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Bodywork and Aerodynamic Fabrication

0:31
43:39
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At 0:31 in

Mark Martin Shows Us His 1993 NASCAR Ford Thunderbird: Secrets of Speed

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What happens here

This is a critical phase involving custom metal fabrication to match the exact aerodynamic profile of the 1993 car. This includes modifying the roof height, reshaping fenders for tire clearance, and fabricating the front and rear bumpers/valances. Specific tasks include shortening the distributor for hood clearance, 'cheating' (modifying) the fenders for optimal tire clearance (which often involved hammering them in), and creating period-correct brake duct bezels for the front.

Goal: Recreate the period-correct aerodynamic body shape.

Tools and materials

  • Aluminum Sheets — Fabricating new body panels and components
  • Brake Duct Bezels and Mesh — Custom fabrication for period-correct front end details
  • Distributor — Modification to fit under the lowered hood line
  • English Wheel — Shaping curved metal panels
  • Hole Punch — Creating holes for rivets in metal panels
  • Metal Files and Sanders — Finishing and smoothing metal surfaces
  • Metal Shears — Cutting metal sheets
  • Precision Measuring Tools — Ensuring exact replication of dimensions from historical data
  • Sheet Metal Bender — Bending metal to desired angles
  • Steel Sheets — Fabricating structural components or specific body parts

What they say

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configurations until being used as a backup until 1995. and it wasn't in really authentic condition for that time. So Mark had it sent to GMS Fabrication in Statesville, North Carolina. They spent the better part of a year going over every nut, bolt, and rivet on this thing to make it as close as possible to its Raced Win configuration at Phoenix in 1993. This is the first time that Mark and Matt have seen the car since the completion of the restoration. What's

Auto-generated from the video audio.