it will be the Coach badge as long as this baby rolls. The car is beyond description.. but I will try:
1. Seat Heaters... even you LA drivers might like these. I HIGHLY Recommend them. The heat goes into the seat back too. Not even my wife's new Acura TLS does that (seat bottoms are heated). They make that early morning warm up a piece of cake, and are magic on long trips. No more cold shivering drives... ever. Dual settings on button/toggles switch you from High/Off/Low. You can hide them.. I chose to put them on the tunnel in front of the shifter... easy to find in the dark and on the road. My wife loves them.
More tomorrow.
This is my post build report with 4700 miles on the car, a trip from Vancouver to OKC via LA under my belt, and enough distance from IM-Mecca to gain perspective.
Overall: The speedster exceeded my highest expectations the moment Henry and his crew gave me the keys. The detail, quality, and performance were expected.... but still, there was a moment that it sunk in; I had bought a real car, not a kit car. No knocks on JPS/VS/TR boys and girls.... I enjoyed a great VS for 3 yaers, It's just the reality of buying a custom built car in the 40s. The beauty is, that IM did exceed my wildest dreams.
The frame: It is solid without feeling weighty in the drive. There's no flex, you know it's there because of the handling, but it's not like driving a normal framed car. Solid, but light. Maybe that was the unsprung weight coming through. The CB AL discs and Bivens really made it feel like the car was tracking on any line I chose... an incredible sensation. At the lower speeds and hard turns I did not seek or find the limits... but I did have fun on some twisties and I pressed it pretty hard. On the highway I hit a long turn at 110 mph and it flattened into the line I took... the 2110 3:44 still had legs too, boocoo legs. This is a legitimatate 130+ platform though I will never put it there. The rack and pinion and IMs new Steering unit are at the true sports level... tight, light, and a short turn radius. At speed there is no jitteriness, you point it and the car follows. simple and beautiful. The CBs stop on a dime...stay buckled! I mean it, test the brakes at speed and you had better be cinched in. I experienced no noticable fade on a 400k road trip that was full of curves, hills, sweepers, hairpins, you name it. Exceptional car on the highway or on the backroads.
CB's 2110 in the new AL case..... get it. You've seen the numbers, I felt them. This car hauls ash without being harsh in traffic. I had a minor crank seal weep after 1400 miles that cleared at 2800 miles when it appeared to re-seat. Pat Downs and Henry were ready to take it apart last Monday (standing by their word, an important thing to note)... but it was never necessary. I left LA and took it easy until Needles... after Needles I can say that the MPH never hit below 75, mostly 80, and for long runs at 85-90. Pic below shows RPMs vs speed on a flat stretch. The torque thunders from mid range on, and in town it is a true driver. Those of you that enjoy torquing axles off might want lower gearing, but if you like that 2-3-4 gear rush of punching through traffic, I'd go with the 2110(or above)-3:44. Oh, the engine ran cool in every condition, including 90 mph across the Mojave, and 80 uphill to 8,000'
The Car? Solid, beautiful, finished, detailed.. an Intermeccanica. It is true, Henry's company builds coaches. The difference is quantum. Look at the IM Coach Badge... Henry and his crew take great pride in that coach badge and it shows. After watching all the detail and prep.. well, I had Henry hang that Intermeccanica Badge.. and it will be the Coach badge as long as this baby rolls. The car is beyond description.. but I will try:
1. Seat Heaters... even you LA drivers might like these. I HIGHLY Recommend them. The heat goes into the seat back too. Not even my wife's new Acura TLS does that (seat bottoms are heated). They make that early morning warm up a piece of cake, and are magic on long trips. No more cold shivering drives... ever. Dual settings on button/toggles switch you from High/Off/Low. You can hide them.. I chose to put them on the tunnel in front of the shifter... easy to find in the dark and on the road. My wife loves them.
More tomorrow.
Hey Lambros & Jim, keep me in the loop on any cruises/ralleys. I will try my best to keep up!
Jim, very impressive numbers with the 3:44 R&P. I did a computation, and assuming my Speedo/tach are accurate, I believe I would be turning over 3,900 at your indicated speed. Do you have a five speed? I don't think I got above 85mph on my return trip and that was for a short burst. I start to pucker when I get over 80, a typical road geezer reaction.
John as in Hoss
BTW, I'll say it again, you have one fine looking ride.
John as in Hoss
BTW, I'll say it again, you have one fine looking ride.
Jim,Thanks for the comprehensive review and awesome pictures!I hope by this time next week I can add my first impressions of my new IM speedtser to those of your's.Brooks