Body dimensions/ basic CAD file

[Gareth K]

Hi
I am sure you get this request a lot on here, myself and best friend want to scratch build a GT40 for our 40th birthday year project. We’ve done classic cars, dragsters and a couple single seaters in the past but now want our dream car!
I’m desperately looking for plans/ CAD body file or dimensions to start our project but seem to be hitting a wall every which way, I have Solidworks and Bendtech software and hope to plan it on there first.
As we want to build/machine/fabricate everything possible, it leaves us in a position where we cannot start and don’t want to give up at the first hurdle and buy a pre made body. I’ve considered using an orthographic plan off the internet to create the model myself but cannot be sure how accurate they are and don’t want to build a dud.
We’ll be happy to purchase a copy if that’s what it takes and promise not to share or sell them on if you do.
The project will be documented on here and hopefully YouTube as an ex Technology/ Engineering teacher I can’t help myself but to try and help others along the way.
Kind Regards Gareth

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Go to Grabcad there is info there.

 

[Gareth K]

Thank you, I did see that that when searching, are they accurate then?

 

[Daniel Lorenz]

The bodyshell on grabcad are NOT accurate, unfortunately there isnt an accurate body out there in 3D.
There is a real need for a proper scan i believe.

 

[Gareth K]

Thank you Daniel, that’s possibly saved me a lot of issues and money!
I possibly have access to a real GT40, to measure from I may start looking at 3D scanning it instead then. It’s not a cheap option but maybe there is enough want out there to claw back some of the out lay if people were interested in paying a small fee for the data after?

 

[Daniel Lorenz]

We had a 3D scanner at my previous employment, would have been nice to use now that the body is actually fitted.
But oh well, maybe someone else actually have access to the right stuff and could help.

 

[Vinny G]

Hi Gareth, why not start with building the chassis first ?

 

[Gareth K]

Hi Gareth, why not start with building the chassis first ?

Hi Vinny, we will be starting with the chassis, how ever I’ll still need the body dimensions to start, so that the roll bar is in the right height/position, windscreen bar, suspension locations etc. I’d rather know the exact placements than guess, as it’ll be a lot of work to change and would like to Minimise any potential waste of space. Unless you have these placements documented?

 

[JimmyMac]

Hi Vinny, we will be starting with the chassis, how ever I’ll still need the body dimensions to start, so that the roll bar is in the right height/position, windscreen bar, suspension locations etc. I’d rather know the exact placements than guess, as it’ll be a lot of work to change and would like to Minimise any potential waste of space. Unless you have these placements documented?

Don't take this the wrong way but building from outside-in with a skin this way is akin to taxidermy.
Fact is there are quite a few dimensional variations on "original" body shells, even comparing left and right on the same car.

There have been many dimensioned contributions from members on this forum to assist you formulate a good general arrangement for your chassis project without an early commitment of cash on a body shell.
Have you read these threads for starters ?

Help - GT40 Space Frame Drawings and Plans

I have purchased an untouched GT40 kit. Lots of bits, fortunately the kit has not been worked on yet. There is a chassis I am not happy with and suspention parts I am not happy with. Are there any drawings of a good chassis/suspention available to purchase. We have a large race community, i...

www.gt40s.com

from a 302 to a lexus v8 - conversion

i have been running a 302 in my gt40 for two years now, & i am as happy as a pig, that was untill a friend took me for a ride in his hilux - with a lexus v8. what a mind-blow, goes like a rocket & it sounds just like a merc 63 amg. i am now wondering what that engine will be like in my car...

www.gt40s.com

 

[Gareth K]

No offence taken Jimmy . I’m trawling through the threads but have not seen these yet. I shall read them now thank you.
the builds we’ve done before have always started with a known dimension even if it’s one I’ve CAD, so it’s the process I’m used to for instance..the belly tank was CAD and built from a foam/ wooden buck and the other chassis was for a Vauxhall viva which I had the shell to reference. Maybe I’m approaching this new project the wrong way not understanding GT40’s enough