Targa/T-Top/Removeable Top?

[Paul Proefrock]

My love affair with the GT40 began with the Roadsters that were built. That wasn't going to happen so I began my RCR GT40 MkI build - yet the open top thing is still in my mind.

The RCR design won't support the windshield without the center part of the spider so any Targa style is out. You could, conceivably run a support bar fore/aft to keep support for the front windshield and have some form of a "T-Top" but that probably would be a stretch. I do see that some of the GTX1 versions of the Ford GT had this style of bar. It may have had the same issues with an un-supported windshield.

The other option is the removeable door top as was used on some of the Safir MkV and some Tornado builds. Are there any builders/owners on the forum with this style 'Open Top"? Sure would like to exchange notes with you or with those who have considered doing this. I think I've scoured this forum pretty thoroughly looking for any data on these. I've found a number of links and posts, but there's always hope there's someone out there who has the same idea and has pulled it off.

The picture is of the Tornado model and added to the post to hopefully generate interest.

Paul

 

[Randy Folsom]

Paul,

I was thinking along similar lines but have not done much except think about it

My thought is to get an extra sets of doors and simply cut the off the upper half. The challenge is to make door swapping easy (and of course the work of fitting another pair doors, figuring out where/how to mount the rear view mirrors, the cost of door hardware, paint, etc.).

I asked Fran if he had any reject doors, but unfortunately, rejects get returned to the source and just making an extra set of doors is not an option due to supply chain limitations. Not sure if there is a source for just doors that fit an RCR40.

No idea if the result would cause ridiculous amounts of wind turbulence in the cockpit.

Cheers, Randy

 

[Ian Anderson]

For a couple of years I drove with no side windows……not too much buffeting up to about 80 mph
Above that and yes buffeting got worse…..much worse.

The door tops tend to lift so the area above them is a low pressure area so I would again expect not a huge amount of buffeting.

 

[Randy Folsom]

For a couple of years I drove with no side windows……not too much buffeting up to about 80 mph
Above that and yes buffeting got worse…..much worse.

The door tops tend to lift so the area above them is a low pressure area so I would again expect not a huge amount of buffeting.

Thx for the insights.

 

[Kyle]

I just visited George’s GT40 and albeit the first I’ve ever seen in person last weekend. Owned and SLC and now coupe 65. GT40 build starting in a couple days. With that being said I could believe how much the doors actually had to be opened to get in the thing. Also better make sure you have clean shoes or pants you don’t care about sliding into that seat.

This idea looks really nice and something I’m considering as well.

 

[Lee Patterson]

There is an RCR build on this forum that cut the roof off. Just like the couple SAFIR built, you need bracing from the top of the tub to form a strong A pillar that sits behind the window frame and glass.

This is the build thread. https://www.gt40s.com/threads/bryans-rcr40.52988/page-7

 

[Maui Brandhoff]

Hi Paul
Yes I built my RCR to a Roadster version I wanted to maintain as much as possible of the original design I had to modify the A pillars, Doors, spider and I built a brace to support the windshield
I had Gt40’s before but the Roadster makes it way more fun to drive I still maintained the AC for hot days
Maui

 

[joe]

Hi Paul
Yes I built my RCR to a Roadster version I wanted to maintain as much as possible of the original design I had to modify the A pillars, Doors, spider and I built a brace to support the windshield
I had Gt40’s before but the Roadster makes it way more fun to drive I still maintained the AC for hot days
Maui

What was involved with modifying the A-pillars and windshield surround to support the windshield?

 

[Lee Patterson]

Refer to this SAFIR car as it is one of the earliest to do this. You can see the reinforcement of the A pillar and top surround.

1981 Safir GT40 Mk V Roadster

Bid for the chance to own a 1981 Safir GT40 Mk V Roadster at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #193,604.

bringatrailer.com

 

[Paul Proefrock]

Hi Paul
Yes I built my RCR to a Roadster version I wanted to maintain as much as possible of the original design I had to modify the A pillars, Doors, spider and I built a brace to support the windshield
I had Gt40’s before but the Roadster makes it way more fun to drive I still maintained the AC for hot days
Maui

Maui,
You mention you built a brace to support the windshield. Can you expand on this? Details or any pictures?

Paul

 

[Paul Proefrock]

Refer to this SAFIR car as it is one of the earliest to do this. You can see the reinforcement of the A pillar and top surround.

1981 Safir GT40 Mk V Roadster

Bid for the chance to own a 1981 Safir GT40 Mk V Roadster at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #193,604.

bringatrailer.com

The Safirs have a big advantage over the RCR builds in this modification. The center tub/spider is made of steel, making the joint between the cowl and the A-pillar substantial / maybe considered one piece. The RCR build joins fiberglass to aluminum at this critical point, making it substantially less strong.
I've reinforced this joint considerably but am still concerned about removing the center support the spider provides.

 

[Randy Folsom]

Saw this on FB today.
1-of-2 1965 Ford GT/109 Roadster - Said to be the Rarest Ford GT's on the Planet

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[Chris]

I've got a Tornado body with removeable tops on my car. Absolutely love it. You get enough air out to stay cool and no buffeting. They are easily removed by two wingnuts each side. It is possible (just) to store them in the car but I tend (prefer) to leave them at home unless the weather is too risky.
It was an option offered by Tornado when I ordered the body and I am pleased I took it up. They were very helpful (even though my car is not a Tornado!)

 

[Lee Patterson]

You could do what SPF did for Fran Kress

 

[Maui Brandhoff]

That’s how I did the windshield/spider brace
Maui

 

[Paul Proefrock]

You could do what SPF did for Fran Kress

View attachment 149843

Lee, if you look closely, you'll note that this mod uses a different windshield and A-pillar than the hardtop version. If you think the GT40 windshield is hard to find, try locating this one . I have the complete article and photos from when this was done. Again, it is a steel body with a distinct hard joint for the A-Pillar - dramatically stronger than a fiberglass/aluminum joint

It's interesting that they added the center structure. I wonder if they were having issues with rigidity

Paul

 

[Paul Proefrock]

Saw this on FB today.
1-of-2 1965 Ford GT/109 Roadster - Said to be the Rarest Ford GT's on the Planet

View attachment 149814

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Randy,
That was my first goal as I got into GT40's. But close examination showed it would have been a difficult build. The rear clip and spider are not easily made from an existing mold. The windshield is a special shape and deemed "un-obtainium" . It would have been cool though

Paul

 

[Paul Proefrock]

That’s how I did the windshield/spider brace
Maui

Maui,
It appears your reinforcement is a 1/2" thick bar added to the inside of the A-Pillar with a lower leg that bolts to the cowl support of the body/chassis. Am I interpreting this correctly?

If you don't mind, a few more questions

1) Is there a reason you chose to have the bar on the outside of the A-Pillar rather than try to bury it inside the pillar itself?

2) Have you noticed any deformation of the aluminum cowl support where the pillar support bolts to it?

3) Your opinion on the rigidity of the upper corner of the windshield. Is it 'rock solid' or do you notice slight deflection?

4) Is the support glued or 'hard fastened' to the A-Pillar or does the pillar only rest on it?

Any additional pictures you care to share? It really is an impressive build

Thanks

Paul