Droste Convertible

[BobD]

Got started a while back on a project I've wanted "to attempt" for a few years.  It is a replica (hopefully) of National Dirt Track Hall of Fame driver Red Droste's '57 Chevy convertible that he raced around Eastern Iowa during the 1966 campaign.  I believe the car was the first in our area to run an automatic transmission; the driver seated in the center of the cockpit.

RDroste'57Chev by RD Dix, on Flickr

20171030_125221 by RD Dix, on Flickr

20171030_125231 by RD Dix, on Flickr

20180330_151350 by RD Dix, on Flickr

[Tom Birky]

Wow! Great start Bob. I've never seen that pic. Lots of cool detail. Just spotted rear view mirror on pass side cage upright. Does that hood have some kind of texture or ribs to it?

Tb

[Lefturns75]

Yeah Buddy!  That's the kinda project I like to see!  I dig them crazy headers.

[Dirtman]

This one is gonna be a good one!

Rett

[TarheelRick]

Definitely going to watch this one.  Just last night I cut the front clip off of a Lindberg 53 (?) Ford convertible, to build a similar ride.  Not at all familiar with these type racers.  I think I will probably keep mine more conventional with a left hand steering.  Please be sure to post plenty of updates.

[Bob P.]

Great start Bob. I'm a big replica fan so I will be keeping an eye on this build.

Bob

[Greg Birky]

Bob, that's a great picture of Red.  It must be a fairly early season pic because the chrome trim on the rear wheel openings weren't there very long before they got knocked off.  He had a Powerglide trans to start with but it seems to me that by mid season that was gone in favor of a three speed manual trans.  Please correct me if I'm wrong since it's only been a couple😂 Of years ago, lol.  Sucks to get old doesn't it...😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🏁

[BobD]

Greg - Yes, this was a VERY early season pic, Davenport I believe. He was pretty aggressive, so I'm sure many body parts became "dislodged"!  You are probably correct as to the transmission change - I wasn't aware of that.

Working on the interior tin using a pop (soda) can - a little difficult with the permanent shape of the can.  Not perfect, but I'm happy with the solder headers.   I don't have a rear view shot of the car, but pretty sure it was similiar to the front - got it mounted yesterday.

20180415_114109 by RD Dix, on Flickr
20180521_125652 by RD Dix, on Flickr

20180601_084237 by RD Dix, on Flickr
Red 1966 e by RD Dix, on Flickr

[Tom Birky]

Bob!! Very cool. Those headers look great, and the firewall work looks good too. Coming along nicely!

Tb

[BobD]

Its been a busy Summer & haven't had too much bench time (that's my story anyway).  Progressing ever so slowly and hope to have it completed before the snow flies!  LOL

20180619_145929a by RD Dix, on Flickr


20180619_145921 by RD Dix, on Flickr

20180815_172651 by RD Dix, on Flickr


20180815_172609 by RD Dix, on Flickr

20180815_172635 by RD Dix, on Flickr

[MarkJ]

Wow, Bob. This is going to be a fantastic replica. Like everyone else, I love the incredible headers.

[Tom Birky]

You need an "I hate Red Droste" tee shirt to go with it! Lol

Tb
http://www.midwestracingarchives.com/2011/11/remembering-red-droste.html?m=1

[Lefturns75]

Those headers are unique, thats for sure.  I wonder how many 12 packs it took to build the real one's?

[BobD]

Completed - Under the Cars with Fenders-production bodies/late models forum.