Southern GT #70

[Davidmgbv8]

Doing little projects when time permits. welded O2 bung in the muffler. When I made the hole I noticed that there is no packing. Contacted Mick and the muffler end knocks off. out slips perforated inners and you can begin wrapping. Well if the scream test through the muffler is any indication, I am happy I did this before the first start up!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Picked up the exhaust today from the coaters, Polydyne of Houston TX.
Nice even finish, I unwrapped the collectors/mufflers, stuffed the innards, took the tips to the kitchen sink and sanded from 400-1500 grit for a nice tip finish, which I should have done before coating. My son asked why not polish to a mirror shine? I said because the wheel outer lip is brushed so I want a similar finish as to not tart the girl up…. Thank goodness he has been raised around British cars and know what “tarted up” means!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

I drilled a water weep hole at the bottom of each muffler flange prior to coating to keep the tin worm incheck

 

[Davidmgbv8]

With the help and far better welding skills of my son, we whipped up two rolling trolleys after seeing some others on here, got to let them dry and get three of his friends over so we can lift the chassis on to them

 

[Davidmgbv8]

While the trolleys were drying decided to tackle my warped dash. It cam this way new as when Bill made the moulds it was from a 25-30 yr old GT40 that had seen a fair bit of sun. As a result it was sunk from the right side of the tach to the ammeter. So I cut it from the parting line and with the help of a heat gun door wedge sims, boxes of nails, I am on the way to a straight dash. When finished I will need to find a way to reinforce so the sun does not make it happen again if I ever get a windshield!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

This morning a little more heat and tweaks but got dash straight and then reglassed the cut from behind

 

[Davidmgbv8]

We are up on trolleys

 

[Ian Anderson]

Looks good David, it will save your back a load of grief.
Question though, how will you get it back down after numerous pounds of additional weight have been added?

Ian

 

[Morten]

Easy with two engine hoists, front & rear

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Exactly, hoists that is how we got it on there, bedsides this is mock up, got to build a front end fit and weld, figure if I want to enlarge the center tunnel or run a cap on it for additional plumbing., move steering support, and a few other items

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Frustrating weekend trying to build the front structure to hold the radiator and front end, I am close but I really need a surface table! The front clam does not want to sit symmetrical on the frame, time to cut the tacks apart and try again!

 

[Larry L.]

You obviously have faaaaar more ambition and patience (not to mention s-k-i-l-l) than I, Dave!!!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Well i cut a bunch of tacks and almost starting again because the front end just was not square. Going to try a different approach after I get some work work done.

 

[Paul T.]

Built my front support structure square to the chassis and then had to make it crooked to fit the front clip and have it line up with the spider and doors

 

[Davidmgbv8]

I feel your pain just undid 3/4 of yesterday’ work however things are now more square radiator even, feeling better about this attempt

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Better results this evening, cut and re welded. More head scratching than progress but lengths and diagonals now measure properly.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Got an early start as I had a weekly meeting via phone I just muted and cut tubes, Fitted and Tacked. Soo much happier to see that iconic slope from the roof to the radiator

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Got my water jet guy to modify the front clip bracket design so I could bend it easier. Today I picked the up, bent the tabs tacked it together, put it on the clip. Next drilled the tubes, put the bobbins in and slid on the front clam. Couple of adjustments and I was centered on the front suspension and the arch centerline. Now to put this away for a couple of months so I can finish a ‘52 TD and send to its owner!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

 

[Davidmgbv8]

2 Front Avon’s arrived today, 6 months after order, glad I ordered when I did. I was hoping they would come with the Avon billboard however at least I have tyres, well two anyway!