http://profiles.yahoo.com/dutchd58

http://profiles.yahoo.com/dutchd58

1) sawn off the old endcap extensions and narrowed it down an additional 1". Right now it only extends beyond the fenders 3/4" on each side (71 1/4" wide), it now follows the fender contours closely and when I get done will terminate 3/4" behind the front of the fenders so it can be set back a couple of inches if someone wants to (I know I probably will!) and still not crowd the factory side molding if a car still has it.

2) raised the bottom line of the endcaps to flow into, and line up with, the bottom of the front fender. It narrows down and tightens up the end profile.

3) added 3/4" to the bottom of the center section to hide the bottom of the core support. Also faired it up into the revised endcaps, so the bottom line is upswept to the ends.

4) added a couple degrees of additional rake to the profile above and below the beltline.

5) added an additional 1/8" of "droop" to the top of the center section.

I still have to:

1) add the contours, on top, in front of the headlight buckets. When this is done it will make the section in front/under the grill appear slightly recessed, and the droop in the center section will stand out.

2) add the 3/4" or so of foam to the back of the endcaps to blend them into the fenders.

3) jig it up on a FLAT and TRUE surface with datum lines so I can use profile gauges to check one side against the other to be as symetrical as possible.

4) skin the thing with a couple layers of light matte and THEN I can start priming, filling and blocking it down to perfection and get ready to lay-up the mold.

What I need from YOU guys right now is some straightforward, between-the-eyes opinions and feedback. Remember, because the color and texture of the foam softens the ability to discern details, you have to look at ALL the pics to form a clear image in your mind of what this thing looks like "in the flesh".
Questions I have, in particular, are:

1) is there enough rake/angle to the profile?

2) do I lose the step/belt-line? I've tossed and turned over it, so far I've kept it because it's reminiscent of the crowns on the factory bumper, but I'm not married to it.

3) are all the intersecting angles/edges rounded off sufficiently, or do I need to take more off?

4) How would it look on a Ranchero? A sedan? A '74-'76 (slightly massaged, of course)?

5) HAVE I MISSED ANY FRIGGIN' THING?

I KNOW that this project doesn't appeal to everyone, some guys truly dig the factory look, and that's great, as it should be. I'm just looking for objective opinions/feedback from those who admire these great cars.

OK, I've gone on long enough. Thanks for your time and indulgence.

Kevin

PS.....I WILL say that IMHO the bumper in the first set of pics you saw looked absolutely PORKY compared to these. And is it just me, or does the nose/bumper look as if they're just BEGGING to be slam dunked a couple of inches?!?

Pics are still in my Yahoo Profile Briefcase, the link is:

http://profiles.yahoo.com/dutchd58