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 replace them with machined spacers. When you’re putting it back together, you’ll be real happy you took so many pictures of the suspension components/joints/assemblies.
First,
I positioned the suspension components and used turnbuckles in place of the coil-overs so I could hold the suspension at ride height. I then tweaked the spacers so as to stretch the wheelbase out as much as it could. The original cars carried a 95″ wheelbase. The RCR’s come with around a 94-1/2″ – 94-3/4″ spacing. I’m told (and believe) back in the 60’s when these were built, they may have been designed for 95″ but where they ended up is something entirely different.
Toe dimensions aren’t that critical at this point, but camber and caster, front and rear are. These contribute to the position of the wheel which in-turn, determines where the body panels are located.
A couple tips: On the front suspension, position the lower control arm as much forward as you can. On the rear suspension, be aware there is a caster setting which impacts wheelbase. Most conventional suspension don’t have a rear caster angle. The GT40 does.
Next,
Position the front clip over the tires and adjust till it is centered. Remember, it’s tight.
I’ve chosen to replicate the steel front frame of the originals (yea, that period-correct thing, again). But for now, I am using the RCR aluminum panels and front clip bobbins to locate the front and subsequent parts. I’ve determined the very bottom of the front clip fiberglass is the same height as the bottom side of the aluminum front bottom plate so I just clamped a piece of metal to it for a support for my positioning.
Details will follow as I work my way thru this.
