I'd sure appreciate it if folks who might be further along in the build process than I am, might share the things that you wish you'd done ... so that the newbies like me might get a chance to not make the same mistakes.
So far, I've just installed the major suspension components (rack, a-arms, etc), the shifter, and teh parking brake. I've made the clevises, the wheel adapters required to use more modern 'vette brakes, and done the edge work on the spyder.
Hope to have the spindles, steering column, and spyder mounted by the end of the month. Will complete the wiring and tubing through the tunnel then.
Thanks a Bunch!
mike starling
FFR 1667
Sabre GT40 6210
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I don't have a Sabre GT40 but I do think they are one of the best on the market. I part built a KVA replica and one thing I did you may want to watch out for is sizing the gas tanks. I purchased them about 2 inches too wide. This didn't work too well when I went to put the side skirts on. I'm surprised that at least the spyder wasn't mounted. When mounting it make sure the front and rear clip are also in place as the spyder will determine where they go. It's not the end of the world if you make a mistake, but it's a pain to deal with this later.
Take your time, and try and have the car built in your head first. It sounds like your capable of dealing with any manufacturing problem, but I found that the simpler I kept it the better. Don't try to re-invent the wheel. In most cases someone has already done it. Ask a ton of questions, and of course check with John Donelly, I've spoken with him on several occasions and he's always got good ideas.
Regards
Paul Campoli
Toronto, Canada
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I have recently been retired early. Knowing that was a real possibility I looked for a major project and John and I came together at the right time. As I have more time than money right now, John was kind enough to sell me a minimum kit. He usually does mount the spyders and I can now see why that's a really good idea (having it done by someone who knows what there doing).
I did get John to build the tanks, and they fit beautifully so it looks like I ducked that bullet at least.
Am spending the day cutting out the intake plane and truing up the cut for the bottom ridge and around the spare tire cover (hood). All is going well and I am enjoying it greatly. Thank Heavens I have good shop air, an air file, an air grinder with a carbide cutter, and a 1/2" hand held belt sander. I heartily recommend the little belt sander to those who have to finish the edges. This job would be a killer without some minimum set of good tooling!
There are a couple of builders ... one especially ... who have made it possible for me to even begin this task. I am very, very grateful for their kindnesses!
Thanks for the note.
mike starling
FFR 1667
Sabre GT40 6210
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As I said earlier it sounds like you're capable of doing the job and now it sounds like you've also got the tools. I know John makes a great body and includes Kevlar in his composite body, so it is very sound, but please don't use belt sander and GT40 in the same sentence. Kind of like "led zeppelin" I have visions of the belt sander getting the best of that battle.
Anyway I want to be like you when I grow up. I hope to retire early as well, although at times it seems if I retire at 65 it will be early.
Regards
Paul Campoli
Toronto, Canada
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I had a chance to look at your build pictures in the build section. I really like that chassis. It is still close enough to being authentic and yet practical. It doesn't look as if it will be to difficult to line up the spyder. What I would do is hold off until the chassis is further along. I think it will be easier to mount once the suspension and wheels are in place. This way it will be easier to centre along the rear and front wheel base without being faced with the wheel wells being to far forward or backwards or even worse one side being further back and the opposite side being further forwards. It looks like it sits real close to where it should be. I don't think being out a sixteenth to a quarter inch will cause any problems. Again I go back to being patient. I was so impatient that I ran out of money before I got to where I should have been in the build. I ended up having to sell my car after the hard part was done and the fun part was about to begin. A little patience and I could have stretched my dollars.
Just thought I'd share my thoughts with you.
Paul Campoli
Toronto, Canada
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Admittedly, any device that can remove material quickly has to be used with care. But darned if I'm going to try to make knives with only a sen, or do glass work with only a sanding block.
You do have to be careful when grinding steel with a 2 x 72 belt grinder pushing 2 hp, or when using a small hand held belt grinder (1/2 x 21) ... but you can fix imperfections if you get stupid. Can't do that with steel.
The little belt grinder has done wonderful service and made several jobs into minutes instead of hours. Due caution needs to be exercised.
mike starling
FFR 1667
Sabre GT40 6210
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
