can anyone tell me what this mod really is?

[langdonracing48]

I've got what's supposed to be a 2001 Lightning modified. But this was originally a leaf spring car, but it's been updated to swing arm by somebody, and the fronts been clipped. Its got lightning uppers on it, not that it matters. I'm just curious as to what it really is. Any help is appreciated.

[langdonracing48]

It appears to be much older than an 01 to me.

[dirtracer_75]

looks like a lightning but should have chassis # inside the (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)pit on top of frame rail. If it doesnt it is either a copy or older than a 97. Donnie started putting chassis numbers on in 97.

[langdonracing48]

There is no number. It looks pretty old. I was guessing it was around a 95 or 96. Thanks for your help!

[DirtRacer9x]

Metric clip and metric lowers. 2003 and older 👍

[langdonracing48]

It's got stock nova lowers on it

[JustAddDirt]

that is a 97 and up chassis.
older than 97 cars were under slung, and a totally different design.
Huey Darnell built a couple Lightning copy cars out of Louisville, KY. I know one of them was red like the one pictured.
That car looks to have the front down tubes stop at shock bar, and another tube welded from shock bar down to clip.
Lightning done that in 02-03.

[DirtRacer9x]

I was viewing wheel space from frame rail which is why I said metric lowers(picture angle) But metric clip for sure and still early 2000's car or older.

[35smod]

It looks just like the 99 lightning swing arm car I had it was car number 072 had metric lowers and pinto spindles was agood car we all know there are faster cars out there now but it was very driveable easy to setup and adjust for the track conditions you can download the setup sheet right off of lightning site I was pretty much dead on Donnie setup for the car

[langdonracing48]

Thanks everyone for your input! Justadddirt, you are right about the down tubes. 35smod, the swing arm mounts look to be something somebody did in there garage, but it's definitely a very drivable car. Its got amazing forward bite. I have no idea how long the j bar would have been that it probably had on it at one point, but when I got it it had a 24" straight bar, from the left side of the frame to the left side of the pinion in front of the rear end. I've never seen one so long in my life lol. I changed the bracket so Its down to 20" now. For its age it's just a really good driving car. The wheel base is the longest I've ever had on a mod also at 111".

[langdonracing48]

Justadddirt, I sent you a pm

[JustAddDirt]

That is a powerhouse car.
Copied from an 02-03 Lightning.
they were originally a 109-110 wheelbase with the Metric lower A's
when the nova stuff was put on them they were 111-112.
with fuel cell filled up you will have about 60% rear weight.
I have always said my 05 lightning swing arm car with a 112 WB had the best forward traction of any modified I have ever driven.

[langdonracing48]

Awesome! Thanks a lot!

[old dirt racer]

I think it is a Huey copy of a Lightning also. I am Tony his son and he placed a few tubes different than Donnie.

[langdonracing48]

Does Huey still build cars?