Regular MkI vs Gulf flares

[Mark Worthington]

I'm trying to decide whether to go with the wide Gulf flares and rear tires on my RF or leave it as is.

Pros: Better traction, more muscular appearance (subjective, yes), cool wide wheels/tires, #1075.

Cons:
More traction can break gearboxes and half shafts, more understeer with increased rear track (can be countered with firmer rear suspension), I'll need to get and finish new rear wheels/tires, more bodywork and fiberglassing, unsure it will fit on a trailer.

Can someone post pictures of MkIs with and without Gulf flares? I'd really love to see them side by side to compare. Thanks.

[ September 03, 2002: Message edited by: Mark Worthington ]

 

[Steve Toner]

Does this help?

 

[Mark Worthington]

Yes, Steve, that does help. Thanks. Would you happen to have a comparison taken from, say, the rear quarter of the car?

 

[Steve Toner]

Sorry, mark, I don't. Mostly front & side shots. I do have one exaggerated rear quarter view of one of the Gulf cars taken with a wide-angle lens, but that's about it. I can dig it out this evening if you want to see it.

 

[Mark Clapp]

Mark, check out this old post with DRB's. http://www.gt40s.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=000007 A lot of them have flares and different views are shown. If the link doesn't work, it's in the Events section, May 20, 2002 post.

 

[Mike Dozier]

Mark

I agree with all the above. I've seen cars
up close with Gulf flares and they REALLY
make the car look like it just pulled off a race track. Really tough...but out of place
on the street.

If you're into shock value, those flares
are great. But I'd always be concerned
when driving that the extra rear width
could be a problem on narrow streets, bridges, etc. The stock rear flares are
pretty wide as is.

MikeDD

 

[Frank Catt]

If you look at the GTD 40 ClUB website and view the pictures of the "yellow peril" Robin Batts car, this runs rear flares with 11inch rear tyres (blue streaks) and in my biased opinion they are perfect.The car is also featured in Trevor Legates book, with good photos of the flares. Frank

 

[M.B]

About all cars has some type of flares.
(Most)
All replicas are. early KVA´s seems to be the "narrowest" !
Originals had about 4 different widths of flares(factory...)
Then there were Alan Mann, Paul Hawkins cars and privateers...

Speaking MkI...

 

[Guest]

Mark,

Here is a picture of a flared car from rear quarter view. Personally, I think the wide flares make the car look disproportionate. Now if there is a reason to have the wider wheels for functional purposes, then aesthetics takes a back seat. Without a compeling reason to use them, I prefer the look of the standard rear wheel wells.

 

[Guest]

lynn

that picture, if i'm not mistaken, is of #1051, the car that my 40 will look like when its done. the first time that i saw it i fell in love with it. i have mine at the body shop now so i expect it back in about 3 or 4 months. thanks for posting this picture.

as far as flares go, i gotta have the flares. mostly for COOL

factor and the agressive look. i'm not going to need them but the look is what gets to me. i wouldn't have it any other way. just my opinion!

luis lopez

 

Hello Marco,

It's good to hear from you again!!

Have fun!

John

 

[M.B]

Hello, John !

Likewise !
Have a great day !

Regards,

 

How wide are cars with Gulf flares?
Are the front flares wider too?

TIA