lotusman1951 Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I have basically finished the restoration of the Kurtis/Stuedebaker 1947 Midget race car and it has been an education. In the 70s I had a lotus Mk8 this car was in like condition with the exception of tube rust. The Kurtis is a 70yo race car that paused for a few decades in storage-before roll cages and wheels larger than 12 inch ,magnesiums. Its supposed to weigh 900 pounds and has 100hp Its a very simple racer-pre NASCAR and peaked in 1947-1951. I did a total AN conversion-all hardwear, brakes, fuel-chrome parts, 4.5 inch headlights and LED taillights- What makes these type cars impossiable for the street is that the starting system is push the gear is in or out-no ratios/reverse-and they are very cramped. This Kurtis was raced into the 60's by a Midget Hall of Famer driver-and things were "developed"-The Mk8 that I had the correct split ford axle front suspension like a mk 6-but a rack and pinion steering system-old race cars get developed over time. This Kurtis has a later coil over quick change that moved the wheelbase back from 72 to 77 inches( a 7s wheelbase is 88 inches)and I captured 5 more inches in seatimg room for the driver, the car was also developed with a 3 speed/reverse gearbox/starter/battery and electric cooling fans and alternator. I have added lights-taken the bumpers and roll hoop out. II removed excess unused weld ons and left evidence of previous approaches-and also will be attempting to keep other forensics car color and numbers-There are removable panels on the car a mix of fiberglass and alloy-I have stripped the alloy panels down to white alloy finish and will be wraping the glass in the same color this week-some members wanted to see the car or questions about wraping-call and visit soon- I think I am going to post on BAT $49 March sale-so soon Kevin 301 229 8820 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelD Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Sounds like nice weather Saturday. I may stop by if I the the 7 out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotusman1951 Posted March 31, 2017 Author Share Posted March 31, 2017 The wrap process was very not easy-did a poor job on the nosecone 3 plus hours-spray painted the tail and bonnet nice job in less than an hour- 120sf of wrap was a $120 education in the limits of my skills. Kurtis on Ebay at present Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davemk1 Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 I have a good and local friend who is heavily involved with the Kurtis brand and he has a Facebook page dedicated to the brand. If you are on FB it's worth the time - https://www.facebook.com/groups/788669467822168/ dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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