Silver Bullet FST Project Arrives

[Bill Bonow]

Got my summer project today. I get these to keep me from buying another project that I don't need while helping other racers with their addiction. This one belongs to Allan Adderley of Silver Bullet bodywork fame. The car was built from the last parts and pieces of the "Committee Car" and Allan wants me to get it prepped and run it in a series race, preferably at Road America where it can show its aero prowess.

Will try to post progress photos here so those interested can see how a Caracal C conversion (with the SB bodywork) should go together.

The car looks great, but I'm going to have to do something about those black steel wheels. I think I got an extra set of alloys around here someplace

[Tiago Santos]

Hmmm.. Where's the "like" button?

[Bill Bonow]

Hey Tiago,

You'll find the "like" button right next to the disc brakes

[racerdad2]

Looks fast !

[Jim Nash]

Bill,

Really? That is your summer project? Kind of a softball for you isn't it? That is a good looking car and I bet Allan has not left a lot for you to do. I am glad to hear it might be at RA. A great addition to the FST series. I have not met Allan but the number of cars that have adopted the SB bodywork speaks highly of his work.

Jim

[Bill Bonow]

Jim,

I don't know how many other racers are like me, my bet is very few. I have a lifelong mental problem, I want stuff that I shouldn't have (shouldn't meaning if I was smart). I have these fantasies about Lotus 7's or a street sports racer or a rat rod (Volksrod actually) or a reverse trike or getting another CFF. Let alone these voices in my head tell me to go design and build another race car. The list goes on and on.

I figured out a few years ago that I could "control my beast" by taking on projects (typically one a year) for guys that needed some help getting their program going. Mostly, they buy the parts and I supply the labor. Seems to be working OK, but it's the winter that kills me. Too much idol time (workshop of the devil) and the voices start up again.

[gbmetcalf]

Bill:
You sound like me.... But quite honestly the Can-Am reverse trike is AWESOME! Test drove one now I'm hooked. Now if I could win the publishers clearing house or the power ball I'd be all set.
I have Skip Street's 1994 runoffs leading Mysterian to prepare for my driving schools and some regionals. I have quite a list of things to get done so this big ol'e guy can fit in. I'll post updates of my progress in the FV forum.

G.

[Diamond Level Motorsports]

Hey Tiago,

You'll find the "like" button right next to the disc brakes

Or possibly near the 20+ heat cycle tires or, my personal favorite would be, next to the #1125 weight sticker.

[Bill Bonow]

I did finish getting my car prepped for the Milwaukee Mike weekend upcoming, so that means I can start on the SB project. Stripping it down and got it up on the stand. Next the engine will come out.

The rotors are drilled for the VW 4 X 130 mm pattern (limits wheel possibilities). Was going to drill the 4 X 4" pattern 45 degrees offset so I can bolt on a set of alloy Superlight wheels. Think the car would really look great with alloys.

Unless someone out there has a set of old ATS 13" x 6" wheels with the VW pattern???

[Stan Clayton]

The rotors are drilled for the VW 4 X 130 mm pattern (limits wheel possibilities). Was going to drill the 4 X 4" pattern 45 degrees offset so I can bolt on a set of alloy Superlight wheels. Think the car would really look great with alloys.

Thank you for that insight, Bill, as it helped me edit my VSR proposal.

[rgu]

Just now "looked" at your picture. That car really wants to have the frame sliced in back to extend the wheelbase 2 more inches and give Allen more engine room.

[Steve Davis]

Allan needs more LEG room - not engine room
Steve, FV80

[Bill Bonow]

Allan needs more LEG room - not engine room
Steve, FV80

Steve,

I can see that being helpful. Allan is a tall dude and the car has the VW pedal cluster (not the best for maximizing leg room). Will look to see what can be done short of major mods.

[Steve Davis]

Steve,

I can see that being helpful. Allan is a tall dude and the car has the VW pedal cluster (not the best for maximizing leg room). Will look to see what can be done short of major mods.

I watched Allan get into it (without the bodywork installed) at Atlanta ARRC 2 years ago - I was amazed at how cramped he was in the car. He needs another FOOT in the driver's area ... or, as much as can be had. (However, I doubt that has anything to do with the engine blowing up every time ).

SD,80

[Bill Bonow]

I doubt that has anything to do with the engine blowing up every time ).

That's where I come in. My main job is to make sure that won't happen any more

[rgu]

When building the RGU Mysterian I gave the driver 1 inch and the engine compartment another inch. That's about all you can do. Also Put the master cyls way out front to get some more pedal room.

This miniscule change required tearing the whole upper part of the frame out and replacing it.

Help may be on the way.

[Bill Bonow]

Have not posted any updates on Allan's car in a while. Mostly working on little details in preparation and those are progressing nicely. The car should be out for the Road America rounds of the Hoosier FST series as a test to make sure all is ready to go with the Silver Bullet Caracal FST.

[racerdad2]

[Bill Bonow]

Still working on the Silver Bullet FST. Most of the progress is in small details. Thought I would drop on the body and take a few photos with a set of Compomotive allot wheels bolted up.

[Steve Davis]

Bill,
I could say "nice job", but I'm pretty sure ALLAN did all the work that's visible, short of bolting on the new wheels .

How long did you spend setting up the SYMMETRY of that 'front on' shot? Must have been HOURS - it's as close to PERFECT as i could imagine possible.

How about some DETAILS of what's been going on with the "the little details" ?? (i.e. WHAT have you done that might fix Allan's on track issues?.. or is it a secret till he pays the bill?)

Steve, FV80

[Bill Bonow]

Steve,

Those little details are why my cars very rarely DNF. A guys got to have a few secrets

[Stirling 306]

gorgeous car! Just curious, what type of wheel, and where can I find them if you don't mind me asking?

[Stan Clayton]

gorgeous car!

[Jnovak]

Wow what a great looking race car.

[Bill Bonow]

Bill,

Those are Compomotive wheels (UK). Not quite sure who the importer is these days.

[Bill Bonow]

I did a really bad job this time on reporting the details of Allan's car

However, the project is finished and was delivered to Road America this past weekend. It now make the long trip back to Florida. Jim Schings picked it up at the track and hauled it to Lexington, KY. Allan will come up to Lexington in the next couple weeks and pick it up for the final leg home.

I did get one shot of the car on display at the FST compound in the Road America paddock. A fair amount of people came by to check out the Silver Bullet bodywork.

[Daryl DeArman]

Bill,

Those are Compomotive wheels (UK). Not quite sure who the importer is these days.

Looks like these guys claim to be:

http://fifteen52.us/

[fezzic181]

Heh the official Compomotive website shows Carl's old car in it's promo shots for those wheels.

[rgu]

I guess I've exceeded my pic quota

Wonder If I can mass delete all previous pics.

I will post these at formula-first.org