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I'd never been happy with my folding top mechanism so I moved the joint for the header back several inches. That was a big help.










Also wasted a mess of duct tape to simulate the top. This was to check the profile and make certain I avoided the dreaded Darrin hump.



Then it was on to finishing gaps in the floor from where the wheelbase was shortened and adding reinforcing panels to support the top mechanism.



There were many other small details like finishing the door pillars where the car was sectioned and on......and on.

Slapped a spare grille in it to make the project look more cheerful although I am pretty pumped about finishing some tedious details.

Nice work Ross. Let me know if anything off of this "Old Pacific" would help.

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"The dreaded Darrin hump". I've always found Darrinss with the top up to look a bit goofy. Top down, all good. I think your description is a good explanation of what I found off-putting about the cars.

Had to look up a photo to see what you guys are talking about. Yeah I can see the difference.

(Top photo was mirrored.)

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Ross - I've been following your "After Eight" project since the beginning. I'm really happy to see that you've been able to take it up again.

I don’t know, Ross. The non-Darrin 1940 top line looks best to me. But, I may be prejudiced. If you want to re-measure, let me know. I’ll drive it up. Or maybe I just like Duchess pictures. In Baltimore at the first Packard dealership there and in San Francisco at the home of the original owner.

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