Aerobody Installation Update

[88Callaway]

This is a quick note to update any who are interested in the Aerobody installation on my 1988 Callaway #86.



The kit arrived well packed and in good condition. All parts are accounted for aside from the two side gills (which have been ordered from Callaway along with the "Hood Blisters"). The front and rear panels have been fitted in place and appear to align very well. The rear panel was sent off to the paint shop and has already been installed on the car. It was very difficult to access all the bolts attaching the rear panel to the body of the car, but success came with persistence and help from a good friend with long, skinny arms...



The front panel is next in line for paint. The body shop man is a friend of mine who is doing this in his spare time (at a reduced cost) as a favor to me. He did mention that he has seen a lot of aftermarket fiberglass components throughout his years and these pieces exceed the quality that he typically encounters. That was nice to hear, and a testament of the quality the Callaway name represents.



I am attaching some photos taken with my cell phone - so the quality is poor (sorry - I still don't have a good digital camera). I will be sure to borrow a better camera to post photos once the car is complete.

 

[*89x2*]

That is amazing how the transformation is coming along! :cool


How long have you owned your car?? I suppose it will be like getting a new one upon return

Here are some pictures of fellow B2K owner "Callaway4Fun's" car undergoing its transformation a couple years ago...

Enjoy!

http://www.callawayownersgroup.com/COTM/2003April/cotm.htm

 

[TurboLuigi]

That is great!!!

Please keep us updated on your project.


-Luigi
:cool

 

[88Callaway]

I have owned the car since 1993. I came across it at a local dealer – it had 29,000 miles and was a one owner trade-in on a ZR-1 Corvette. The condition was very nice with only one scratch near the soft top rear latching post. I was not really looking to buy a Callaway at the time since I already owned a 1986 black roadster and the cost of a Callaway was a little beyond my means, but I just couldn't get the car out of my mind. A week later I went back and negotiated a deal with my 1986 as a trade.

I have enjoyed the car ever since. At just over 50,000 miles, it now has the Wonder Bar upgrade and rebuilt turbo chargers. Dyno numbers at DRM Motorsports indicated 431 HP and 548 FT./LBS. torque at the crankshaft. (Soon to have the Aerobody upgrade and fresh paint.)

 

[*89x2*]

Sounds like a good deal and a VERY nice car - I love black/black Corvettes :cool


Your power numbers are SWEET!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing it oneday at the shows :cool


Keep everyone posted on the Aero install

 

[88Callaway]

Another photo of the rear section....

 

[88Callaway]

Side pieces being fitted... There is some sanding required to get the door gaps consistent.

 

[TurboLuigi]

Awesome!!!



-Luigi
:cool

 

[*89x2*]

Looks awesome!

looking forward to done :cool

 

[88Callaway]

Another update on the Aerobody installation:

Hi all,



After a busy and enjoyable July 4th Holiday weekend, with no work getting done on the car, I resumed activities the following week. My painter became too busy to complete the job, so I had to collect the parts and search out another body shop. I did so quickly, so I now have the front bumper painted. Unfortunately, I lost my substantial discount with the new shop… but at least the parts are getting completed now. The doors, rockers and gills are scheduled to finish up this weekend or early next week. The front bumper is now installed so I backed the car out, washed it off, and took a few photos with the cell phone camera (sorry again about the poor quality). The sides should go on easier than the front and back bumpers as there is no relocation of under hood components, aluminum bumper tub installation, wiring harness lengthening, or light and lens installation. The hood blister installation looks to be a little more involved, but I feel I am past the worst now. I have been doing all the work myself (and I am going slow) but I find this a very enjoyable process – even if the temperature has been in the 90’s and very humid the past 8 days.



Enjoy the photos. I will get a good camera to post photos once the installation is complete.



-Terry

 

[88Callaway]

Almost Complete...

Hello again,

Latest update: All but the hood blisters are installed now. I still have to seal the lenses, doors, and rockers with RTV but I am waiting for a little break in the heat here. The hood blisters are scheduled to ship from Callaway at the end of this week (their inventory was low) so I should have them for the following weekend. Will post high resolution photos when the blisters are in place.

 

[TurboLuigi]

Looking Good!


-Luigi
:cool

 

[reubenmc]

Looking Good!


-Luigi
:cool

Yeah what he said!!! Looking really good!! Are you going to try and make it to Carlisle here in a couple weeks??

 

[*89x2*]

...your neighbors must think you got a new car


Lookin' good!

 

[Jeroenvgfn]

good job


you must be sleeping in the garage for the last few days now, and set the alarm every half hour to get a glimps of your 'new' ride


the aerobody looks stunning in black.

actually cannot think of 1 colour that doesn't look good on an Aerobody