Scratch built GT40 finally running
Discussion
The mono is very rigid. Much torsionally stiffer than spaceframe cars of the time.
As can be seen in the picture above, there was an issue with fuel fountaining out of the filler caps under impact. This was also occasionally a problem under hard braking in race conditions, especially if the filler cap was not properly fastened (see picture below from '67 Le Mans). Some of the cars were retro fitted with a non return flap to minimise this and, as far as I am aware, many GT40s (originals and replicas) running these days have foam in the tanks, and often, a screw type fuel cap under the pop-up one.
CanAm said:
It's the lack of crumple zones compared to modern production cars that is the problem.
Agreed. The front and rear subframes do act as crumple zones, but nowhere near to the extent as for modern cars. The central "cell" is very strong, but for any side impact there is the risk of crushing the fuel tanks (bag tanks in originals). As can be seen in the picture above, there was an issue with fuel fountaining out of the filler caps under impact. This was also occasionally a problem under hard braking in race conditions, especially if the filler cap was not properly fastened (see picture below from '67 Le Mans). Some of the cars were retro fitted with a non return flap to minimise this and, as far as I am aware, many GT40s (originals and replicas) running these days have foam in the tanks, and often, a screw type fuel cap under the pop-up one.
CR6ZZ said:
.......
This was also occasionally a problem under hard braking in race conditions, especially if the filler cap was not properly fastened (see picture below from '67 Le Mans). Some of the cars were retro fitted with a non return flap to minimise this and, as far as I am aware, many GT40s (originals and replicas) running these days have foam in the tanks, and often, a screw type fuel cap under the pop-up one.
I remember seeing that at the time. Mike Salmon at the end of the Mulsanne Straight IIRC.This was also occasionally a problem under hard braking in race conditions, especially if the filler cap was not properly fastened (see picture below from '67 Le Mans). Some of the cars were retro fitted with a non return flap to minimise this and, as far as I am aware, many GT40s (originals and replicas) running these days have foam in the tanks, and often, a screw type fuel cap under the pop-up one.
Some more progress. Passenger door on.
Door hardware on.
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Door cutouts done. This space will be lined to provide some storage.
|https://thumbsnap.com/6zQdra4n[/url]
and, now that two of the other cars have gone from the workshop there was some space to have a play. Propped the wheels in the arches to see what the finished product might look like (as you do). Not bad.
Door hardware on.
[url]Door cutouts done. This space will be lined to provide some storage.
|https://thumbsnap.com/6zQdra4n[/url]and, now that two of the other cars have gone from the workshop there was some space to have a play. Propped the wheels in the arches to see what the finished product might look like (as you do). Not bad.
Indeed, that is looking fantastic.
And good to see a less common colour scheme too; I assume it's a homage to the Hill/Muir car rather than an out and out replica (though still spot-on so far!). If you want to see what it really looked like in 1966, check out the Exoto 1/10 model - these are the only ones I've come across that are perfectly period correct to the tiniest detail. I have a lovely print of the McLaren/Amon car in the 1966 Le Mans race; unfortunately the artist used pictures of the Ford Motor Company car which had been restored with many incorrect details. I believe this has now been restored to its correct original form, including a blue monocoque like your car.
And good to see a less common colour scheme too; I assume it's a homage to the Hill/Muir car rather than an out and out replica (though still spot-on so far!). If you want to see what it really looked like in 1966, check out the Exoto 1/10 model - these are the only ones I've come across that are perfectly period correct to the tiniest detail. I have a lovely print of the McLaren/Amon car in the 1966 Le Mans race; unfortunately the artist used pictures of the Ford Motor Company car which had been restored with many incorrect details. I believe this has now been restored to its correct original form, including a blue monocoque like your car.
Just discovered this thread, amazing - well done that man! Proper cross over exhaust, has it got a flat plane crank too? If so it will sound epic. Years ago we used to look after a GT40 and I remember problems with corrosion between the fuel tanks and the monocoque, weren't the originals rubber bag tanks and condensation used to build up inside the sill? IIRC we fabricated aluminium tanks which slid in from the front, wrapped in foam to prevent electrolytic reaction. Great cars!!!
Mike-tf3n0 said:
Just discovered this thread, amazing - well done that man! Proper cross over exhaust, has it got a flat plane crank too? If so it will sound epic. Years ago we used to look after a GT40 and I remember problems with corrosion between the fuel tanks and the monocoque, weren't the originals rubber bag tanks and condensation used to build up inside the sill? IIRC we fabricated aluminium tanks which slid in from the front, wrapped in foam to prevent electrolytic reaction. Great cars!!!
Yes - exactly right. This mono is zinc plated to try to minimise corrosion, plus I am going the aluminium tank route as you describe.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff