Actual pics of J5 parts I bought

[john chesnut]

Here are a few pics of the kellison J5 that I bought. The previous owner had constructed a frame for C4 suspension, purchased 18 inch front and 20 inch rear wheels and installed a blown engine. Back in the day some of these cars were built as drag racers. With the stance he was going for and the blower sticking through the hood this looks like what he was going for. I didn't buy the engine engine and transmission.

I will sell the suspension and frame. And, probably the wheels and tires as well. I think that I will get a set of period correct wheels from Vintage wheels. I will build one of my frames for C6 parts and run probably a new LS3 crate engine with a Tremec 6 speed. I won't use the Vette torque tube and will convert the Vette diff to taking a driveshaft. I will move the engine further back for better balance. My goal is to have the ultimate handling machine.

The Kellison had a flat, V shaped windshield and flat side glass. i will try to install a curved windshield and sideglass. There is alot of work to do but I'm anxious to get started.

[Hank F]

John,are you going keep the dual headlights or go back to the single lights?
Hank

[john chesnut]

Hello Hank, I like the single headlights better. I am going to redo the grill area and am thinking seriously of going to the single headlight. The earlier J4, and the later J6 and X300gt all had single headlights. The dual headlight is the distinctive component of the J5 though.
The Kellison only had a small hood opening, not a tilt front end. This car was converted for the top half of the nose to tilt. I am thinking of making the whole front end tilt, ala Daytona Coupe.

Also, the J5 was designed to go on the C1 Corvette chassis. This had a 102 inch wheelbase. The later J6 was designed to fit on the C2 Chassis which had a 98 inch wheelbase and I think the proportions look better. I haven't seen the car in person yet to judge proportions but to my eye the front looks alittle long on the J5. (I know that the hood on my Spyder is seriously long!)
As I get into it I will decide on the wheelbase. I want a different, great looking Coupe. The J5 does have a sinister look to it and I don't think that I want to loose that. Any design is a tricky balance. I am no professional. It will be a challenge. I welcome suggestions!

[Tommy]

Nice starting point, John. I recall seeing photos of that car during one of my recent Kellison searches. ... Regarding the headlights - it seems that's the one part of the car design that many people don't like. In my eyes, it looks somewhat better with the clear covers that make the front more streamlined. But I wouldn't mind single headlights rather than duals.

[john chesnut]

Tommy, I agree that the covers make a big difference!

[fastraxsg]

So once you get it done, and then get in it, how in heavens name do you unfold yourself to get out? That's one seriously low lid.

[john chesnut]

Gull wing doors and an ejector seat! Seriously I am thinking of putting the seats on an actuator. I will have great leg room though and once seated the driving position is extremely comfortable. My Dragons and my Spyder are this low. My headers go up and over the footboxes so my legs are almost straight out. I have put over 33,000 miles in 18 months on one of my cars. I love to drive them so I have to make them comfortable. I will be cutting out the fiberglass firewall at the footboxes as my boxes are 15 inches tall.

[Tommy]

John,
How goes the project?

[Clois Harlan]

Hey John,

I like your new concept car and I am anxious to see what progress you have made. I sure wish you lived closer to me so I could use your expertise on some of my projects. More pictures please!!

Clois

[WildBill3]

Man that is a cool looking machine,I second Clois on you living closer!