As I began work on my body spider, I noted the front lip was extremely wavy – It looked more like a Pringle than a flange. And as I sat it on the aluminum chassis, this was very apparent and just wouldn’t work. The cobra builds don’t have a similar item, they don’t match to a flat surface so the molding isn’t as critical. Not so much on the GT40 I placed wax paper on the aluminum and added short glass filler to the voids so it sat flat. But with that, I noticed two problems. Where it was added in, the lip varied fromRead More →

When I picked up my build, I found that the fiberglass people had been very generous with the flanges.  I determined that 3/4″ flange was a good place to start, it is unlikely one would need a longer flange. I cut a short piece of wood, making it 3/4″ thick and about an inch long. I radiused one edge so I could put it on the flange and use a marker on the outside to generate a trim line You’ll notice the pile of trimmings – and this only represents half of what was cut off. In other pictures on this site, you’ll see wideRead More →

Building a GT40 is a little different than that of a Cobra. They are typically delivered partially assembled. You’d think you’d just take it from there and finish, but that is exactly the wrong thing to do. The position of all the components is based on the wheelbase and tires of the vehicle. You are advised to document all the assemblies with photos since you are going to take it completely apart before you can begin to finish it. You’ll note on your initial inspection, the generous use of washers as spacers. This is fine to get the rough alignment but I choose to replaceRead More →

I am not afraid of a little research to make sure your project stays true to form. I saw this throughout my two Cobra builds. The process and end result is pretty well documented on the inner-webs. I did come to learn Dig deep and long enough, you will find an answer. There are a lot of experts out there, at least they think they are. And their answers are a little less than perfect. I can’t begin to fathom the job of building the originals without use of the internet. So putting together a GT40 is only slightly different than building a Cobra? NotRead More →

Fiberglass is Fiberglass The title is mis-leading. Yes, fiberglass is fiberglass but is it poly, vinyl or epoxy? And within a family, are various brands compatible? Fortunately, building two fiberglass cobras prior to tackling the GT40, I had some fiberglass experience. The good part is the GT40 was originally fiberglass so the build is consistent with this process.  Body MaterialsThe Hurricane body is polyester resin over glass fiber. I will attempt to stay with the same manufacturers, to avoid any compatibility problems.  GlassworkI chose to go with Evercoat products. Part personal preference and part due to the overwhelming use of Rage Gold as the finishingRead More →