| Chapter
8, Mile Post #10: The evolution of changes to the “Front
End Look” (Click here to read Chapter 7.)
Start Date 11-5-08
In
all of our early drawings and designs for the TigerCat
there was a certain “LOOK” that we were
trying to achieve. That look was a combination of American
Hot-Rod, Motorcycle and Classic Car.
The Classic
Car most referred to was the English Morgan which was
very popular in the mid 30’s. The Morgan was used
on the race track and as a personal touring car for
many English drivers for years. Morgan used a high performance
“V” Twin called the “JAP” (J.A.
Preswick). This 1000cc twin was added to a light weight
chassis and body and must have made for a lively ride.
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An early Morgan racer with JAP engine sitting in
the “Paddock”. It must have been fun
in the 30’s to make a few laps wearing split
glass goggles and your silk scarf flapping in the
wind.
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The Hot-Rod is an All American creation
and known the world over. Early Fords and other domestic
cars were used by the performance minded youth to create
fast cars and good looks. This hobby starting in the
thirties and it continues to this day. The Hot-Rod look
was composed of open wheels, fenderless chasses, and
all extra equipment removed or modified and low riding
height. These things were well accepted as being “correct”.
And lastly, the Motorcycle is maybe the
best of all. Chrome plate (lots of it), great graphics
and paint work that is the envy of all who behold these
creations. Motorcycles are made for “Go-Fast”
or “Boulevard Cruising”, but always with
comfort and style. The Motorcycle has come a long way
to get into our hearts.
Blending
these styles and themes was to be a great challenge.
The TigerCat had all the elements and a dedicated team
of designers to get it done. But, with all such challenges
there will be starts and stops, changes and additions
and the hope is that we get it right. This chapter is
a series of photos showing the “Front End Look”
from the beginning to where it stands today. No real
discussion is necessary, only the pictures taken from
time to time.
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A photo of the front end early in the process. Clean
and neat, that is about to change!!
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Glen
the Fab Guy (left) and Martin the Engineer playing
“Paper, Rock, Scissors” to decide the
placement of parts on in the front end. Notice how
many times the front axle changes as we move along
trying to get it right.
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| An
early attempt to use catalog headlight mounts. We
thought they were not strong enough and did not
allow for the shock absorber mount. Catalog parts
do not always work, as a matter of fact they rarely
work. |
One
more look at the 7” dia. headlights and “stalk”
mounts. This picture shows’ a 2” dia
axle from the “Speedway” catalog. It
was sent back because it was too heavy duty for
such a light car. |
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| This
photo shows the front end as it looks today. A new axle
was made only to be replaced by a newer design (to be
shown in later chapters). The shocks are to be replaced
with a shorter eye-to-eye design.
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The
7” headlights are mounted on a “bolt-on”
bracket of our design which also is the top shock mount
which is shown above. |
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The
“Passing Lights” are mounted on separate
“bolt-on” brackets which will be sold as
accessories.
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We
think it is coming together, what do you think? - Carl
Myers
Click here to read Chapter 9. |
