How to Build a ZZ Top Car

The 1980s rock band ZZ Top had several catchy hits, including "Sharp Dressed Man" and "[She's Got] Legs." Not only were their songs memorable, but their mode of transportation, the "Eliminator," made them famous. The Eliminator was an old hot rod that the band members modified to fit their personalities. You, too, can build your own ZZ Top car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Purchase an old hot rod that you can easily modify. ZZ Top used a chopped 1933 Ford hot rod as its base and had the Buffalo Motor Cars shop custom design the Eliminator. The shop dropped the car's tube axle, lowered the steel body 3 inches and put a four-bar suspension system up front.
2. Customize the car's hood and lighting systems. The Eliminator is famous because it has a curved, three-piece, custom-designed hood with side panels that scoop. The headlights are from a 1934 Ford, and the teardrop taillights come from a 1939 Ford.
3. Get someone to design a logo for your car. Famous drag racing artist Kenny Youngblood designed the Eliminator's extended "Z" logo. As an added touch, the body shop milled the same logo into the car's valve covers. Look at online pictures of the Eliminator to emulate the logo correctly.
4. Put a fast, loud engine in the car. The Eliminator has a Turbo 350 transmission, a 350 horsepower Chevy V8 engine and a Camaro's hydraulic cam.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider building a model Eliminator before attempting to construct the real thing. You can purchase ZZ Top car kits online.