Triumph GT8

[metalshapes]

I'd try to strengthen the cut sections as much as possible.

Or go outside of the original rails, to get strength back.

16Ga isnt much...

I think I'd try to go out to the sides ( into the rocker area ) or up and build a spine ( kinda like a Elan Frame )

[Stevie G]

So far, I have an 1/8"x3" strip I welded on the outside that goes from the front outrigger back to the short body mount near the shifter.
Next step is to investigate just how stiff the original inner rockers are. The car has the spine frame, but is more of a unitized construction utilizing thin rubber biscuits (more like a shim) as well as 1/8" thick aluminum fender washers for body mounts. After bouncing it off Metalshapes and ELpolacko, I'm looking at cutting out the rockers and replacing them with some 11ga angle (2x3 or 3x3 depending on what I find when I cut into it) or maybe a 1/2"x3" RHS. The rockers are a good spot to locate the exhaust, and this will let me tuck the mufflers up under so I am less likely to fry my ankle on a hot pipe.
I finished the passenger side engine mount this last week. That was easy. The next job is to figure out a drivers side mount to clear the steering shaft. The shaft runs right by the locating nub at the bottom/back of the head and goes right through the space occupied by the motor mount. So...question, how much lateral stability does an engine mount need? (as in side to side). I have a Dodge transmission mount that should line up with the bosses on the block, then I can build a structure straight down from there and miss the steering shaft. Something tells me I need to show some concern for side loads though. I know I can move it around with U-joints, and already have a new shaft and u-joints on the bench. Using those parts, I could build a frame mount with a piece of tubing to allow the relocated (at a shallower angle) steering shaft to pass under the mount instead of trying to occupy the same space. I'll post a pic later since I am sure I left a few scratching their heads.

[Stevie G]

Short update:
Turbo Tubes ordered to build side pipes.
Going this evening to look at a 94 MK VIII to donate the rear suspension.

[Stevie G]

Glass saw.......check
Sawzall..........check
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93 MK VIII.....check

Let the carnage begin

[Stevie G]

Decided to play around in PhotoShop a little to see where this is headed.
I downloaded a few images, then created the sidepipes in Inventor and pasted them into the image along with a set of Shelby Halibrands.
Scoops and spoilers are next, then flairs.

[John Joyo]

Steve, that photoshop looks great!

[Stevie G]

Thanks! It's been bouncing around in my head, so I downloaded a 30 day trial of CS5 and had a little fun.
Now I have a more concrete design to work towards. Not that I changed much, but at least others have an idea where I am headed.
The real fun will be to figure out how to create realistic looking flares (flairs?) and scoops. Maybe I will import those from inventor as well. I can import a jpeg or bitmap into Inventor and build the part right over it.
The fabrication fun is about to start. I have a Lincoln IRS that needs to squeeze in underneath this little bugger. The Lincoln is considerably wider. I wonder what the biggest chunk is anyone has ever cut from these half shafts. A little time with a tape measure and Inventor and I should have a better idea of what comes next.

[metalshapes]

Yeah, I like that a lot.

Looks clean.

As far as flaires, How about something Cobra-esque?

( not inspired by the wheels... just wondering if the shape of the Triumph would lend itself to it... )

1103-med.jpg

[Stevie G]

I'm thinking I can hammer out a set for the front and then get creative with foam board and make new rear fenders out of FRP. I keep looking at where I could cut and stretch the rear, and end up back at FRP. That little crease from the wheel well to the B pillar is a good place to start the bulge. I figure I can still follow a tangent up from the rocker for the curve of the edge of the wheel well. (looking at it from the front).
Thanks for the kind words guys. PhotoShop is fun.

[godzillus]

cool! those wheels look great. I know your using the pushrod engine, but I wonder how well that twin cam 4.6 lincoln engine would fit? great job with the CAD drawings!