Building an A12 car

Posted By: JS29

Building an A12 car - 08/12/08 12:03 PM

I bored today, so here it goes.

I've always had a soft spot for A12 Bees. Given their current prices/values, I just don't see ever owning a real one. I've been considering the following for a while, let me get your thoughts.

I guess I should say my master plan is to end-up with a 69 1/2 Super Bee clone in F6 green (I think that is the color). Similar to the picture below except w/o A vinyl top, w/o those side scoops, and maybe a white or black/silver interior and white or black stripe. I also really like Q5, although I have never seen an A12 car that color. I know I want a bench seat as well. I would also certainly use a mild build 440 6bbl mated to a 4-speed.

I am thinking about building a clone, not a nut and bolt perfect clone car, but a fairly correct looking car (especially on the outside). Balancing economical and time/effort considerations, what would be the best starting point? A 69 Super Beee, and plain 69 Coronet...?

And based on the starting vehicle what would need for the change to an A12 car, aside from the motor and hood of course. I just don't know these cars well so I am asking the more informed.

Thanks guys.

Posted By: RoadRunner

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/12/08 04:41 PM

I did a similar thing with a Road Runner. I would start with a Super Bee. Why? Because its what the A12 car was before they added the A12 parts. So, you will already get the heavy duty suspension, 3" drum brakes, and other performance chassy parts, as well as the interior and trim.

The parts to make a good clone or replica, IMO, are the dana, 6pack setup, hood, pins and air cleaner. You can get by with the standard 23 spline transmission if you are going with a mild build on the 440. You'll also need a 3 speed wiper motor. Those are the big ticket items I can see. And they are all avaialble aftermarket.

I see "Six Bbl" clones on ebay that are just road runners with a fiber glass hood. If your going to make the effort, then go all the way.

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/12/08 04:48 PM

it's a piece of cake , take a road runner or a Bee , put on a fibergalss lift off hood AND a set of black steelies , if you never remove the hood it's even cheaper and all you need is an air cleaner that LOOKS the part .

DONE ...

Posted By: BradH

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/12/08 04:57 PM

Quote:

it's a piece of cake , take a road runner or a Bee , put on a fibergalss lift off hood AND a set of black steelies , if you never remove the hood it's even cheaper and all you need is an air cleaner that LOOKS the part .

DONE ...

If I'd only known it was that simple...

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/12/08 10:33 PM

Quote:

it's a piece of cake , take a road runner or a Bee , put on a fibergalss lift off hood AND a set of black steelies , if you never remove the hood it's even cheaper and all you need is an air cleaner that LOOKS the part .

DONE ...

Many 69 RRs and Super Bees have been upgraded over the years with a 440. Find one, add a six pack induction, aftermarket hood with decals and call it good. No need to add the numbers correct rad. carbs, etc. Any of the guys that are going to be interested in checking those things are not going to bother after they see there is no M in the engine digit of the vin anyway.

You will still have the value of the basic car and the used value of the six pack parts you buy and there all available new so you are not going to be held up with the prices of the original parts--leave those to the guys that are restoring their original cars.

Posted By: 69DartGT

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/13/08 12:55 AM

Quote:

Many 69 RRs and Super Bees have been upgraded over the years with a 440. Find one, add a six pack induction, aftermarket hood with decals and call it good. No need to add the numbers correct rad. carbs, etc. Any of the guys that are going to be interested in checking those things are not going to bother after they see there is no M in the engine digit of the vin anyway.

You will still have the value of the basic car and the used value of the six pack parts you buy and there all available new so you are not going to be held up with the prices of the original parts--leave those to the guys that are restoring their original cars.

Our old friend 66Hemi under an assumed name

Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/13/08 01:52 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Many 69 RRs and Super Bees have been upgraded over the years with a 440. Find one, add a six pack induction, aftermarket hood with decals and call it good. No need to add the numbers correct rad. carbs, etc. Any of the guys that are going to be interested in checking those things are not going to bother after they see there is no M in the engine digit of the vin anyway.

You will still have the value of the basic car and the used value of the six pack parts you buy and there all available new so you are not going to be held up with the prices of the original parts--leave those to the guys that are restoring their original cars.

Our old friend 66Hemi under an assumed name

Imagine that. [lol]

Posted By: Day2Runner

Re: Building an A12 car - 08/13/08 01:55 AM

start with a 383 bee with manual drum brakes, manual steering, you need 3 speed wiper motor,
eddy 6 pack intake, carbs ,a12 style air cleaner glass hood, 26 radiator, ,spacers between bump stops on LC arms, hemi 4 speed, b body dana, black steelies, redlines ,chrome lugs that will get you started
also look for the cleanest body you can
not like i did and start with a rust b