I'm still going to finish my Lakester inspired build. But, when I was able to pick up a Cheetah inspired body I jumped on it. I was going to try and fit it to the Hot Rod frame but that frame has limited foot box space. I wanted to run a manual transmission in the Cheetah. In the end I decided to build a new frame.
The body 80 inches wide as it was designed to run C4 suspension with 14 inch rims and 33 inch tires. Here's what I've done so far.
- 93 inch wheel base
- I moved the seat as far rearward as possible. The frame is 46 inches wide. I was able to fit 16 inch wide seats. I have a 34inch inseam and I'm able to have my legs straight out. I have plenty of room for pedals.
- In the original Cheetah the transmission was bolted to the diff. I moved the engine farther forward to create space. The driveshaft will be about 12 inches long. With the T10 the Shifter for a z28 camaro put the handle at the perfect location
- The rear deck on the one Cheetah Roadster was basically a flat panel that was fit low, between the rear wheel arches. The transitions were blended into the arches and rear. I'm not thrilled with that look as it makes the occupants look like they are sitting up pretty high. I mocked up a different idea for the rear deck. I would blend the sides of the cockpit into the rear bulk head. This design would allow for some storage and make it look like the occupants are sitting low.
- Because I'm running C4 suspension with normal size Corvette wheels and tires I narrowed the body by 8 inches. I also needed to close up the rear wheel gap. I had some flares that I made for a different car. I through them on to see what they look like.
- On the Cheetah a Carbed engine results in needing a hole in the hood or a hood scoop for clearance. If I run and LS engine I don't have to to that. I think that I like the look of the hood as it is. I may decide to run an LS engine in the Cheetah. I could then run the SBC and Auto trans that I have in the Lakester.
I'm having fun. I'm through surgeries, helping my family, and the busy selling season for my business. My plan is to spend the winter getting this car done.