Rcr Mk11 #38

[DaveC]

It is now just over 3 months since my RCR Mk11 was delivered so I felt it was now time to provide an update on the current build status.

The car is being built by Nick Dames and his assistant Pete, so I can take no credit for the work you see here, and as such will have to rely on them to provide any detailed technical input to this thread.

The car has been specified with a MK11A body and is intended to be finished in the spirit of 1015 as it ran at the 1966 Le Mans. Hopefully the car will be completed SVAed and reliable enough to take to the Le Mans classic next year.

The engine is a 331ci SBF supplied by RCR with a 5 speed ZF(RBT) transmission also supplied by RCR.

One of the first things that was decided was to change the rear suspension set up to use the RCR wide track variant which provides +2" on each side. This will help to move the rear wheels out to fill the rear arches. The new lower arms arrived recently and I know were being fitted to the car last Friday, along with the manufacture of new top and trailing links.

The next milestone will be the fitting of the engine and transmission to the car, which will then enable all of the MK11 rear clip frame to be fabricated once clearances around the transmission are calculated. Hopefully Nick has been able to borrow some engine mounts to enable this to happen following the recent arrival of the transmission and top plate.

Once the engine is fitted then it will be possible to get the final driveshaft lengths calculated and shipped out by RCR.

Thus in the meantime most of the work that has been done is to work on bodywork, planning installation, cutting chassis holes etc.

The current bodywork status is that everything is fitted except for the front clip, which is the next major job.

Dave

[DaveC]

The following images show some details of the work undertaken on the rear clip. This has been modified to match the spider exactly and the Mk1 interior has been filled and changed in a few areas. I hope that I do not get too many anoraks pointing out that I have a MK1 interior in the clip.

No work has yet been done on the various ducting from the side scoops so they are still open.

The top engine cover has been cut out and will be replaced by an appropriate metal panel once the engine has been fitted and the carb location can be worked out.

The first image shows the interior before any work was carried out.

[DaveC]

We finally managed to fit a UK spec RHD dash to the car.

[DaveC]

The engine has been fitted with a CSR water pump. Just remains for the final billet pulleys and aircon bracket etc. to be fitted.

[DaveC]

Nick has fabricated a rear bulkhead which is as close to the style of the origional cars as is sensible. It is planned to fit the fuel pumps in each of the cutouts either side and there are inspection holes at the base of each side to allow access to the fuel senders etc.

Across the back is a bar which will be used for harness mounting. The idea is to use Willans harnesses with the 11mm sized tab. This tab will pass through the main firewall into the box section and then be secured by the required 11mm bolt for SVA.

[DaveC]

A few before and after pictures of some of the shut lines. Currently the door eyebrows are only roughly fitted.

[DaveC]

A few more bodywork pictures, including the dimple in the driver's door for quick access to the door handle.

[Bill D]

I'm speechless!! The rear bilkhead redesign looks incredible.

I'm too far along in my build, but others may want to add those changes to theirs. Has Nick considered building/selling them as add-ons?

Another question: Why was the rear deck cut out?

Congrats and I wish I had Nick's fabrication skills!

Bill D

[DaveC]

Hopefully the last big hurdle to overcome with the build is the fitting of the front clip. It should all be downhill once that is done.

I understand that a MK11 build brings along a few extra challenges in the front/rear clip department that you do not get with an RCR MK1 and it will be interesting to confirm this as Nick is due to receive a MK1 to start on imminently.

Anyway Nick and Pete have taken the excellent foundation laid by the RCR chassis and concept and are now turning it into a finished car.

[John Lowe]

Dave

That’s looking really sweet. Has Nick solved the handbrake caliper issue? If he has I would be interested to know his approach. Email me from the site if that is easier.

Just ordered mine!

Best John

[DaveC]

Bill,

I think you sell yourself short. I have admired a lot of the fabrication work you have been abe to achieve on your own car, and what you have been able to achieve has been one of the things I have measured against when I am asking Nick to do something with my car to ensure I am sensible.

Nick's obvious fabrication skills, as demonstrated by the Porsche GT1 work he recently posted, was one of the key decision factors in trusting him with my build.

Nick told me last week that he would not be building another bulkhead so mine would be unique! I'll let him decide if that is the case or not.

Basically the rear deck was cut out to allow a panel as per origional MK11 cars to be bolted in. If you look at pics of SPF MK11 you should see what I mean.

Regards

Dave

[DaveC]

John,

Handbrake solution is still in work. We have two Willwood mechanical spot callipers provided by Fran.

Dave

[Bill D]

Dave
Please pass my compliments along to Nick on his incredible fabrication skills. They're #1 in my book. Your car is going to look awesome!!

Are the bulkhead additions welded to the bulkhead, creating a single unit? Will you have access to the fuel sender and pickup tube?

And thanks for the compliments, I try

Bill D

[Pantera1889]

Great progress!!! I agree with BillD. The bulkhead looks amazing!!
Nice job!

[Dutton]

It's all looking very good, Dave. Nick's attention to detail clearly shows; you must be very pleased with the transformation, most notably to the engine bulkhead.

The fellow who is helping me with the build of my RCR is also working at a similar modification to the engine bulkhead. I hope it turns out as nice as yours!

One question: What differentiates a 'UK spec' RHD dash from a 'typical' RHD dash?

Best,

T.

[Nick Dames]

Thank's for the comments chaps
The new bulkhead panels are welded to the RCR bulkhead with access panels to allow a small hand to fit fuel senders/pickups and fuel pipes etc.
I like to build one offs so I will not building bulkheads for sale but anyone is welcome to copy any ideas I have.

[Bill D]

Thanks Nick. You've inspired me!!

Have you given any thought to fabricating the spider in aluminum?

[Nick Dames]

Yes Bill I have but it will have to wait for a bit as I am a bit busy at the moment with Dave's car and the Alan Mann lotus cortinas, however i will be making a start on an ally deep twin vent nostril soon for mine but it will be a late night type of job so may take a while.
Is your car back on track now?

[Rob]

Dave, Nick,
Very nice guys. Superb workmanship.... Looking forward to seeing it progress.