i think a reverse mold will be the way to go here...you are correct jeff about the bodies. everything i know about attex is from reading the board and my own research. in 1976 they switched to HDPE from ABS. i'm looking for a 1976-newer attex body in any condition.
it can be in any condition as i am going to cut it up a little and do some patching...i'm pretty handy at stuff like that. The upgrades i would seriously consider so far are:
1. Making the body accept rectangular headlights and the round part for the headlight would be smooth with the top.
2. possibly filling in the nose piece as part of the body, although i personally think it's nice to remove it of one wants to mount a winch..then again you can make a brush guard...this one is open
3. more clearance for larger tires. (this will also give better legroom.
4. a little something different on the back end so it can use real tail-lights like the max or argo or mudd-ox, etc.
5. maybe a different engine cover eventually, that could give a little more room to store items in.
other suggestions are more then welcomed. if i ever get my hands on a body that i can work with, i want this project to have input from the board and make it our own!