Trivia/Curiousity Question about the Sledgehammer...

[90Callaway]

Does anyone know when the Sledgehammer had it's prototype Aerobody front end swapped out for a production Aerobody front end? And if so, why was it done? I wonder where the original ended up?

Here it was BEFORE. Note the size and shape of the four openings across the nose and the configuration of the driving and marker lights with black outs. This is how it did it's record setting speed run.

Here it is as it appeared recently in the Corvette Museum. Same nose as a production Aerobody. Hmmmmm....

As far as I know the rear has remained unchanged over the years.

Then -

And now -

I do not know the answer... just wondering if anyone does.

 

[90Callaway]

FYI...

If you get a red "X" do a right click "Show Picture"... don't know why it's happening to me but the links are correct.

 

[bill mcdonald]

I dont know the answer, and I am waiting for someone who does as well.

I did notice on the sledgehammer video that they taped up the nose on the sledgehammer. When they taped it, it looked like the aerobody did. meaning the front fog lamps on the aerobody, were duct tape covers on the sledgehammer.

I asume they were having some aerodynamic issues.

 

[callaway4fun]

Interesting

Maybe it was done for the marketing of the AEROBODY kit . Otherwise I do not know.

 

[SurfnSun]

I dont' know the date but the original nose was signed by Callaway and went up for sale in MidAmerica's catalog. MAD and Callaway had a deal working for a while. MAD used to advertise callaway cars in their catalogs.

One promo was buy a set of Callaway golf clubs and get a free Speedster. Cost of the clubs, 175,000. :L

 

[*89x2*]

I remember this :s it was back when the Supernaturals were first introduced as I saw it advertised for something like $4,000:eek
Don't know why the nose was changed but this was about the time the Sledge was "offered" somewhere for $400,000 but 'ol #88-051 remains today in the hands of Reeves (however it "tours" regularly.)
Now that I think of it, I bet Kevins car is thought of as the Sledge often:Silly <How often does that happen Kev?

Now, what about car # 89-005 w/ the "prototype" front end on it... (ever notice the lower lip, under the aero nose??) -you know, the bright red 89 we all fell in love w/ at first sight (that was in ALL the magazines back then)

The first "prototype" versions were also made of GE Xenoy however, regular production versions were not.

 

[90Callaway]

Now that I think of it, I bet Kevins car is thought of as the Sledge often:Silly <How often does that happen Kev?

I was going to suggest they did it to make it look more like my car but didn't want you guys to think I was being :Silly

It has happened a couple of times. The best one was the cute young lady at Carlisle that came up to me and my car as if I were a celebrity and asked me, "Excuse me, do you actually OWN the Sledgehammer?"

"Why yes, Yes I do!" Too bad she was with her boyfriend! :L

 

[*89x2*]

Too bad she was with her boyfriend!

...that could have been only a temporary thing had you shown her the flamethrowers

I can't wait till this year to see you and Pete dueling down the roadway w/ the magna's

 

[callaway95]

I took a few photo's of the Sledgehammer when it was at Carlile two years ago; I could have sworn that it was the orginal nose, but maybe i'll have to search my archives for some of the photo's. I was happy just to see the car!

Another car I love is the C7, that is in Callaway's showroom..... too bad it never made a production run

 

[8388]

I believe I read somewhere that for the record breaking mph run John Lingenfelter had the side view mirrors removed and had the front end lowered.

 

[90Callaway]

I also remember reading something about them making a duct tape scoop (or something similar) for one of the front fender gill panels. Apparently the Sledgehammer draws air through it? It gave it a ram air effect.

 

[*89x2*]

Sam, Sledge shows mirror "caps" glassed over that gap between a normal mirror and the windshield pillar. Also, the lower black lip, under the front aerobody nose gives illusions of lowering although it may have sat slightly lower as a whole.

 

[TurboLuigi]

Hey Surf,

Do you still have the materials on #89-005 I sent you a while ago when you were looking for a Callaway??

Luigi
:cool

 

[SurfnSun]

Luigi,

I sure do....want me to send em back?

 

[TurboLuigi]

Would be nice

Let me know if you are ever in the area. BTW, there is a great local Vette show coming up, Reflections in Glass, Feb 8, http://www.americascorvetteclub.com

Last year there was an 87 there as welll as me. I hope that this year the guy who bought the '89 Aero Convertible will make it.

I haven't heard from the guy who was selling '89-005 in a while. He had it in Hemmings. It has probably sold but I have been too busy to check it out.

Hope you can make it!

Luigi
:cool

 

[SurfnSun]

Not a prob. I'll get it in the mail ASAP...and Thanks again for the help!