The idea behind it is simple, It will be a no compromise track car, be as light, powerful and handle as well as possible.
I started off with a straight, but rather rusty shell. It was cheap enough and I figured by the time I had hacked it about to strengthen it, lighten it, make things fit better and added light weight panels it would have been sacrilegious to start with a decent one, they've all got rust on them anyhow!
Sandblasting in progress:
The neighbours were well impressed.
It came out nice and clean though with an excellent surface for the primer to cling to. I masked off the seams so they could be welded afterwards:
The rusty sunroof equipped roof panel has been taken off and we made a carbon fibre replacement, lots lighter and also stronger, it will eventually be equipped with all the composite panels we do.
As you can see in the pics above I started on it at home, just doing a bit on free weekends. I bought some A frames and turned them into a spit so I could spin the shell around to gain access to every part, if you are working comfortably and safely you are going to spend more time getting the job done just right. The spit is now at the workshop for use on customer cars.
I handmade all the strengthening plates to the front end:
I knew that Metalworking course at college would come in handy one day!
Right now it is having the cage fitted and welded in, seam welding and the strengthening plates welding on. Every item was degreased and etch primed before being welded. Etch primer is the one and only thing which you should use on bare metal, it won't scratch off very easily at all as it attaches itself chemically to the metal. It's also good near the welded areas as it doesn't come loose, burn and flake off, it just goes orange.
The engine bay was braced and the suspension arms bolted on to prevent any possibility of warpage from the welding.
Favourite track last month but one(!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJf9qJHR3E
Not usually a fan of folk, but this hits the spot. Just 4 guys and some basic instruments, make the most of it 'cos the follow up is rubbish.
